Set in Spain in the late 15th
century, beginning in Castile in 1491, this is the story of Alicia, who was
raised with the Gypsies believing she was one of them. Her Gypsy father, Rudolpho
was also the tribe’s leader. He worried that he would eventually have to tell
her she was not one of them but he kept postponing what he dreaded.
Walking in the woods, Alicia witnesses
a crime and saves the “gorgio” (non Gypsy) victim. Rafael de Villansandro, the Spaniard
whose life she saved, lives among them for a time as a prisoner. But seizing an
opportunity, he flees, taking advantage of Alicia’s budding love for him. Then
he abandons her to shame among her people.
Kramer’s complex story reflects great
research of Spain’s history at the time, of the Spanish Inquisition, of Queen
Isabella’s support for Christopher Columbus and the persecution that drove the
Jews and Gypsies from Spain. Her descriptions are vivid and she writes well.
The story is hampered a bit from the many typos that were not corrected in
bringing this classic to eBooks but still it is a worthy read.
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| Original art by Sharon Spiak |
This is a story of star-crossed lovers who
meet in a chance encounter and are forever changed—and it’s a wonderful dive
into the history of Spain. I recommend it.
I've included the original cover art by
Sharon Spiak because I think it's a beautiful picture and it doesn't show up as
well on the cover image I had.
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