At Vitoria
A City’s Medieval Promise Between Christians and Sephardic Jews
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4.0 • 3 Ratings
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- $3.99
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- $3.99
Publisher Description
How could a medieval Jewish cemetery cause so much debate? At Vitoria transports the reader from 1950s Bayonne, France back to medieval Spain and weaves a story of success, love, terror, tragedy, shame, and honor. The historical and cultural details make for an evocative narrative that draw the reader in and provide an engaging sense of realism.
At Vitoria introduces the reader to the CREVAGOS, a Jewish family that copes with adversity and trauma in the midst of joy and daily needs, while living under the shadow of the Spanish Inquisition. Hard work, intelligence and clever spirit create a family of survivors. At Vitoria is also the story of how, in 1492 when Jews are expelled from Spain, the Christians of Vitoria, grateful to Jewish physicians for saving lives, take an oath to preserve the Jewish cemetery. Almost 500 years later, this promise draws raw emotions from both Christians and Jews.
At Vitoria is a heart wrenching, but ultimately heart-warming read, with a life-affirming message. It is sure to cause smiles, tears, and renewed pride in humanity.
Customer Reviews
At Vitoria
Marcia Riman Selz has taken the facts and social history of a particular time period of European history, the Spanish Inquisition, and particularized them to the small town of Vitoria, Italy. Her narrative is expressed with such emotional truth and resonance that I felt that I might have been one of the Jewish characters. My heart pounded with each frightening situation her Jewish characters endured knowing it was based on true events that were repeated time and time again in European countries throughout the centuries where Jewish security and existence lay at the whim of Church and government. It gave added meaning to the precarious symbol of the fiddler on the roof.
Mostly tolerant people populate Vitoria, where Jews and Christians coexist due to economic interdependency. For the most part Jews are treated well in Vitoria, even as friends and in turn they add to the health and wealth of the community. However, even good relationships and security can’t shield the its Jewish citizens from the torments and atrocities of the Inquisition.
Though the author describes frightening and heartbreaking situations committed in the name of the Church, Riman Selz doesn’t seek to cast blame on the entire Christian population. What she does reveal that makes her story so redeeming is the genuine acceptance between people in Vitoria and the length to which the Christian community went to support and respect its Jewish citizens’ wishes over the generations.
It’s difficult but rewarding for me to read historical fiction because it can so powerfully dramatize the realities of the situations befalling humanity. Reading At Vitoria informed me, saddened me and yet left me feeling better for having read it. The redeeming message I was left with was that no matter the circumstance there are good people in the world who recognize and act on their moral convictions. At Vitoria is this kind of true story.
At Vitoria
Loved this book. Fascinating history and so well researched. Such a great story about commitment passed down through generations. Looking forward to the next book by Ms. Selz.
Phyllis Cole