Incantation

INCANTATION: Alice Hoffman: Little, Brown, 2006: Young Adult: 208pp.

Alice Hoffman's latest is the story of Estrella deMadrigal, a 16-year old girl who lives in Spain in the 1500s. Her family and friends seem safe from the rising terrors of the Inquisition--her brother is at the Seminary studying for the priesthood, her grandparents are austere but highly respected members of the community, and Estrella is best friends with Catalina, the girl next door. Then things fall apart. Catalina pulls away because her intended young man and Catalina fall in love; the remaining Jewish residents of the village are tormented, their books burned and their goods taken; friends denounce neighbors for a share of their linens and silver, and Estrella discovers that who she thought she was may not be who she truly is. Incantation is a moving, lyrical narrative for young people and adults about intolerance, remembrance, love, and the lime tree, both bitter and sweet.

LW