The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is a fun fantasy novel (so not really the one if you’re looking for a high-brow read, whatever that means) but it deals with some really interesting aspects of Spanish history. In particular, the treatment of Jewish people just before and during the Spanish Golden Age (“Siglo de Oro”). I love how by reading fantasy, I’ve learned far more about the complicated socio-political make-up of 15th & 16th century Spain than I ever did at school.
What is the Setting of The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo?
In the late 1400s, Jews were forced to leave Spain and Portugal. Those who decided to remain lived as “New Christians”, or “Conversos”, meaning that they converted to Catholicism. Many people continued to practise their faith in secret, but this was extremely dangerous. This is the background against which The Familiar, which takes place in the early-mid 1500s, is set. In fact, The Familiar is inspired by the author Bardugo’s own family history.
What is this Book About?
The plot is pretty straightforward, and you can devour this book pretty quickly. But the setting is exquisite. The main character, Luzia, works in a kitchen and sleeps on the floor in a cupboard. But she has a special gift: she can draw on old magic by singing fragments of songs passed down through generations of her family. Her “little miracles” draw the attention first of her mistress, and then of a powerful man Antonio Pérez, and Luzia becomes a pawn in his political games.
What Can I Expect from Reading The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo?
History and magic are woven together so seamlessly that you really imagine that Luzia’s gifts could have existed in real life. But the real beauty of the story is its core. The protagonist Luzia must ultimately make a choice about how to live her life. Whether to be sensible and safe, or to live boldly and reach out for what she wants, but risk losing everything. She may exist in a fantasy 16th century Spain, but I think we can all recognise the push and pull between comfort and ambition. The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is dark, rich, mystical, and the author sprinkles just the right amount of magic over its politically charged historical setting.
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