PDF The Woman Who Defied Kings: The Life and Times of Dona Gracia Nasi by Andrée Aelion Brooks in History

Review

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Brilliant bookBy DassieImagine my thrilled surprise when I saw a thorough biography written about one of my favorite Jewish heroines; Gracia Nasi.I felt the book was very well-researched. For example; it discusses the mysterious figure of David Rubeni who pops up in Jewish history texts. Based on linguistic usage of the time; the author makes a strong case for Rubeni having been an Ethiopian Jew. Light is shed expansively and objectively on the difficult relationship between Gracia and her younger sister; Brianda. Also; the medallion often labelled as a profile of Gracia is actually of her niece who shares the same name.Though the author covers the subject in detail; even the most complicated parts read as pleasantly as a novel.The descriptions of how Gracia held on to her Jewish identity during the Inquisition are impressive and inspiring. Throughout all her personal trials and business challenges; she never forgot her people and maintained a courageous generosity toward them at all times.There were only two aspects that bothered me:1) Lack of pictures. There are some; but I would've liked to have seen more graphics of 15th/16th century Spain; Turkey; etc. and the kind of dress; utensils; homes; synagogues; churches; etc; to get more of a sense of those times.2)The author tries to spice things up by indicating love affairs even where there is no evidence for them. Regardless of the time Gracia spent as a young widow running a business empire and saving fellow Jews with her late husband's brother (who married Brianda); there isn't a shred of evidence that she ever had a relationship with him or with anyone else during her widowhood. To me; this is a cheap trick to make the reading more exciting; something that's done a lot nowadays. For example; the author mentions that Gracia's niece was pseudo-married to a cousin and rumors were spread that the marriage was consummated - both actions taken in order to save the niece's life; something the author herself states was a common ploy in those times. But then; the author implies that they actually had this one-night stand. Since the male cousin would likely not dishonor a close female cousin this way; and since he would know that the girl (following the set marriage pattern of the family) would likely be married off to his own brother (as she certainly was at a later date); it is illogical and even insulting to assume that they would've had this fling. Given the close and respectful family ties; it is clear that they would've done nothing dishonorable to each other or to their family members.But overall; I did love the book; and I highly recommend it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The research that went into this book was phenomenal. ...By Claudia BrilliantThe research that went into this book was phenomenal. This book shed light on a part of history that is little taught in standard education but so important to understanding what social forces were in play during the Renaissance. It was interesting to see how conflicts we consider modern were big issues then as well. Doña Gracia NasI is a fascinating person. Her life and times were tumultuous and worthy of more study.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Running with itBy YechezkelA lot of research went in to this fascinating book but there is a lot of speculation as well.