The Fifth Kingdom - Hardcover

by Jane Frances Amler (Author)

A descendant of the biblical King David, Don Isaac Abravanel spent his formative years being groomed to take his father's place as royal treasurer to the monarchs of Portugal. There is one important lesson Isaac's father bestowed upon his son: he must put aside his personal feelings and always work for the security of their people, the Jews. As Isaac grows to manhood, marries, and becomes a father himself, his responsibilities at court also increase. In his role as royal treasurer, Isaac serves Portugal, Spain, and Naples and becomes privy to the intrigues at court. He must confront the anti-Semitism running rampant in his country, and he hopes his close relationship with the royal family will help his people. Isaac faithfully serves Queen Isabella during the infamous Spanish Inquisition. When Isaac realizes that the Inquisition is an indication of other anti-Semitic actions to come, especially when he hears the rumblings of an edict that would expel Jews from Spain, Isaac vows to protect the Jews. But as the Edict of Expulsion becomes real and his pleas to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand to rescind it fall on deaf ears, Isaac must fight to save his family and himself from merciless rule.