The Last Song (edition 2012)

An engrossing story set in late 15th century Toledo during the Spanish Inquisition. The author does a fine job with historical detail creating a vivid sense of time and place, but the characters could have used a bit more depth and the plot was often predictable. ( )

Isabel dislikes her intended husband, but her parents hope to protect her from the dangers of the Inquisition by marrying her off to the scion of an important Catholic family. As Isabel discovers her Jewish roots, she fights to save her family in this historical fiction. ( )

When I first came upon Eva Wiseman's novel about 15th century Spain, it sounded like it had everything going for it: an intrepid and conflicted main character, an infamous villain for the ages, an often-ignored but compelling event in history - until I opened the first chapter. What this ended up as was rather superficial story that is too short and too undeveloped to carry any kind of depth or real feeling. I was quickly disillusioned with what was in store for me in this very short young-adult historical novel because my expectations were severely let down by obvious and predictable plotting, little-to-no-characterization and inconsistencies. The Last Song tells the story of fourteen-year-old Isabel, and her family of Converso Catholics in the middle of the Inquistion of Torquemada, and was one I felt rather lukewarm about while reading.

Though this is a novel that cameos visits and appearances from actual historical personages (Ferdinand & Isabel, Torquemada, Isaac Abravanel) in addition to its cast of imaginary people, none of them have life. Torquemada is the architect of all the strife in the book but he is neither distinctive, compelling or charismatic as a villain. Much like Isabel's mother/Isabel's father/Isabel's love interest Yonah (seeing a pattern yet?), he is simply there, wooden and undeveloped. I also had issues with Caterina and Isabel after their husband/father is taken away twice by the holy Inquisition - this will get a bit spoilery so be warned! The family has had a plan in store for SEVENTY PAGES, one prepared for this exact event, and it has to happen twice with weeks before they use their "failproof" plan. I was so frustrated by this obvious cluelessness on behalf of the women that I saw it as a cheap method used to drive the plot forward. Seriously, how do two scared women fighting for their lives and family forget their "Get Out of Torture Free" card/letter?

The plot follows a fairly totally predictable route from the beginning on and never diverges into something greater, more original. Isabel's struggles and problems are no more unique than a thousand historical fiction YA heroines betrothed to someone they loathe with feelings for another, impossible match. It's hard to review a character with so little to recommend or distinguish her, because like I said earlier, Isabel was there. She was serviceable, she did what was required of her for the plot advancement and nothing more. If you erase "Isabel"'s name and input "Luis" "Caterina" or any other, the result would be the same: they played their defined roles and nothing less.

All that aside, I really do like the cover. It does a nice job of hinting at the blood and pain that accompany Torquemada and his familiars wherever they go. ( )

Dark story about the Jewish during the Spanish Inquisition. Not sure the audience for this middle school book, but I thoroughly enjoyed the story told by a young girl who didn't know her family was Jewish. Knowing persecution ws coming they escaped. ( )

{ Review originally posted on my blog, PidginPea's Book Nook. I received this as an ebook ARC from NetGalley. }

The Last Song is centered around the Spanish Inquisition, so I expected it to deal with some serious issues and explore the emotions of the characters, especially Isabel's. While it did have a meaningful plot, overall the book just felt kind of bland.

I've read some amazing middle grade novels that really get into the characters' heads, where they share their thoughts with you and you feel their emotions right along with them, without it getting too deep or mature to the point where its target audience wouldn't appreciate it. And that's what I expected for The Last Song, but unfortunately it didn't come across that way to me. Isabel faces many serious situations and crucial decisions, but her thoughts and feelings are never really explored. She speaks and acts and reacts, but it all feels a little shallow and unsatisfying.

Readers who are looking for a "this happened, then this happened" type of book that doesn't focus too much on the characters' thoughts or feelings may really enjoy The Last Song. Unfortunately, for me, this book was just ok - not a bad book by any means, but not anything I can rave about. It took on an ambitious setting and plot, but it didn't deliver on that the way I was hoping. ( )

Even though I don't read much of it, Historical Fiction is definitely my favorite genre... which means that I am extra picky with it. There were somethings I enjoyed about The Last Song and some aspects that just did not do it for me.

Starting with the good (because starting with the not so good is too predictable). I really enjoyed the subject matter. The Spanish Inquisition is a huge moment in European history, yet I feel like I only know of the name and nothing that actually happened during it. This novel is the first that I've come across about the events, so naturally I was pretty interested. However, not everything was so great.

I find that more often then not, the language in a historical fiction novel (speaking solely of YA) sounds incredibly fake and forced. Either that or the historical way of speaking is mixed with the contemporary way of thinking. It just doesn't flow... Sadly, The Last Song was no exception in that regard.

My only other issue was that the parents did not seem realistic. THe novel start out with them being very understanding and loving toward their daughter. But then everything changes. They spring a marriage on her (which would probably actually have happened, but they don't listen when she tells them how horrible he is, when they seemed like the kind of parents who would have), act all secretive (but then still let her in it) and do many other things that were just very contradictory. I couldn't figure them out.

I wouldn't go anywhere close to saying that this novel is "bad", just that it is not what I hoped for. ( )

In this young-adult novel by Canadian writer Eva Wiseman, the main character Isabel lives in Spain during the time of the Inquisition. Troubles start when it is revealed that Isabel’s parents have Jewish roots. To protect her from the dangers associated with her family’s past, her parents betroth her to a man from a respectable family, even though she finds him despicable and cruel. When her father is arrested, Isabel realizes she must act quickly to save his life.

My 13-year-old daughter also read this book, and we both enjoyed it. However, parts of the novel read very much like a history lesson, albeit a worthwhile one, and other parts seemed rushed. This novel is very short, which makes it an excellent read for middle-school or older reluctant readers, but I can’t help thinking that a fuller treatment of the characters and plot would have turned this from a good book into a great book. Still, it was refreshing for both of us to read a new young-adult historical novel (the YA genre seems swamped with fantasy/horror these days), especially one set in Spain during a turbulent time. ( )

A fascinating look at the Spanish Inquisition from a young girl's point of view--a girl whose family is in danger because of their concealed Jewish background. Eve Wiseman clearly researched her subject thoroughly, and I thought the setting and atmosphere were rendered in believable detail. It's an interesting period of time, and one that I've never seen before in young adult literature. Unfortunately the prose was somewhat mechanical and the dialogue stilted and unnatural, so I never felt like there was a good sense of tension, and I could not engage with the characters or their predicament. Also, the idea of a teenage girl being allowed an audience with Torquemada, the Grand Inquisitor, was a bit much. Still, a good read that would lend itself well to classroom lessons.

"...This book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program, and I am really pleased that I've also received a copy of another book by the same author, because The Last Song is fantastic. I read it through in one night; it got pretty late, but I couldn't bring myself to put it down. I caught myself holding my breath through pages, anxious for Isabel and her family; I could not go to sleep without finding out what was going to happen..."

For full review, please visit me at Here Be Bookwyrms on Blogger:

http://herebebookwyrms.blogspot.com/2012/04/last-song.html ( )

Young Isabella leads a comfortable and sheltered life in 15th century Toledo, Spain. Her father is one King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella's favourite physicians, and as such benefits from riches and luxury, and though Isabella knows Jews are being persecuted by the inquisition let by Cardinal Torquemada, she feels her family’s Christian faith shields them from danger. Life starts taking an unpleasant turn for her when her father arranges her betrothal to the son of a prominent family. The young man is cruel and mean to her, but her father insists marrying into his devout Catholic family will shield Isabella from any risk, an explanation which Isabella is far from understanding until Torquemada's men come knocking at their door to take Isabella's father one day. Unbeknownst to Isabella, her family are recent converts and her parents have been practicing their Jewish customs in secret, which is exactly the sort of behaviour the Inquisition sets out to uncover and punish. But the family are in possession of a document which could prove embarrassing to Torquemada. If Isabella can play her cards right, she might manage to free her father, unless she ends up being locked up and tortured right along with him.

This short novel, combining adventure and romance against a backdrop of persecution and violence and based on historical facts, turned out to be a real page turner. Recommended for readers young and old. ( )

Taking place in Spain during the time of the Inquisition and Torquemada, this book could be enjoyed by students in high school and middle school. Isabel and her family live in Toledo as devout Christians and her father is the personal physician to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Growing tensions surround them as the Jewish residents are told they must repent their religion or face torture and death. As she becomes aware of a faith different from hers, Isabel discovers that her family is Jewish and hiding that fact. A letter between Isabel's great-grandmother and Torquemada's grandmother proved that he has a Jewish heritage. Will this be enough to save them?

I love historical fiction and I love gutsy girl stories, however, my belief was sorely stretched when Isabel, who previously couldn't even be in the company of a boy without a chaperone, demanded entrance to speak to Torquemada, mass executioner and torturer, and demand that he free her father or she would make the letter public. Somehow it was hard to accept that a girl, closely raised by loving parents, could so easily confront such a large and evil person and blackmail them.

This is a small quibble, however, since I appreciate a story that takes place during this time period and highlights the flight of the Jews from Spain. The year of 1492 would be easily identifiable for most students and this would give a new aspect to that time. ( )

In the courts of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella a religious upheaval is about the turn Isabel's world upside down. The daughter of the Queen's famed physician, her life has been one of wealth, comfort, and security, until she discovers a secret that will threaten the very safety of her entire family. Forced with the possibility of an arranged marriage not of her choosing and faced with the arrest and torture of her father by the Spanish Inquisition, Isabel must find the strength within her own faith to save the only life she has ever known.
The Last Song delivers a heavy subject matter with a grace and sensitivity that can be appreciated by a younger audience. Although the topic of religious persecution and tolerance can often become dreary and bleak, but told through the eyes of a young Isabel, the story is equally poignant and at the same time, accessible. The struggles of a young girl transitioning into womanhood against the backdrop of a tumultuous and deeply religious world is carefully and beautifully interwoven into one cohesive narrative. This book would be recommended and appropriate for young readers and adults alike. ( )

It still boggles my mind as to how few books have been written about the Spanish Inquisition, (especially for younger readers) yet there are myriads of books written about the Holocaust for all ages. The Spanish Inquisition is no less horrendous than the Holocaust, if not more so since it took place over a much, much longer period of time, (more than 300 years.)

Isabel, the young daughter to a wealthy and prestigious family in 15th-century Spain, suddenly has her privileged and cloistered world turned upside down when her parents betroth her to a horrible boy. She later finds out they did it to protect her, as her parents are secretly Jews, which the king and queen of Spain are imprisoning, torturing, and executing by the thousands.

This is a wonderfully written book about the Spanish Inquisition for young adults, one that clearly shows the prejudices, fears, and horrors of the time while balancing it with a fast-moving plot and engaging heroine.

Up until the last twenty pages or so, (which suddenly become rather hurried) the author does an excellent job describing Isabel's world with its mixture of privilege and persecution, tradition and terror, and hopefully this book will interest young readers about the Spanish Inquisition, and maybe it will begin a trend with authors who are courageous enough to bring this period the recognition it deserves. ( )

This is the story of young Isabel, daughter to the royal physician in the time of Ferdinand and Isabel of Spain. This is also the time of the Inquisition, a purge of all non-Catholics, dissenters, and political enemies. Isabel is a Converso, a New Christian-- her ancestors were Jewish, and her family still practices the old religion in secret. Torquemada the Grand Inquisitor gets wind of this, and Isabel has to figure out a way to save her friends and family.

This is a very direct, short book, written at what seems to be an elementary grade level, yet touching on some more adult themes and with some advanced vocabulary (particularly historical and religious terms). I don't mind challenging young readers, but the writing style seemed at odds with some of the graphic scenes. The premise and plot are interesting, but there isn't much substance or detail to really flesh out the story. (For instance, as an adult reader, I can draw from experience to imagine what a large, crowded, medieval Spanish marketplace must look and sound like, but young people will probably struggle with the lack of description and detail.) I think reluctant middle-grade readers may enjoy the tension and historical grit, but this one doesn't cross over well into an older YA market. ( )

Isabel is a wealthy, privileged young woman living in Toledo, Spain in 1491. Though the Inquisition is raging around her, she is a devout Catholic, with connections in the royal court, and it leaves her untouched. Until (of course, there's always an "until!") she learns that her parents are secretly practicing Jews, putting her whole life in jeopardy. Her parents try to protect her by arranging her betrothal to a cruel young man with impeccable background, but Isabel begins a different kind of connection with a Jewish apprentice ...

This rather slight novel left me wanting more. While it's not impossible to believe that a devout Catholic would be attracted to learning about her newly-discovered Jewish roots, I do think it's a bit much to imagine that she'd chuck up her faith so readily ... there's a lot of theology to be abjured there, especially with Torquemada breathing down your neck like that. Character quibbles aside, the history is also slight -- I wanted to know more about the Inquisition and the Jews before and much, much more background and atmosphere.

The story kept me turning pages. I wish each page contained more. Recommended with reservations. ( )

This is another historical read that picks up readers and lands them smack-dab in the era. Wiseman certainly makes real to her readers the fears and trials experienced by the Jews during the Spanish Inquisition. Isabel has a fast track from her sheltered, innocent childhood and adolescence to the real world of emerging adulthood in a time turbulent for her people. The author also covers a wide range of 15th-century Spanish society, from the Familiars of the Inquisition to the Moorish slaves of a New Christian family.

The only thing I could have wished for is more writing. Wiseman could easily have fleshed out the book more than its little over 200 pages, which would have allowed for more character and plot development. Much of the romance and overall sequence of events seemed rushed, at times jumping a number of days or weeks without any filling-out. The complete story, however, certainly makes a worthwhile and informative historical read for a variety of audiences. ( )

It is so wonderful to know that there are still authors out there writing historical fiction for young adults. This takes place in Toledo Spain during the Spanish Inquisition, under Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Isabelle's father is the royal physician and has always promised her that when she was fifteen she could choose her own husband. That changes when he betroths her to a cruel young man who is known as coming from a staunch Catholic family. What follows are family secrets and a young love with another young man. Such great history, told in a very readable and interesting manner as well as romance and the theme of religious persecution. All in all a very good read. ARC from NetGalley. ( )

This book takes place in Spain during the Inquisition. While Isabel's father is the personal physician to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, their family is not safe from the inquisition. Although Isabel was raised Catholic, they are "new Christians" and her parents secretly practice the Jewish faith. In order to protect their family, her father betroths her to an unpleasant and harsh boy. After learning about her heritage, Isabel desires to learn more and befriends a Jewish teenager.

I had trouble putting this book down. The characters were interesting and engaging. The plot was swift and fast moving. It was very well written and a pleasure to read. I believe any young adult would enjoy the book and would learn something about Spanish history and the Inquisition. Overall, I highly recommend. ( )

Fourteen-year-old Isabel de Cardosa lives a privileged life as the only child of wealthy parents in Toledo, Spain in 1491. She lives in a nice house and has beautiful clothes. Her parents have always given her everything she wanted. But then everything changes. Her parents announce that she will be betrothed to Luis, a boy from a wealthy and respected family. Although Luis is her own age, Isabel hates him because he is cruel and selfish. She doesn’t understand why her parents, who always planned to choose a husband Isabel liked, would suddenly decide she must marry someone she hates.

Soon, Isabel learns the real reason for her parents’ decision. Although Isabel has been raised a devout Catholic, her family is Jewish. Her grandparents were forced to convert to save their lives, but her parents have continued to practice Jewish traditions in secret. Her parents hope that Isabel’s marriage to Luis will protect the family from the Inquisition, since Luis’s family is an old Catholic family. Isabel isn’t sure what to think at first. Curious about her heritage, she becomes friends with Yonah, a Jewish boy her age. Their friendship would be forbidden by her parents if they knew, because Yonah is openly Jewish and only the son of a craftsman. Soon her friendship with Yonah seems to be turning into something more, but then her father is arrested by the agents of the Inquisition. Isabel is desperate to find a way to save her father, no matter what the risks to herself.

I mainly wanted to read this book because it is about historical events not often written about in young adult fiction. Most historical fiction I have read with Jewish characters has been about either immigration to the United States (usually to New York City) or the Holocaust. While certainly those are very important topics, they are not the entirety of Jewish history. I love when young adult historical fiction explores events from history that are not frequently written about. Isabel, the main character of this book, is very brave and willing to do anything to save her family. The relationship between her and Yonah was very sweet and I would have liked to see it developed more, but perhaps that might not have been realistic given the historical setting. Although this book is about sad events, it’s not all depressing, it’s a very hopeful story too. I think readers who love young adult historical fiction but want to read something different than the typical book from this genre would enjoy this book.

Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher. ( )