Little Velasquez
Velasquillo, “Little Velasquez,” is a dwarf in the court of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of 15th-century Spain. Barely escaping disease and danger, he travels to Toledo, finds a place at court and spends the rest of his life in service to the royal family. We see decades of court intrigue through the eyes of this man – who brings a humanistic sensibility to his position at court, where he’s mocked for his size but otherwise not treated cruelly.
Historical characters are seamlessly woven into the plot: Catalina (later Catherine of Aragon), the Grand Inquisitor Torquemada, the Marquesa de Moya , and finally Cristobal Colon himself. There is a detailed bibliography, and the narrative itself is written with a confident hand. The plot developes at a thoughtful pace, and the layout is professionally done. Easy to follow and accessible for all audiences.
Details
Publisher
Mirth Press
Published
2012
Genre
Biographical Fiction
Period
Late Medieval (1338 to 1485)
Century
15th Century
Price
(US) $14.95
ISBN
(US) 9781936869992
Format
Paperback
Pages
230
Review
Reviewed by
Steve Shaw