Incantation

Alice Hoffman's 'Incantation' is a powerful historical novel set during the Spanish Inquisition, following sixteen-year-old Estrella, a Marrano whose family secretly practices Judaism while outwardly conforming to Catholicism. The story delves into themes of identity, faith, prejudice, and the devastating consequences of religious persecution. When Estrella's family secrets are revealed, she experiences profound betrayal, loss, and a journey of self-discovery in a world where trust is shattered and survival is paramount. This book offers a poignant and intense look at a dark period in history, exploring the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of heritage.

Estrella is a Marrano: During the time of the Spanish Inquisition, she is one of a community of Spanish Jews living double lives as Catholics. And she is living in a house of secrets, raised by a family who practices underground the ancient and mysterious way of wisdom known as kabbalah. When Estrella discovers her family's true identity--and her family's secrets are made public--she confronts a world she's never imagined, where new love burns and where friendship ends in flame and ash, where trust is all but vanquished and betrayal has tragic and bitter consequences.Infused with the rich context of history and faith, in her most profoundly moving work to date, Alice Hoffman's first historical novel is a transcendent journey of discovery and loss, rebirth and remembrance.