Incantation

Alice Hoffman
44 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
YA
Published in 2006

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Book Brief

Alice Hoffman

Incantation

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

•

Fantasy

•

Jewish Literature
Setting

Spain • 16th century

Theme
Religion & Spirituality

•

Power & Greed

•

Truth & Lies
Topic
World History

•

Religion & Spirituality
First Publication Year

2006

Publisher

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

730L

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Super Short Summary

In Incantation, Estrella deMadrigal, a young woman in 16th-century Spain, discovers her family's secret Jewish heritage amidst the horrors of the Spanish Inquisition. As the persecution intensifies, she grapples with identity, betrayal, and the struggle for survival, ultimately vowing to preserve her family's history and traditions despite the oppression they face. This book includes themes of death, torture, antisemitism, and cruelty to animals.

Melancholic

Dark

Mysterious

Bittersweet

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.0

10,626 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Alice Hoffman’s Incantation is widely praised for its lyrical prose and vivid historical setting, immersing readers in the turbulence of the Spanish Inquisition. Reviewers commend Hoffman's ability to create compelling, multidimensional characters, though some critique the narrative's pacing and predictability. Overall, it’s considered a poignant and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Incantation?

A reader who would enjoy Incantation by Alice Hoffman is likely someone captivated by historical fiction with a mystical twist. Fans of Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief or Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits will appreciate Hoffman’s lyrical prose and poignant themes of love, betrayal, and identity during the Spanish Inquisition.

4.0

10,626 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

The protagonist and a 16-year-old girl living with her family in 16th-century Spain. She has curly black hair, a bump on her nose, and is often known as "Raven" by those around her.

The antagonist and foil to Estrella, Catalina is her best friend and neighbor. She is often referred to as "Crow" and is characterized by her desire for what Estrella has, including her social status and possessions.

Estrella’s mother, a 35-year-old widow known for her skill in dyeing wool and her knowledge of healing. She is a strong and smart woman, who passes her knowledge on to Estrella.

Estrella’s wise and respected grandfather, initially seen as aloof by Estrella. He becomes a mentor to her as she learns about her heritage and his secret role in the community.

Estrella’s older brother who studies at a seminary and is compassionate and kind. Despite the expectations placed on him, he remains dedicated and close to Estrella.

Estrella’s grandmother who struggles with maintaining the family’s secret identity. She is protective, sometimes seeming harsh in her efforts to keep the family safe.

Catalina's older cousin and a romantic interest for both Catalina and Estrella. He becomes an important figure in Estrella’s life due to their shared experiences and emotional connection.

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

•

Fantasy

•

Jewish Literature
Setting

Spain • 16th century

Theme
Religion & Spirituality

•

Power & Greed

•

Truth & Lies
Topic
World History

•

Religion & Spirituality
First Publication Year

2006

Publisher

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

730L

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