Consolation for an Exile
In 1355 Spain, Yusuf, student of Isaac the physician, learns that he is not a mere wanderer taken in by Isaac’s family, but cousin to the Emir of Granada. As Yusuf leaves the city of Girona and heads for Moorish Granada, two newcomers arrive in Girona: Sibilla Lavaur, who has come to live with her relatives, the Manets, and Guillem de Belvianes, who claims to be a relative of the well-liked and well-off Raimon Foraster. As Yusuf learns the intrigues of the Emir’s court, Isaac copes with equally deadly intrigues in Girona – and with secrets that could weave a deadly net around his family and friends if he cannot uncover long-buried truths.
This is the eighth installment of the “Chronicles of Isaac of Girona,” and the first of the series I’ve read. While the book starts slowly, and the multitude of characters is a bit confusing at first, both story and characters are compelling, and the setting is fascinating and well-realized.
