 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Incantation
- By Alice Hoffman
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Young teens may find powerful Inquisition book too violent.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book doesn't flinch from the excesses of the Inquisition era. It describes grisly, gruesome violence against men and women, young and old. But through this powerful story, teens learn about an important time in history and may be inspired to think about and discuss the cost of
religious intolerance and hatred. Readers will appreciate Estrella's discovery of who she really is, her
fight for survival, and her instructions that others not forget her
story.
What's the story?
Estrella lives a comfortable life as a Catholic in Spain around 1500, the era of the Inquisition. She and her best friend, Catalina, are as close as can be, her brother is studying to be a priest, and her grandfather is a respected teacher. The anti-Jewish riots that sweep through her town barely touch her life at all. But then two events change everything. She discovers that her family are Marranos, Jews who pretend to be Christians while secretly holding on to their faith. And she falls in love with Catalina's cousin, Andres, which turns Catalina against her. In 1500s Spain, Catalina has an easy weapon for revenge, and she doesn't hesitate to use it. But even she is shocked by the life-destroying results.
Is it any good?
There are two kinds of parents: those who believe children should face the horrors of the world head-on, and those who believe children should be shielded from them. If you are the second type, you do not want your children to read this book. It is not long, and the reading level is accessible to 10-year-olds, but the author does not flinch from matter-of-factly depicting the hate-filled violence of which humans are capable.
As her family is rounded up by the Inquisition, Estrella witnesses torments that are almost be beyond belief. In our era of growing worldwide religious tension, this book reminds us of the extremes to which religious intolerance and hatred can so easily lead. But that doesn't make it any easier to read.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the importance of historical fiction. How is reading a story like this different than reading a history textbook? Why is it important to read books like this? Can looking at history impact the present -- or shape the future?
This book describes some gruesome events. While historically accurate, it may be hard to read about them. What do you think of the violence level in this book? Is it different to read about violence than it is to see it in movies or experience it in video games? How so?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Great book for teens of all ages
This book was sitting on a shelf in my high school library, and I felt compelled to pick it up. I've never really been one for historical fiction books, but this one sucked me in from the first pages. I ended up finishing it so quickly it was nearly a new record for me! This book makes you cry, and think about the humanity we humans possess, and whether or not we are willing to care about our heritage enough to protect it. Alice Hoffman is an amazing writer, and I find myself intrigued enough by this one book to look for others she might have written.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I could not stop reading this book
This book is enchanting.It is a lovely piece of literature.Though the violence does get quite
gruesome toward the end,I strongly reccomend it to kids about 12 and up.This book almost actually made me cry.(that's hard to do) It gives you a taste of history(not like in a history book,but the bitter truth)Alice Hoffman is a brilliant writer.I think common sense should put up more of her books.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
love
this book made me cry and wonder at the same time...I really think that if you haven't read this book you should you will love this book just like me or maybe even more
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Perfect for 12 and up.
I love it.MY favorite book.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A must read book for any 12 year old
this book is educational and inspiring. i cried and i laughed. this story tells you what people are really like when jelousy and anger comes in play so read this book because its amaizing!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I absolutley loved this book because while I was reading it, I learned a lot about the Jewish conversion in spain. It was also suspensful and romantic. READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Moving
This story had me on the edge. I was filled with tears at one point. But it's a must read book.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
historical fiction
The role models in this book are very possitive and down to earth people that understand the world around them. They show a strong sence of morality and though there are descriptions of death, it's not bloody or gory really. Also this can be very educational for people who are learning about anti-semitism, it being about Spain in the 1500's(It's not about world war II, though it would also be helpful if you are learning about that.) and all. Also though the messages aren't possitive they aren't exactly negative either.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
it was sucha sad book! almost cried!
this book was awsome! i read it in about 2 hours and i loved it! the parts about when the people that are getting burned are a bit iffy, also that her freind betrays her...this book is deffinitly NOT for kids younger then 12-13!!!! but if you are that age and you want to read this book it is pretty darn good!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Alice Hoffman |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Historical Fiction |
| Publisher: | Little, Brown and Company |
| Publication date: | October 1, 2006 |
| Number of pages: | 166 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 13 |
| Read alone: | 13 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
