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The Apprentice's Masterpiece: A Story of Medieval Spain

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The end of the Golden Age of Spain is presented in free verse from the perspective of Ramon, a converso (Jew who converted to Christianity) and Amir, a Mudejar (Muslim living under Christian rule). Even though Ramon's family has converted, they live in constant fear and are considered second class citizens. Their work as scribes makes them even more suspect. The persecution, fear, and brief moments of happiness are related in short installments that reflect the tenuous relationships of the characters. Ramon's father's attention to Amir sparks jealousy and suspicion, with both boys leaving the house. Ramon becomes a scribe for the Inquisition in order to earn money for his family; Amir runs away after a dangerous misunderstanding and ends up in the middle of the battle for Malaga. At the end of the story, the boys reunite, but their future is uncertain. The free verse sometimes make it hard to follow the story line, but some lines are gems, as when Ramon asks Amir to write a poem to his girlfriend Bea, a daughter of an official, and Amir writes "Your lips are as red as the blood on the hands of your father." There are graphic details of the tortures and punishments suffered by "heretics" during the Inquisition, and readers will have to have some knowledge of the period to fully appreciate the story. Readers twelve and up will enjoy this historical fiction that hits on the timely theme of what is wrought in the name of religion or nationalism. Review written for Jewish Book World Magazine by Kathe Pinchuck

Set in Spain, 1485, this book tells the story of two teens in Córdoba after the reconquest: one is from a Jewish family that has converted to Christianity in the face of the Inquisition, the other a Muslim boy given to them as a slave. Through short passages written in verse, the tale of these of these two boys unfolds as they witness the end of Spain's military campaign against the Moors and face their own uncertain futures in a country flush with nationalistic fervor that views them with suspicion. This book is simply written, but contains powerful and haunting imagery that will engage even adult readers.

15th Century Spain is a multicultural hub where Jews, Muslims, and Christians can coexist. Soon, however this will all change. Under the throne of Queen Isabella, Spain's people are forced to become Christians or face death. Even people who convert to Christianity face scrutiny like the Benvenistes, a former Jewish family of scribes. In a world full of spies, the family constantly fear for their lives. Then, one day, a slave by the name of Amir is brought to the household. While the rest of the household welcome him, fifteen-year-old Ramon is suspicious. Who is Amir, and can he really be trusted?

Told in verse, The Apprentice's Masterpiece is a story that should transport readers to a time period unlike their own. I, however, found myself bored most of the time. Part of the reason is probably because of my unfamiliarity with 15th century Spain. Initially, I thought this novel would be a great way to learn about the time. Not too mention, the summary sounded promising. Unfortunately, it soon became apparent, that without a clear background, I would not feel fully transported to the time period. Melanie Little provides readers with a prologue, so they will know about the time, but personally the prologue just was not enough.

One of the most bothersome parts about the book was knowing that if the story was not in verse, I would have enjoyed it so much more. I mean the parts that were not in verse (the prologue, epilogue) were good enough. While verse may work for Lisa Schroeder's books, Little's story of the Spanish Inquisition requires so much more explanation and depth, which verse simply does not provide. Despite my complaints, however, The Apprentice's Masterpiece did have some highlights. My favorite parts involved Ramon's Christian girlfriend (for lack of a better word). I also liked how Little switched the story from Ramon to Amir and back to Ramon. The novel shows evidence that Little is a talented writer, but for me, the verse just did not work. Also, I feel that if I knew more about the Spanish Inquisition, I would have enjoyed the story more.

The Apprentice's Masterpiece will appeal to readers who enjoy learning about the Spanish Inquisition.