By Fire, By Water

From Publishers Weekly Kaplan, a screenwriter, sets his debut novel in 15-century Spain, amid the Inquisition, the attempt to unify the kingdoms of Spain under Christian rule, and the voyage of Christopher Columbus to what the seaman expects will be the Indies. The action centers on the historical figure of Luis de Santángel, chancellor to the king of Aragon and a converso, a Jewish convert to Christianity at a time when the Inquisition sought to repress judaizing. Santángel is friend and financier of Columbus, surviving parent of young Gabriel, and more curious than is prudent about his Jewish heritage. While he learns about Judaism in clandestine meetings, a parallel story unfolds, centering on Judith Migdal, a beautiful Jewish woman who learns to become a silversmith in Granada, located in the last part of Spain under Muslim rule. Santángel's attraction to Judith grows, even as the Inquisition closes in and the prospect of another world to the West tantalizes. Kaplan has done remarkable homework on the period and crafted a convincing and complex figure in Santángel in what is a naturally cinematic narrative and a fine debut. (May) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. “[A] remarkably learned and heartbreaking romantic novel…with a deft blend of straightforwardness and subtlety…Beautifully executed, highly recommended.” — The Minneapolis Star Tribune “Mitchell James Kaplan’s By Fire, By Water must take its place as one of the most important contemporary historical novels with a Jewish theme.” — Ha’aretz“By Fire, By Water is an exciting introduction to the political, social and theological issues of Spain in the late 15th century. Those already familiar with this period will enjoy fleshing out their knowledge with the sights, sounds and, above all, intense emotions of the era.” — Hadassah Magazine “A beautiful tapestry... Despite its epic sweep, By Fire, By Water is also an intimate portrait of a remarkable individual...”xa0—Tirdad Derakshani, Philadelphia Inquirer “ By Fire, By Water contains many well-crafted phrases and much interesting information, but its greatest merit is in demonstrating parallels between a notorious period in human history and disturbing developments in modern life.” — Philadelphia Quarterly “Kaplan, a screenwriter, sets his debut novel in 15-century Spain, amid the Inquisition, the attempt to unify the kingdoms of Spain under Christian rule, and the voyage of Christopher Columbus to what the seaman expects will be the Indies. The action centers on the historical figure of Luis de Santángel, chancellor to the king of Aragon and a converso, a Jewish convert to Christianity at a time when the Inquisition sought to repress ‘judaizing’….Kaplan has done remarkable homework on the period and crafted a convincing and complex figure in Santángel in what is a naturally cinematic narrative and a fine debut.” — Publishers Weekly “Debut novelist Kaplan depicts a turbulent period in 15th-century Spain, focusing on the story of Aragon’s royal chancellor… Deftly moves through a complex web of personal relationships, religious zeal and political fervor.” — Kirkus Reviews "Beautifully written, By Fire, By Water is a powerful story of religion, love and violence--timeless themes honed by Kaplan into an enthralling narrative that doesn't let up until the last sentence." —Simon Read, author of War of Words “Kaplan’s writing is exceptional, his intelligence and research on the subject superb.2010 seems to be the year for new and fabulous voices in the Historical Fiction world and Kaplan is no exception. I look forward to reading many more of his books in the future!” —Amy Bruno, Passages to the Past “This book was like no other book I have ever read.” —Heather Rieseck, The Maiden’s Court “Blending artistry with intense drama and violence, By Fire, By Water takes readers on a picturesque tour of the Iberian Peninsula of the mid-1400s….By Fire, By Water is a finely crafted novel, so well done that it would be hard to imagine how it could be made better. It’s rare to find historical fiction this intense and exquisite.” —Bookreporter.com“A must-read.” — Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle “A grand novel that shows not only Kaplan's knack for storytelling, but also his eye for details and willingness to do extensive research.” — Pittsburgh Tribune-Review “Kaplan's greatest success is in his ability to portray the inner lives of his characters.” — Washington Jewish Week “This novel recreates a historical moment of vast and far-reaching changes as well as the complex personality of Santángel, the high government official who placed his hopes for redemption far beyond his society’s horizons.” — Reform Judaism Magazine Mitchell James Kaplan , a graduate of Yale, has lived and worked primarily in Paris and Los Angeles as a translator, screenwriter, and script consultant. Currently, he resides in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, with his wife and two children. This is his first novel. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. “I’ve had time to think,” explained Santángel. “I’ve done a great deal of thinking.Praying. Remembering.” He glanced at the slate-gray sea. “I spent hours, callingup every detail.” He delicately ran his hand along the rim of her ear, down hercheek, under her jaw. “From the first words I heard you pronounce...”xa0xa0xa0She removed his hand from her face, but held his forearm. “What were they?”xa0xa0xa0“Allah alone conquers. The inscription on those beakers you made for thevizier.”xa0xa0xa0“Yes.” She nodded with a nostalgic smile. “Allah alone conquers. Even themost powerful of us, we have little control over our destiny.”xa0xa0xa0“Then our only choice is to embrace that destiny.”xa0xa0xa0“Embrace it? Look around, Chancellor. Look around.”Exiles all around them, some emaciated from long travels, many filthy, triedto board ships, pleaded with sailors, appealed to authorities. As he observed allthis despair, Luis de Santángel felt more powerless than ever. His mind reviewedhis years in the royal court—the perfidy of some, the loyalty of others, thesacrifices, the battles, the triumphs, the fears, the losses. For what good?xa0xa0xa0“No, Chancellor. Our only choice,” said Judith, “is not to embrace ourdestiny in this world, but to hope for a better world.” Her eyes glided to the galleon behind him.xa0xa0xa0“Then I shall accompany you into that world.” Read more