The story takes place during the Inquisition in the 16th century. It begins in Portugal, where a young Jewish woman Gracia is married to a rich Jewish merchant. He and his brother bring converted Jews out of the country to Antwerp. But even there, the Jews are not sure, because the Dominican Inquisitor is out for revenge. While the husband of Gracia dies and she promises him on the deathbed that she will bring his mortal remains to the Promised Land (Thebes), the whole family is on the run again, taking the intermediate stops in Venice and Tuscany until they finally get protection find at the Ottoman sultan. In all these years, hundreds of Jews are being rescued, but many are losing their lives too, but the love happiness of female family members has long been lost on the track.
It's great told and very exciting. The historical accuracy of the facts from that time are stunning. ( )