Incantation by Alice HoffmanSUMMARY: The opposing forces of love and hate, loyalty and betrayal underscore this brief but rich tale set during the Spanish Inquisition. Told by 16-year-old Estrella deMadrigal, the novel shows how gruesome beliefs nourished by ignorance and prejudice destroyed the lives of countless people. Hoffman weaves a tale of a close friendship between two teens, Estrella and Catalina. However, there is a secret about Estrella and her family that unfolds in spurts. The deMadrigals are Jews who follow their religion in secret, appearing to the world as good Catholics in order to escape persecution. On one level this is the story of a friendship and the deadly interference of jealousy. It is also a story of the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Estrella develops incredible strength as she tries to save herself and her grandmother. Ultimately, it is the love of a Christian, Catalina's cousin Andres, that saves her. Hoffman's lyrical prose and astute characterization blend to create a riveting, horrific tale that unites despair with elements of hope. (from the School Library Journal review)
OPINION: I have seen sketches about the Spanish Inquisition by Mel Brooks and Monty Python, which are just silly. I have read about the Spanish Inquisition in history books, which was rather dull. Incancation is altogether different than either of those! Estrella and Catalina are best friends, driven apart by Estrella's dual secrets: her Jewish heritage and love for Catalina's cousin. As Catalina begins to suspect these two truths, she exposes Estrella's entire family out of revenge and spite. In taking a narrow view of the events--one family, one village--it allows the author to evoke the emotions, events, and experiences of that time in history. This is a short novel, easily read in one sitting, but not easily forgotten.
