Customer Reviews

Heretic: A Novel (Library of American Fiction)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Set against the Spanish Inquisition of the 15th Century, "The Heretic" provided for me an exciting way to learn about a period of history of which I knew very little. The novel is filled with ingredients that drew me into the book. Not only a portrayal of the persecution of the Jews at the hands of the Catholic Church, "The Heretic" is primarily a story that humanizes the tradgedies endured during that period. Filled with intrigue, suspense and romance the struggle for one's faith against great odds makes "The Heretic" a great read!

Just finished Lew Weinstein's book - The Heretic. I was very touched by the characters - they truly came alive. It held my attention throughout the book. It also filled me with a greater understanding of Judaism and enlightened me as to the dominance of Catholicism over Judaism during this period. It was well written and the research for this book left nothing to be desired. Congratulations to Lewis Weinstein on The Heretic.

Reading "The Heretic" was a truly revealing experience for me. For many years I've grqppled with the problem of why Jews have been singled out for persecution by so many different peoples at different times and at different places throughout history. "The Heretic" explained the roots of anti-Semitism more clearly than anything I have ever read.

Aside from the fact that the book is well written; Aside from the fact that the author did an extraordinary amount of research; Aside from the fact that you can learn so much history from this book; the story took on a life of such realism. You felt involved with every character. I recommend this book for every religion and denomination. There is so much to learn from the past. I hope Steven Speilberg reads this book and makes a movie.

A truly amazing work! Mr. Weinstein's attention to detail on historical facts and the development of his characters is first rate. The Spanish Inquisition and the plight of the Catalan family are brought to life in extraordinary fashion. Captivating, a MUST read for everyone! I have read it twice already since purchasing and have passed on to everyone I know. I'm eagerly anticipating the sequel - BRAVO!

This is an excellent book. It is captivating from beginning to end, I couldn't put it down. Being a Christian this book really stirred me up but I feel that it will generate more questions than answers. It's a must read for Christians and Jews who don't fear a dialog centered at the very roots of pain.

I enjoyed "The Heretic" very much. I've read pretty widely in general as well as religious history, so I was aware of the events of the pre-Inquisition and Inquisition era in Spain, but Lewis Weinstein's book brought these historical abstractions to life by personalizing them in authentic, believable characters in realistic settings dealing with a rapidly changing and frightening world. The story is gripping and well paced, with tension and drama building up to the moving climax. The richness of historical detail is impressive (obviously reflecting a tremendous amount of research), yet it seems natural and successfully brings the characters and settings vividly to life. The overall effect is quite cinematic, and I believe "The Heretic" would make an excellent movie. This novel works well on a number of levels and pulls together complex and important themes (e.g., religious persecution and intolerance, love of God and family, the importance of history and tradition) in a way that is engaging and very enjoyable to read. I am looking forward to the sequel.

The Heretic illuminates a mysterious time in history and does so with a compelling, page-turning plot and well developed characters. Most impactful to me was the understanding and insight I gained into the lives of Jews, both present day and those who suffered horribly at the hands and whims of the Catholic church and the unspeakable cruelty of those who did its bidding. You'll come away with greater insight into present day Jews who carry with them the sorrow and scars of the injustices suffered then and many times since. This book is being passed from hand to hand among my friends and acquaintances, both Jewish and Catholic, all of whom sing its praises and just keep passing it on to others. Everyone should read this book. It is not only a enlightening journey but its exciting story is so well written and researched it will keep you awake into the wee hours. Don't miss it!

Purchased this book when mentioned in a Rick Steve's guidebook for Andalusia in advance of a recent two week trip to the area. Didn't get it read prior, but when I did I was pleased to read about all the places we had just visited: Seville, Cordoba, Italica, Carmona, Granada, Arcos, Malaga, and more. He is a good storyteller although the plot is at times a bit predictable and melodramatic. The strength is the depth of the characters who the reader can identify with and picture the internal conflicts. Being an amateur historian, was already familiar with the Spanish Inquisition and the plight of the Sephardic Jews. Depiction was reproachful yet not overdone and consistent with my prior reading. Overall a nice tale of personal introspection and family ties.

Not knowing what to expect, I was very pleasantly surprised with The Heretic. The story is well written making it hard to put down. At the same time, I learned so much about the period that I felt I had read a history book. The author brings the Inquisition to life making it exciting and interesting. Now, reading other reviews, I understand how everyone who has read the book has given it 5 stars. The one reviewer who rated it 1 star admits that he has not read the book. If he had read it, his review would have been a five. This was a great find. Can't wait for his next story.