Out of Many Waters [Paperback]

Jacqueline Dembar Greene (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1993 | Age Level: 9 and up

Set in 1654, against the backdrop of the Portuguese Inquisition, this historical novel tells the story of 12-year-old Isobel. Escaping from the monastery where she and her sister have been held, she stows away on a ship in hopes of finding her parents again. Braving loneliness, storms and privateers, Isobel is befriended by a group of passengers and becomes one of the first Jewish immigrants to settle in New Amsterdam.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8 Greene's novel, based on the Portuguese Inquisition, makes history come alive. Twelve-year-old Isobel is a member of a family of conversos who keep their Judaism hidden. To reeducate Isobel and her sister Maria, friars kidnap both girls and take them to Brazil. Through Isobel's eyes, youngsters experience the anguish of estrangement and the harsh conditions of the slavery in which the children are forced to live. Isobel is shocked when Maria insists that they must hide on separate ships leaving for Amsterdam, but she overcomes her intense fear and goes off on her own. Although Isobel has several close calls, she ultimately reaches safety in New Amsterdam, hopeful that someday she will be reunited with her family. Sometimes her victories are a bit too convenient, but this does not detract from the book's overall appeal. Isobel is a believable character. She is courageous, but her bravery is borne of necessity and a powerful desire to see her family again. In this, she is somewhat reminiscent of Dicey in Cynthia Voigt's Homecoming (Macmillan, 1985) and Mary Call in Vera and Bill Cleaver's Where the Lilies Bloom (Harper, 1969) . Greene has written an engrossing tale about a frightening and shameful period in history. The unfortunate omission of a specific date for the setting could detract from young readers' ease in understanding the book's historical basis. Only the reference to New Amsterdam near the end of the book gives youngsters a frame of reference. In spite of this shortcoming, this would be an excellent addition to collections which already include Claudia Von Canon's The Inheritance (Houghton, 1983). Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, N.J.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“An uplifting, uncomplicated story. . . . Middle readers will enjoy this little known chapter of American history.” —Kirkus Reviews

"Mrs. Greene... weaves history, drama and narrative into an arresting story."—New York Times

“An engrossing tale.”—School Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (April 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802774016
• ISBN-13: 978-0802774019
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,523,149 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great blend, March 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Out of Many Waters (American History Series for Young People) (School & Library Binding)

This book was a great blend of fact and fiction. Out of Many Waters is the story of a young girl in the Portugese Inquisition. Isobel Ben Lazar and her sister Maria were taken from their home in Portugal to a monastery in Brazil. At the time of the story, Isobel is twelve and Maria is sixteen. When the sisters are chosen to accompany two friars on their journey to Recife, Maria comes up with an escape plan. The sisters are Jewish, and they want to escape to Amsterdam, where they believe their parents are. The sisters board different ships bound for Amsterdam, and this story follows Isobel throughout her journey. Isobel hides under a longboat for several days, until the sailors on the ship discover her. She joins a band of Jewish colonists who are escaping the Inquisition. Though Isobel is a fictional character, the Jewish families she travels with are actual people. This story was a terrific blend of fact and historical fiction, a story of finding your inner self and stepping out to show your true beliefs.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and well researched!, November 22, 2006

By 

Nicoletta Carlone "Nicoletta Carlone" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Out of Many Waters (Paperback)

A great book for the 5-8 grades. I read this book when I was 13 and today I write historical fiction. It is an excellent example of young adult historical fiction, This book is both well written and well researched. It tells the story of two young jewish woman, taken away from thier parents by the Portugese inquisition and sent to Brazil and thier survival during these difficult times. A worth while read!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Historical background and great story, November 30, 1999

By 

Leah Suslovich (Brookline, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Out of Many Waters (Paperback)

"Out of Many Waters" is one of those rare books that combines historical authenticity with a great story. The main character is well-developed and her adventures are exciting. A great read that just happens to be educational!