Community Reviews

Rating(4.3 / 5.0, 43 votes)
5 stars
20(47%)
4 stars
16(37%)
3 stars
7(16%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
43 reviews
July 15,2025
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I've always been rather ignorant when it comes to the Portuguese Inquisition. However, this remarkable book has truly been an eye-opener for me. It delves into the lives of two Jewish sisters who are forcibly dispatched to Brazil for the purpose of re-education.

As the story unfolds, we accompany these sisters on their arduous journey. They encounter numerous challenges and hardships along the way. But through it all, their courage and determination shine through.

Interestingly, they eventually have the privilege of witnessing the founding of the first Jewish community in the Americas. This momentous event is a testament to their strength and perseverance.

The main character, in particular, is a paragon of bravery. She displays great courage in the face of adversity. Although she may have had a bit of luck on her side in several situations, it is her unwavering spirit that truly enables her to overcome the obstacles in her path.

This book has not only broadened my knowledge of the Portuguese Inquisition but has also given me a deeper understanding of the human spirit and the power of perseverance.
July 15,2025
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In 1654, a group of 23 Jewish refugees embarked on a remarkable journey. They fled from Recife, Brazil, after the Portuguese retook the northern part of Brazil, formerly known as New Holland, from the Dutch.

Their story is a moving one, filled with hope and determination. These refugees, seeking a new place to call home, made their way to New Amsterdam, which is now known as New York.

They arrived in a strange land, facing numerous challenges and uncertainties. However, they were not deterred. They banded together, relying on their faith and their community for support.

Their journey is a testament to the human spirit and the power of perseverance. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices that many have made throughout history in search of a better life.

Today, their story lives on, inspiring generations to come and teaching us the importance of tolerance, acceptance, and the pursuit of freedom.
July 15,2025
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Great but difficult ending.

This is a description that often applies to many stories, movies, or experiences.

A great ending has the power to leave a lasting impression, to make us feel a range of emotions, and to make us think long after it's over.

It can be satisfying, resolving all the loose ends and tying up the story in a neat bow.

However, a great ending can also be difficult.

It might challenge our expectations, force us to face uncomfortable truths, or make us question our own beliefs.

It could be bittersweet, with a hint of sadness or loss.

But it is precisely this difficulty that makes a great ending so memorable.

It makes us engage with the story on a deeper level, and it forces us to grow and learn from the experience.

So, while a great but difficult ending may not always be easy to swallow, it is often the most rewarding.
July 15,2025
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It was a very self-minding book. This particular book seemed to have a life of its own. It didn't rely on others to take care of it or to be constantly attended to. It was like a self-sufficient entity. The pages seemed to turn themselves, as if they had a will of their own. The words on the pages danced and moved, captivating the reader's attention without any effort on the part of the book itself. It was as if it knew exactly what the reader needed and wanted, and it presented itself in the most perfect way. This self-minding book was truly a wonder to behold, and it left a lasting impression on anyone who had the pleasure of experiencing it.

July 15,2025
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This exciting and enjoyable book offers a wonderful introduction to the Inquisition for young people.

It is firmly based on the real story of some of the very first Jewish settlers in New York.

The narrative takes readers on a captivating journey through the experiences and challenges that these early settlers faced.

They had to endure persecution and discrimination, yet they remained resilient and determined.

The book生动地描绘了the Inquisition and its impact on the lives of the Jewish community.

It helps young readers to understand the historical context and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.

With its engaging writing style and interesting characters, this book is sure to capture the attention of young readers and leave them with a deeper appreciation for history.
July 15,2025
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Read aloud to the kids for our literature curriculum.

This is an essential activity that enriches the learning experience of children. By reading aloud, we can introduce them to different literary works,激发 their imagination and creativity.

When we read aloud, we can use various voices and expressions to bring the stories to life. This helps the kids to better understand the characters and the plot.

Moreover, reading aloud promotes language development. It exposes the kids to new words and sentence structures, and improves their vocabulary and grammar.

In addition, reading aloud is a great way to bond with the kids. It creates a warm and cozy atmosphere, and allows us to share our love for literature with them.

Overall, reading aloud to the kids for our literature curriculum is a valuable activity that has many benefits. It helps the kids to become better readers, writers, and thinkers, and enriches their lives with the beauty of literature.
July 15,2025
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Read aloud for our history study. It is truly remarkable to come across a middle grade book that delves into the topic of the Inquisition, especially one that is set in South America and then takes the reader on a journey aboard ships, ultimately arriving in New Amsterdam, which is now known as New York. What makes this book even more unique is that it has a Jewish protagonist.


For the subject matter, the book definitely serves its purpose. It provides valuable insights into a significant period of history and introduces young readers to the experiences and challenges faced by the Jewish community during the Inquisition. However, when it comes to the reading experience, it was just average.


The story had its moments of excitement and interest, but overall, it didn't quite engage us as deeply as we had hoped. There were times when the pacing felt a bit slow, and some of the characters could have been more fully developed. Nevertheless, we were all relieved to have completed the book and added this particular piece of historical literature to our studies.

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