A review by jessreadthis
The Day of Atonement, by David Liss

4.0

I received this book through GoodReads First Reads program for free in exchange for my honest review of the book.


So I read this book in two days because I couldn't put this book down. Household chores, dinner, and social interactions were all suspended as I was swept into this book. What a terrific story! This was my first David Liss book and I will be sure to check out others by him.

The Day of Atonement starts out during the Inquisition time period in Portugal. Learning event for me- I wasn't even aware there was a major Inquisition time period in Portugal or the heinous acts of betrayal, torture, theft, all in the name of the Church. Sebastao Raposa is thirteen and is already learning the capricious ways of the world and girls. He is a "New Christian" which are former Jews which have converted to Christianity. His father knows the roving eye of the Inquisition stops at nothing to claim what wealth and revenge it can from New Christians or others it feels challenges the hierarchy it has established in Lisbon. He quietly lays plans for his family to escape Portugal, until he is betrayed and taken by the Inquisition. Sebastao's mother has him secreted away to England where he grows to adulthood as a thieftaker. Newly christened, Sebastian Foxx has harbored ten years of anger towards the priest that was instrumental in the murder of his parents by the Inquisition and will seek his revenge.
This was an eloquent story full of intrigues and danger as Sebastian navigates the seedy dealings and agreements that mark the corruption of Lisbon. He slowly builds his plan towards the destruction of the priest that killed his parents and perhaps the entire Inquisition. Sebastian soon learns how dangerous and undertaking this is as he becomes uncertain who is friend or foe. the ending was exquisite... Sebastian finally understands what it means to care about something greater than self or his anger. He experiences fear and longing. Great book!