Out of Many Waters

A great book for the 5-8 grades. I read this book when I was 13 and today I write historical fiction. It is an excellent example of young adult historical fiction, This book is both well written and well researched. It tells the story of two young jewish woman, taken away from thier parents by the Portugese inquisition and sent to Brazil and thier survival during these difficult times. A worth while read!

This book was a great blend of fact and fiction. Out of Many Waters is the story of a young girl in the Portugese Inquisition. Isobel Ben Lazar and her sister Maria were taken from their home in Portugal to a monastery in Brazil. At the time of the story, Isobel is twelve and Maria is sixteen. When the sisters are chosen to accompany two friars on their journey to Recife, Maria comes up with an escape plan. The sisters are Jewish, and they want to escape to Amsterdam, where they believe their parents are. The sisters board different ships bound for Amsterdam, and this story follows Isobel throughout her journey. Isobel hides under a longboat for several days, until the sailors on the ship discover her. She joins a band of Jewish colonists who are escaping the Inquisition. Though Isobel is a fictional character, the Jewish families she travels with are actual people. This story was a terrific blend of fact and historical fiction, a story of finding your inner self and stepping out to show your true beliefs.

"Out of Many Waters" is one of those rare books that combines historical authenticity with a great story. The main character is well-developed and her adventures are exciting. A great read that just happens to be educational!