Incantation, by Alice Hoffman

Incantation, by  Alice Hoffman, is about a girl named Estrella who lived during the Spanish Inquisiton. She had been hidden from her true identity because her family believed she was not ready for the truth! Estrella was a Jew. Her whole family was Jewish! Not long after she had found out, the massacre started. Luckily, her grandfather was part of the high court of that particular city and was pardoned for some time. However, the government found out and both him and his family were condemned to death! Estrella escaped the death sentence with her grandmother, but saw everyone in her family die.

This book, left me angry, frustrated, and heartbroken throughout the story. It let me notice reality and how our world's past was so brutal! I just felt horrible when Estrella's family died because they were Jewish! This book filled me with so many different emotions which made it even more interesting! I recommend everyone to read Incantation! The book will leave you crying for both sadness and joy! It's a great read for the summer!

Reviewed by Jilly C., grade 9

Montrose Library