"Insight into the fourteenth century"
In 1354, a group of investors led by Don Aranu Marca of
Perpignan chartered a ship loaded with high quality goods
to sell along various ports in the Mediterranean. Some of
the investors wanted to sell arms to Aragon's enemies, but
Don Marea refused so the conspirators arranged for it to
look like he was committing treason. He was sent to jail
and was all but convicted when his clever wife arranged his
escape. During the confusion that followed the escape Don Marca was
badly injured and brought to physician Jacob Bonjuhes who
lives in the Jewish section of town. Isaac, a physician of
Girona, is also staying at Jacob's house to attend the
wedding of Jacob's brother to a woman from the visitor's
hometown. Isaac heals Don Marea and sets out to prove that
the man is an innocent dupe, the victim of other men's
greed. Although Isaac is blind, his other senses are heightened
which enables him to successfully perform as an amateur
sleuth. He is a credible and likable character that is so
skilled readers will forget for long periods of time that
he is sightless because he doesn't let his lack of seeing
stop from being an excellent healer, sleuth, husband and
father. Caroline Roe has written an excellent historical
mystery that gives readers insight into an era long gone
but not forgotten due to works like this. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted October 15, 2002
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