By Fire, By Water
By Mitchell James Kaplan
$15.95 pb

15th century Spain comes to dazzling life in this engaging, rich and impeccably researched novel set on the eve of Columbus' voyage amidst the Spanish inquisition. An insightful examination of the irresolvable conflict within the conversos, who are torn between the religion they left behind and the conversion meant to insure their safety.

"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