White Crow
Prisoner of the Inquisition
Showing posts with label prisoner of the inquisition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prisoner of the inquisition. Show all posts
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Fan Art
Take a look at the amazing imagery in these fan art pieces by Imogen in Year 7!
White Crow
I love this image!
Prisoner of the Inquisition
White Crow
Prisoner of the Inquisition
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Prisoner of the Inquisition
This book is set in Spain around the time of the Spanish Inquisition and it is about a girl called Zarita and a boy called Saulo. Zarita is the daughter of a rich magistrate and Saulo is a beggar’s son. When Zarita’s mother and newborn brother die, Saulo’s dad is executed by the magistrates. Saulo wants revenge on Zarita’s family and he goes off in search of this. On his travels he meets Christopher Columbus, famous explorer.
I really liked Saulo as he had an interesting story to tell about his voyages. The parts about him were in detail and I could picture the scene clearly in my head. I thought that the way Theresa Breslin wrote from both Saulo and Zarita’s point of view was very interesting and it hinted to you that something was going to happen and they would meet at some stage in the book. The story kept you hooked all of the time and you wanted to read on to find out what happens. At some points, the plot was fast paced, whereas in others it was slower. When one of the narrators had finished speaking, the chapter would leave you on a cliff-hanger and you’d want to move on and find out more but ther was the other narrator first. This kept alternating and kept up my concentration the whole way through.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and I couldn’t put the book down. The beginning was slow to start with and I found it a little confusing at times but it picked up again later on in the book and made up for it. I especially enjoyed Saulo’s adventures with Christopher Columbus as you didn’t know where his route would take him next. It was a great book to read!
By Ben, Year 8
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Prisoner of the Inquisition
By Theresa Breslin
The story is set in Spain, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile are ruling the country. The story is about a girl and boy, zarita and saulo. Zarita is the daughter of a rich magistrate, whereas saulo is a peasant living with his Ill mother and beggar father. However when an unfortunate incident happens saulo’s future changes dramatically. As the plot thickens both Zarita and Saulo have to confront their mistakes, their guilt and their losses. The story is about the life religion and love of two different types of people and how the holy inquisition, which control people committing heresy, changed their lived and lots of other peoples.
the story starts with a gripping paragraph which is about what happens if you commit heresy, and I think throughout the book there are lots of gripping moments of suspense like when high status characters are introduced and I think Breslin writes these perfectly giving hints without revealing to much information.
The story is set in Spain, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile are ruling the country. The story is about a girl and boy, zarita and saulo. Zarita is the daughter of a rich magistrate, whereas saulo is a peasant living with his Ill mother and beggar father. However when an unfortunate incident happens saulo’s future changes dramatically. As the plot thickens both Zarita and Saulo have to confront their mistakes, their guilt and their losses. The story is about the life religion and love of two different types of people and how the holy inquisition, which control people committing heresy, changed their lived and lots of other peoples.
the story starts with a gripping paragraph which is about what happens if you commit heresy, and I think throughout the book there are lots of gripping moments of suspense like when high status characters are introduced and I think Breslin writes these perfectly giving hints without revealing to much information.
The story is told by saulo and zarita and this technique in writing really makes the story more interesting as if not yo9u may get bored of one storyline and listening to different ones makes you hooked. I like how at the start zarita and saulo are in the same scene and then further in they drift apart, when saulo goes on the ship, but at the end the storyline means they have to end up meeting and how different links are made and pieces of the puzzle fit together. Although the book is made up some of the book has factual information and I like it when books give you some knowledge about history or life in a certain period of time.
The setting of 15th century Spain was greatly described and every inch of detail gave you more knowledge of that period the description however was interesting and not boring, which in other books it sometimes can be.
I personally the book could have spread the drama more throughout the book and answers and conclusions should have maybe been made earlier to make the reader want to read on more. Also I think also some more explanation of scenes could have been clearer.
All in all I think this is definitely my favourite book so far with the interesting plot descriptive characters and settings it’s a book I couldn’t put down! 9/10!
By Chloe yr 8:)
Prisoner of the Inquisition
This is a story following two people, the rich, magistrates daughter Zarita and the poor beggar Saulo. It is set in the time of the Spanish Inquisition. At the beginning of the book, Zarita's mother dies, and Saulo's dad is executed by the magistrate. Saulo leaves, determined to get revenge on Zarita and her father. He travels around, and eventually even meets Christopher Columbus.
There were many elements of this book that were good. The plot was well though out, and the storyline was interesting and at times gripping. But it took a while to actually get to the good, interesting parts. I did not really enjoy the style of writing and the way it was written. I though some of Saulo's parts were not needed and did not really add much to the main story, but I could see that the author was trying to add in some subplots.
I feel like although the book was narrated from the first person all the way throughout, we really didn't get to know the characters. I felt like there wasn't much feeling to it, it was just kind of empty. I thought that all the characters just had more to tell, and more to them than was written.
Overall, I thought this book is a good summary of the historical events of the period, and if you like historical fiction, or was interested in this period in history than you might enjoy it. However, I really do not like historical fiction. Which unfortunately, most of the books on the shortlist seem to be.
By Elle
There were many elements of this book that were good. The plot was well though out, and the storyline was interesting and at times gripping. But it took a while to actually get to the good, interesting parts. I did not really enjoy the style of writing and the way it was written. I though some of Saulo's parts were not needed and did not really add much to the main story, but I could see that the author was trying to add in some subplots.
I feel like although the book was narrated from the first person all the way throughout, we really didn't get to know the characters. I felt like there wasn't much feeling to it, it was just kind of empty. I thought that all the characters just had more to tell, and more to them than was written.
Overall, I thought this book is a good summary of the historical events of the period, and if you like historical fiction, or was interested in this period in history than you might enjoy it. However, I really do not like historical fiction. Which unfortunately, most of the books on the shortlist seem to be.
By Elle
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Prisoner of the Inquisition
By Theresa Breslin
Zarita was the only child of a town magistrate. Her mother had just given birth to a baby boy, and she was not well, so Zarita went to the church to light a candle for her mother. A poor man from the slums came to beg, but he touched her, so he was hanged. His son Saulo was sent away to become a slave on a Christopher Columbus’ ship. Saulo swear to return and kill the magistrate and his family.
I loved Saulo and Zarita. There are very few books where my favourite characters are on the ‘good side’, but this was definitely on of them! I loved their relationship towards the end of the book, and I almost cried when they found out who the other was. I also really liked Loretta and how Zarita was terrified when she found out how like Loretta she really was. I loved the twist at the end, especially because I found Zarita’s aunt really boring.
The plot was really interesting, and I thought it was really clever the way everything came together in the end. Although I found Saulo’s narration a little bit boring at first.
I really liked the double-sided narration and seeing what Zarita and Saulo thought of each other. The twist at the end was really clever, and I was so relieved when it happened
I loved this book and I would recommend it to almost anyone. The only bit I didn’t really enjoy was the beginning. I would have also liked a description of what Zarita and Saulo looked like earlier in the book, because you only found out when they were describing each other towards the end.
By Molly (Year 7)
The Prisoner of the Inquisition
By Theresa Breslin
This book is about a girl called Zarita, who is the daughter of a magistrate, and a boy called Saulo, the son of a beggar. Zarita is rich and lives a life of wealth and privilege. Saulo's family is forced to beg for money. When their two lives collide Saulo's father is wrongfully arrested and killed and Saulo vows revenge on the Magistrate's family. The agents of the inquisition come to Zarita's town and eveyone is suspicious and terrified. Zarita and Saulo meet again and face each other, still with feelings of betrayal and revenge.
This is an amazing book! I loved reading it. It was written well with lots of descriptions that made it seem very life like. I liked how it swapped between Saulo and Zarita telling the story and it was interesting to see what different lives they led, even though, despite their differences, they were quite alike.
At the beginning I had no idea what the inquisition was and I had to ask someone and check everything I knew from the book. At the beginning there is an introduction that introduces what happened in what year but I still checked just to be sure. Once I knew what the inquisition was the whole thing was easy to read.
My favourite character was Lorena, Zarita's stepmother, because she was quite mysterious and unexpected things happened that she was involved in. She came across as an evil or wicked character, but I liked how she was described. My next favourite character was Zarita because she was described and her feelings were described so that it sounded like she was just a grieving and upset girl who was not sure of herself.
I didn't have a favourite or least favourite part of the book because I loved it all!
In conclusion, I thought this book was great and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It is, in my opinion, the best of the books I have read so far.
By Emily, year 7
This book is about a girl called Zarita, who is the daughter of a magistrate, and a boy called Saulo, the son of a beggar. Zarita is rich and lives a life of wealth and privilege. Saulo's family is forced to beg for money. When their two lives collide Saulo's father is wrongfully arrested and killed and Saulo vows revenge on the Magistrate's family. The agents of the inquisition come to Zarita's town and eveyone is suspicious and terrified. Zarita and Saulo meet again and face each other, still with feelings of betrayal and revenge.
This is an amazing book! I loved reading it. It was written well with lots of descriptions that made it seem very life like. I liked how it swapped between Saulo and Zarita telling the story and it was interesting to see what different lives they led, even though, despite their differences, they were quite alike.
At the beginning I had no idea what the inquisition was and I had to ask someone and check everything I knew from the book. At the beginning there is an introduction that introduces what happened in what year but I still checked just to be sure. Once I knew what the inquisition was the whole thing was easy to read.
My favourite character was Lorena, Zarita's stepmother, because she was quite mysterious and unexpected things happened that she was involved in. She came across as an evil or wicked character, but I liked how she was described. My next favourite character was Zarita because she was described and her feelings were described so that it sounded like she was just a grieving and upset girl who was not sure of herself.
I didn't have a favourite or least favourite part of the book because I loved it all!
In conclusion, I thought this book was great and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It is, in my opinion, the best of the books I have read so far.
By Emily, year 7
Theresa Breslin on Prisoner of the Inquisition
Click here for some fantastic videos of Theresa Breslin answering questions about her shortlisted novel, Prisoner of the Inquisition.
These videos work in school, so watch away!
These videos work in school, so watch away!
Monday, 9 May 2011
Prisoner of the Inquisition
By Theresa Breslin
Prisoner of the Inquisition is about Zarita, the daughter of the town magistrate. But after an incident when Zarita was young, a beggar, Saulo, after having believed his father wrongfully killed swears to return and kill the Magistrate and all of his family.
The Inquisition arrives at the town and bring suspicion upon everyone and death for some of those in the town. But in the royal court, Zarita and Saulo meet again once more.
I did enjoy this book but I think it would be hard for certain people to enjoy; finding the book hard to get into. I think the characters I liked most were Zarita and Saulo as you got to know them the best. I thought the other characters were intriguing but I found that they were hard to engage with as they, although detailed, lacked some aspects that I think improve a characters depth. I think writing it from the characters point of view meant you could engage with the characters better. I thought Breslin is a good writer but I think she was better at writing the parts about when Zarita saw Saulo, and vice versa. I think she managed to explain their feelings very well and their emotions when they were in each others company.
I thought the plot was an amazing idea but I thought sometimes certain areas of the book were written without much reason behind it, some parts did not add much to the story. After talking with other people I also found out that there was confusion in the beginning as the book is hard to get into but it was enjoyable once you understood and can engage with the characters.
Jenna, Year 8
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Prisoner of the Inquisition by Theresa Breslin
“For the love of God, let her die! Let her die!”
“The stink of burning flesh lingered in the square for hours afterwards”
When the respected daughter of the local magistrate’s life is turned upside down it affects the fate of the whole town, for the wrath of the Holy Inquisition shows no mercy. In the summer of 1490 Zarita watches helplessly as her distraught and inconsolable father hangs a beggar on the spot, using a worn rope from the servant’s quarters. Saulo, son of the beggar endures his father’s wrongful prosecution and sees his fathers dying moments unfold before him. Swearing revenge he is forced to become a slave, whisked away from his dying mother to do manual labour at sea. Little did they know that barely a year later they shall meet, brought together by the terror of the inquisition and to face the final acts of betrayal and revenge.
I really enjoyed this book as it tells the tale about two different characters whose stories of wealth and poverty are brought together to reflect on just how ruthless the Inquisition could be. Although they remain far apart from one another, they both experience the force and power which the Inquisition brings and I think that Breslin really shows an incredible amount of in depth knowledge which drew me in and for me made the book utterly un-put-down-able!
Throughout the book there were many different events which sparked off varying feelings as there was torture, love, injustice, action and sadness which Breslin has made all come together and I think this shows amazing ingenuity without over-crowding the main plot. Breslin’s ability to captivate your thoughts and make you feel as though you are really there and experiencing the novel is clearly natural and you can really get a good sense of the flow of the story from page one. I particularly enjoyed the thrill of never knowing what was going to happen next as it made me both excited and curious which I think Breslin was very good at.
The book is written from both Zarita and Saulo’s points of view by alternating each narration chapter to chapter. I personally feel this gives great insight on to how both characters are feeling at different times and I find that it allows you to feel closer to Zarita and Saulo’s journey. My favourite character from page one has to be Zarita as although Saulo’s first opinion of her is vanity, reading from Zarita’s narration you can see her true thoughts and internal struggles. At moments in the book I feel that Zarita can be quite selfish and self-centred but at other scenes I think that she is the most selfless and brave person I’ve ever read about. Some people may dislike the book for this reason as they may find it confusing and that the perception of Zarita’s personality should be clearer, but I like the complexity of Breslin’s style.
Overall I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys books about historical events, love and a small bit about action. Personally I think that this is one of the best books I’ve read in terms of style, plot and genre and I urge other readers to try this book. I would not have chosen this book off the shelf usually as I prefer more mystery/ crime fighting type dramas but I am glad that through Carnegie Shadowing I have been able to experience this genre. This has definitely been my favourite Carnegie shortlisted book so far and I can’t wait to read more books by Theresa Breslin!
“The stink of burning flesh lingered in the square for hours afterwards”
When the respected daughter of the local magistrate’s life is turned upside down it affects the fate of the whole town, for the wrath of the Holy Inquisition shows no mercy. In the summer of 1490 Zarita watches helplessly as her distraught and inconsolable father hangs a beggar on the spot, using a worn rope from the servant’s quarters. Saulo, son of the beggar endures his father’s wrongful prosecution and sees his fathers dying moments unfold before him. Swearing revenge he is forced to become a slave, whisked away from his dying mother to do manual labour at sea. Little did they know that barely a year later they shall meet, brought together by the terror of the inquisition and to face the final acts of betrayal and revenge.
I really enjoyed this book as it tells the tale about two different characters whose stories of wealth and poverty are brought together to reflect on just how ruthless the Inquisition could be. Although they remain far apart from one another, they both experience the force and power which the Inquisition brings and I think that Breslin really shows an incredible amount of in depth knowledge which drew me in and for me made the book utterly un-put-down-able!
Throughout the book there were many different events which sparked off varying feelings as there was torture, love, injustice, action and sadness which Breslin has made all come together and I think this shows amazing ingenuity without over-crowding the main plot. Breslin’s ability to captivate your thoughts and make you feel as though you are really there and experiencing the novel is clearly natural and you can really get a good sense of the flow of the story from page one. I particularly enjoyed the thrill of never knowing what was going to happen next as it made me both excited and curious which I think Breslin was very good at.
The book is written from both Zarita and Saulo’s points of view by alternating each narration chapter to chapter. I personally feel this gives great insight on to how both characters are feeling at different times and I find that it allows you to feel closer to Zarita and Saulo’s journey. My favourite character from page one has to be Zarita as although Saulo’s first opinion of her is vanity, reading from Zarita’s narration you can see her true thoughts and internal struggles. At moments in the book I feel that Zarita can be quite selfish and self-centred but at other scenes I think that she is the most selfless and brave person I’ve ever read about. Some people may dislike the book for this reason as they may find it confusing and that the perception of Zarita’s personality should be clearer, but I like the complexity of Breslin’s style.
Overall I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys books about historical events, love and a small bit about action. Personally I think that this is one of the best books I’ve read in terms of style, plot and genre and I urge other readers to try this book. I would not have chosen this book off the shelf usually as I prefer more mystery/ crime fighting type dramas but I am glad that through Carnegie Shadowing I have been able to experience this genre. This has definitely been my favourite Carnegie shortlisted book so far and I can’t wait to read more books by Theresa Breslin!
By Imogen
Year 7
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Prisoner of the inquisition
by Theresa Breslin
This story tells the tale of a magistrate’s daughter living in a small town in Spain called les conches. She is called Zarita but when the holy inquisition arrives in her town she feels like her every move is being watched and she no longer feels safe. Saulo the son of a beggar helplessly watches his father get hanged and narrowly escapes death but he is sent to work at sea when he’s traded for a keg of wine he becomes a galley rat for a group of sailors. When Saulo is at sea he matures and grows as he is well fed he learns how to fight and becomes a lot smarter as well.
. Zarita meets Saulo again although they fail to recognise each other when they visit the king and queen when they finally realise it brings back horrible feelings of regret and betrayal for both of them.
This book is very good it was so interesting that it was impossible to put down. I have read the book twice and would recommend it to everyone who is interested in action fiction. The way it switches between the characters so you always have to make sure to read who the chapter is about. It is a story of anger and betrayal and portrays the feelings of the characters really well. It shows really good use of empathy. The style is quite historical and mystical with a little bit of horror, like at the beginning. The author has obviously worked really hard to make you feel like you are an onlooker on the events and she really makes you feel like you are in Spain by using lots of adjectives and vividly describing the surroundings, the sounds and the smell to you. I absolutely love the book and I hope others think so too. All in all it is one of the best books I have ever read.
Review by Yasmin Year 7
8/10
This story tells the tale of a magistrate’s daughter living in a small town in Spain called les conches. She is called Zarita but when the holy inquisition arrives in her town she feels like her every move is being watched and she no longer feels safe. Saulo the son of a beggar helplessly watches his father get hanged and narrowly escapes death but he is sent to work at sea when he’s traded for a keg of wine he becomes a galley rat for a group of sailors. When Saulo is at sea he matures and grows as he is well fed he learns how to fight and becomes a lot smarter as well.
. Zarita meets Saulo again although they fail to recognise each other when they visit the king and queen when they finally realise it brings back horrible feelings of regret and betrayal for both of them.
This book is very good it was so interesting that it was impossible to put down. I have read the book twice and would recommend it to everyone who is interested in action fiction. The way it switches between the characters so you always have to make sure to read who the chapter is about. It is a story of anger and betrayal and portrays the feelings of the characters really well. It shows really good use of empathy. The style is quite historical and mystical with a little bit of horror, like at the beginning. The author has obviously worked really hard to make you feel like you are an onlooker on the events and she really makes you feel like you are in Spain by using lots of adjectives and vividly describing the surroundings, the sounds and the smell to you. I absolutely love the book and I hope others think so too. All in all it is one of the best books I have ever read.
Review by Yasmin Year 7
8/10
Monday, 2 May 2011
Prisoner of the Inquisition
Prisoner of the Inquisition
By Theresa Breslin
When the holy inquisition comes to Zarita's town in Spain, her life loses all secrecy as everyone she loves is been watched carefully where ever they go. Saulo, who is a beggar’s son, leaves his home and doing so abandoning his sick mother. He follows his father into Zartias town where he has to painfully watch his father be hanged wrongfully. Saulo escapes death (being hung) but runs into a crowd of sailors who force him to work as a slave on sea. Over the duration of the book, Zarita and Saulo take separate journeys. As the Inquisition kills more and more people, Zarita and Saulo will meet once more.
The problem I had with this book is that it seemed to go on forever! Even if I had only read one page it felt is I had been reading for hours! Although, the book was very clear in the way of which the two characters narrated and why and what the effects of the inquisition were. Out of the two main characters my favourite was Zarita as she went more into her personal live that just the stories about the inquisition, which for me, gave it more depth. Although I have previously said that Zartita was my favourite character, was my overall favourite character was Zartia’s aunt as she was genuinely kind and considerate, and thought it more important to save those of whom she loved than herself.
Overall, I thought that this book was well written and contained a great deal of knowledge about the time when it was set as well as the effects and consequences of the Inquisition. However, I found it very hard to get into and there was not enough action towards the beginning. Although, I personally, would not read it again this dose not mean that others may not enjoy it!
Jess (Year 8)
By Theresa Breslin
When the holy inquisition comes to Zarita's town in Spain, her life loses all secrecy as everyone she loves is been watched carefully where ever they go. Saulo, who is a beggar’s son, leaves his home and doing so abandoning his sick mother. He follows his father into Zartias town where he has to painfully watch his father be hanged wrongfully. Saulo escapes death (being hung) but runs into a crowd of sailors who force him to work as a slave on sea. Over the duration of the book, Zarita and Saulo take separate journeys. As the Inquisition kills more and more people, Zarita and Saulo will meet once more.
The problem I had with this book is that it seemed to go on forever! Even if I had only read one page it felt is I had been reading for hours! Although, the book was very clear in the way of which the two characters narrated and why and what the effects of the inquisition were. Out of the two main characters my favourite was Zarita as she went more into her personal live that just the stories about the inquisition, which for me, gave it more depth. Although I have previously said that Zartita was my favourite character, was my overall favourite character was Zartia’s aunt as she was genuinely kind and considerate, and thought it more important to save those of whom she loved than herself.
Overall, I thought that this book was well written and contained a great deal of knowledge about the time when it was set as well as the effects and consequences of the Inquisition. However, I found it very hard to get into and there was not enough action towards the beginning. Although, I personally, would not read it again this dose not mean that others may not enjoy it!
Jess (Year 8)
Friday, 29 April 2011
The Prisoner of the Inquisition- Theresa Breslin
The problem I had with this book is that I couldn’t get into the book. The way in which it was written was very good, the way in which it changed between Zarita and Saulo was very clear.
The main characters are Zarita and Saulo; Zarita is the magistrate’s daughter and one of the main characters. Because I couldn’t get into the story I can’t talk about her in the sense of a character. But what I can talk about is they way in which her voice is portrayed by Theresa Breslin. The voice at first is more flowing and easier to read, it has in my opinion a more poetic flow. Where as the other main character Saulo; who is the son of the beggar who was killed by the magistrate. Saulo by comparison is a harder voice more rugged. He is a more down to earth character; a character even though I couldn’t get into the book, was a character I could relate to, I could have a conversation with him.
Now I have a problem with the plot, I can’t remember it. This is because I could not get into the book; I finished the book and found myself staring at the book wondering what I just read. That sounds terrible, but I believe it is because I never liked the inquisition, the book did not appeal to me at all. I feel terrible because the way it is written is amazing.
As I have said through out the way Theresa Breslin writes is amazing. Even though I can’t remember the plot when I finished the book, I found my self marvelling at the splendid way I which she wrote. The way she changes between the two is rather like you are in an interview and you are listen to two stories that need each other and fill in the gaps.
In conclusion I am in two minds about the book I read. I loved the way it was written but I couldn’t, no matter how hard I tried, get into the book.
Sofie
Year 12
The main characters are Zarita and Saulo; Zarita is the magistrate’s daughter and one of the main characters. Because I couldn’t get into the story I can’t talk about her in the sense of a character. But what I can talk about is they way in which her voice is portrayed by Theresa Breslin. The voice at first is more flowing and easier to read, it has in my opinion a more poetic flow. Where as the other main character Saulo; who is the son of the beggar who was killed by the magistrate. Saulo by comparison is a harder voice more rugged. He is a more down to earth character; a character even though I couldn’t get into the book, was a character I could relate to, I could have a conversation with him.
Now I have a problem with the plot, I can’t remember it. This is because I could not get into the book; I finished the book and found myself staring at the book wondering what I just read. That sounds terrible, but I believe it is because I never liked the inquisition, the book did not appeal to me at all. I feel terrible because the way it is written is amazing.
As I have said through out the way Theresa Breslin writes is amazing. Even though I can’t remember the plot when I finished the book, I found my self marvelling at the splendid way I which she wrote. The way she changes between the two is rather like you are in an interview and you are listen to two stories that need each other and fill in the gaps.
In conclusion I am in two minds about the book I read. I loved the way it was written but I couldn’t, no matter how hard I tried, get into the book.
Sofie
Year 12
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Prisoner of the Inquisition
By Theresa Breslin
When the holy inquisition arrives in Zarita’s town in Spain, her life as the magistrate’s daughter is suddenly being watched and suspicion is lurking everywhere. Saulo is the son of a beggar and, after abandoning his sick mother and leaving her to suffer silently, he follows his father into the town and then watches helplessly as he is hanged wrongfully. Saulo escapes death and manual labour but is forced to become a slave at sea. He vows to kill the magistrate and all his family so he can avenge his father. The two main characters take separate journeys over the coming years as the inquisition kills more and more people, but, they are both young and they feel heavily the guilt and horror of the blood they have on their conscience. When they meet again amid the royal court of the king and queen, fail to recognize each other at first, but then face once more the guilt, betrayal, and horror of the past and its consequences, they both realise just how ruthless the inquisition can be.
I really liked reading this book as it tells two stories that intertwine at the beginning and the end of the novel. It follows the two main characters through their individual journeys, one far out at sea, one inland. Both Saulo and Zarita’s lives are deeply affected by the arrival of the inquisition and they seek refuge and forgiveness for the wrong doings they have committed. Breslin describes many scenes of torture, adventure, and passion throughout the book and it is really easy to visualise and imagine just how traumatic the experience would have been. This, among many other reasons, is why I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as it allows you to see in your mind what, in your opinion, the characters are seeing at each point in the book. Breslin uses fantastic description, especially in Saulo’s fight scene, and it really adds to the book.
The book is narrated in alternate chapters by Saulo and Zarita (except for a few which are third person) and I think this makes the book quite unique as, nearing the final chapters, they pick up from each other and you can imagine all the scenes from both points of view when the characters are together. When narrating his part of the novel, Saulo frequently returns to the day his father was killed and expresses both his hatred for the magistrate and his daughter, and also his guilt for having left his mother to die. He describes how he is feeling often and this allows you to deduce what kind of character he is. Zarita’s chapters however are not filled with guilt as, over time, she seems to get caught up in her own life and the inquisition and she forgets, or doesn’t think about, the beggar and his son, Saulo. Because of this, out of the two main characters, my favourite is Saulo as his chapters are more heart-felt and his personality seems more ‘real’.
Overall, I think that this book was great. I think that the way Breslin has described in the dual narration each chapter is fantastic and that the characters she has created are unique and have realistic personalities. This novel is, in places, a little dark but this adds to the overall structure of the book and compels you to read on! Finally, I think that the plot of this novel is great as it twists at the end and is full of deceit. I would definitely advise everyone to read this amazing novel!
Eleanor, Year 8
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