Ghost of Hannah Mendes, The

Brought a tear to the eye and a smile to the lips. One not to be missed.


A fascinating combination of history and adventure!   July 7, 1999
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This book gives an interesting overview of the history of Jews in Spain before, during and after their expulsion from Spain in 1492. At the same time, the reader is engrossed in the adventure and mystery surrounding a family's search for its roots which date back to the 14th century.


Hot & Cold   May 29, 1999
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

I couldn't put down the book during the historical sections. However, the transition the modern day themes did not ring true at all. Imagine, two young, enchantingly beautiful sisters falling in love with & two impossibly handsome, wealthy men. In all cases it's love at first sight, without exchanging more than a handful of sentences. Sorry, I prefer a bit more reality, even in my recreational literature. An OK read, but it's definitely on it's way to the second hand book store.


The ghost of Hannah Mendes. Exccelent book!   May 17, 1999
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

The topic is the inquisition and tells you a lot of history trough the romance, so you will learn about a historic subject in a light , exciting and entartaining way. You will discover the inpirational life of Hannah Mendes, a heroine from the inquisition period. The message that is brougth to us is : to go back to our roots, our own background can be nice. It is the travel to search one's values in life. It is very spiritual! I personally loved it very much!!!


Interweaves present fiction with true history.   February 9, 1999
Naomi Ragen's recent novel "The Ghost of Hannah Mendes" kept me interested from beginning to end. The story focuses on the lives of the fictional descendents of the true historical figure, Gracia Nasi, also known as Beatrice DeLuna and Hannah Mendes. The love stories and intrigue that surround elements of the life of Dona Gracia follow a family of assimilated Jews as they try to reclaim their heritage and traditions. It also tells a story that nowadays is a common tale in the American Jewish community, that of a family previous lost to Jewish traditions reclaiming their place in the community.