Amid the threat of discovery, she and Diego will have to fight for their lives in a quest to truly be free.Ī timeless love story about identity, religious intolerance, and female empowerment, The Poetry of Secrets will sweep readers away with its lush lyricism and themes that continue to resonate today.On today’s episode of The Literary Life, Mitchell Kaplan talks to Cambria Gordon about her new book, The Poetry of Secrets, out now from Scholastic Press.Ĭambria Gordon: I have to say that I think my penmanship is my favorite thing about that piece of writing because my handwriting was so good. When the Spanish Inquisition reaches her small town determined to punish such judaizers, Isabel finds herself in more danger than she could ever have imagined. Yet she longs to pursue an independent life filled with poetry and a partner of her own choosing: Diego Altamirano, a young nobleman whose family would never let him court someone with tainted blood like hers.īut Isabel's biggest secret is this: Though the Perezes claim to be New Christians, they still practice Judaism in the refuge of their own home. Ruta Sepetys, New York Times Bestselling Author of Salt to the SeaĪs a young woman in 1481, Trujillo, Spain, she should be overjoyed that the alguacil of the city wants to marry her, especially since she and her family are conversos - Jews forced to convert to Catholicism - leaving them low in the hierarchy of the new Spanish order. Brimming with romance and historical detail. Amidst the bloodshed and intolerance, she and Diego will have to fight for their lives in a quest to truly be free. When the Spanish Inquisition reaches Trujillo determined to punish such judaizers, Isabel finds herself in more danger than she ever could have imagined. So for now she sneaks out to attend poetry readings, for she longs to one day be a famous poet.another secret wish that may never come true.īut Isabel's most dangerous secret is this: Though the Perezes claim to be New Christians, they still practice Judaism in the refuge of their own home. But, although she can't tell anyone, she only has eyes for Diego Altamirano, a young nobleman whose family would never let him court Isabel. She is supposed to be flattered especially because she and her family are conversos, Jews forced to convert to Catholicism - leaving them low in the hierarchy of the new Spanish order. Isabel Perez carries secrets with her every day.Īs a young woman in 1481, Trujillo, Spain, Isabel should be overjoyed that the alguacil of the city wants to marry her. Perfect for fans of Ruta Sepetys and Elizabeth Wein, this lyrical portrait of hidden identities and forbidden love is set against the harrowing backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition.

The Poetry of Secrets by Cambria Gordon