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The Mapmaker's Daughter
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
40 posts | 11 read | 13 to read
How Far Would You Go To Stay True to Yourself? Spain, 1492. On the eve of the Jewish expulsion from Spain, Amalia Riba stands at a crossroads. In a country violently divided by religion, she must either convert to Christianity and stay safe, or remain a Jew and risk everything. It's a choice she's been walking toward her whole life, from the days of her youth when her family lit the Shabbat candles in secret. Back then, she saw the vast possibility of the world, outlined in the beautiful pen and ink maps her father created. But the world has shifted and contracted since then. The Mapmaker's Daughter is a stirring novel about identity, exile, and what it means to be home. "A close look at the great costs and greater rewards of being true to who you really are. A lyrical journey to the time when the Jews of Spain were faced with the wrenching choice of deciding their future as Jewsa pivotal period of history and inspiration today."Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of Elizabeth I "The many twists and turns in the life of the mapmaker's daughter, Amalia, mirror the tenuous and harrowing journey of the Jewish community in fifteenth-century Iberia, showing how family and faith overcame even the worst the Inquisition could inflict on them."Anne Easter Smith, author of Royal Mistress and A Rose for the Crown "A powerful love story ignites these pages, making the reader yearn for more as they come to know Amalia and Jamil, two of the most compelling characters in recent historical fiction. An absolute must-read!"Michelle Moran, author of The Second Empress and Madam Tussaud
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kspenmoll
Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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I read The Mapmaker‘s Daughter by Laurel Corona in 2020. Now, I just finished reading The Mapmaker‘s Daughter by Clare Merchant this weekend. While there are similarities in both books, there are also many differences.In the first (LC),Spain (Iberia) is persecuting the Jews & has expelled them from the country.Amalia Cresques keeps her grandfather‘s atlas in her trunk that follows her wherever she travels.🔽

Crazeedi I think I read the Corona one 6mo
kspenmoll There is no split timeline; it is Amalia‘s storyline.Both Freida & Amalia face the dangers of persecution,& are forced to flee their native land.War & destruction follows in their wake.Kings & Queens decide their future numerous times, sometimes positively, sometimes negatively. 6mo
kspenmoll @Crazeedi I have a sticky note in it with chapters/dates- wonder if it was a #sundaybuddyread or another buddy read. Looks like it from sticky note! 6mo
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Crazeedi @kspenmoll I think that's right!! 6mo
Susanita I really enjoyed the LC book when I read it several years ago. What stayed with me as much as the story was the description of how the titular mapmaker drew the maps from the reports of returning soldiers and explorers. 6mo
kspenmoll @Susanita The book was so dense with map fed information & history & Jewish persecution, resilience. 6mo
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BennettBookworm
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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Post 4/5
A treasure trove of used books can be found in the magical Rodgers Book Barn, tucked away in the hills of Hillsdale! They have been there for 50 years! I got the tagged book plus a deliciously ancient copy of The Marble Faun. Would be fun to go back in the spring and see the gardens in bloom.

Ruthiella That looks incredible! 😍 2y
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Susanita
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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Interesting historical fiction set during the Spanish Inquisition. #daughter #bigjunereadathon

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kspenmoll
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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#loveprevails #JanuaryStats

7 mysteries- 2 audio
3 historical fiction -1 YA
1 memoir
1 graphic novel/biography
2 fiction
#overbookedclub #sundaybuddyread #literarycrew #booked2021 #setinAustraila #bakedgoodonthecover

Librarybelle Woohoo! 4y
Cinfhen Excellent month!!lots of genres 🧡🧡🧡 4y
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review
Butterfinger
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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Pickpick

After reading the first chapter, I anticipated a great read. I've not read anything about the Jewish Diaspora from Spain during the Inquisition so I knew I would be learning. I learned about some traditions of the Jewish culture in Spain and Portugal and the Muslim culture in Granada. I didn't expect old wives' tales - the Evil Eye. I liked it; didn't love it, but I liked it. #OverbookedClub @megnews @sblbooks

Cinfhen I‘m obsessed with books having to do with the Spanish Inquisition but I didn‘t love this book either/ 4y
megnews @Cinfhen are there other ones on the Spanish Inquisition you‘d recommend? 4y
Cinfhen Not really, I keep looking and hoping. I read this one which was pretty good but not great @megnews (edited) 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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I purposely did not include any questions about Diogo or Jamil. What are your thoughts on these relationships, how they developed Amalia‘s character, and how they furthered the plot? Any other thoughts on the book you‘d like to share?

#OverBookedClub

Crazeedi I loved her connection to Jamil as he came to her at the end of her life as she was reminiscing. Just a really good story I very much enjoyed 4y
Deblovestoread I loved how she had the opportunity to be loved and valued. How strong she had to be to let Jamil go to stay true to herself and give him what he needed. 4y
Deblovestoread I really enjoyed this book. Thanks for hosting! 4y
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megnews @Crazeedi @Kdgordon88 thanks for joining in. 4y
sblbooks Those two romantic relationships were my least favorite parts of the book. I'm glad you didn't include any questions about them. Thank you for hosting! 4y
Butterfinger Can I just say, I was disappointed that Jamil had a second wife? Why? Really. 4y
Butterfinger Thank you for the awesome questions. 4y
megnews Butterfinger I think it‘s just the culture and time. Thanks for participating! 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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Crazeedi Amalia deep sense of her faith for sure. Her willingness to embrace the live of her life, and willingness to let him go for his benefit. I am in awe of her strength and commitment to her faith which prohibited her from marrying him . To leave the ine you love, how hard!! 4y
Butterfinger When the women started singing in the synagogue. So courageous and strong. They were not going to let the Inquisitor bully them. But, my heart fell when he bolted the door. I thought he would burn them alive, which probably happened in Toledo. 4y
megnews @Butterfinger beautiful example!! 4y
megnews @crazeedi I agree. 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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megnews I loved this quote and absolutely agree. 4y
Crazeedi This was the quote I used on a litsy post. And my favorite sentence of the whole book 4y
sblbooks @megnews @Crazeedi Lovely quote! Judah was one of my favorite characters. 4y
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megnews @sblbooks I loved his whole family. Every time she visited there, I felt I was there and could feel the peace and joy of the home. 4y
sblbooks @megnews me too! 4y
Deblovestoread Yes! I felt this too. 4y
Butterfinger Beautiful quote. 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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megnews My mom is a cleaner in times like these. I am more of an organizer. Also reading usually brings me peace in stressful times. 4y
Crazeedi I usually find a place to curl up and sleep when stress overwhelms me! Lol I wouldn't fit in very well... 4y
Deblovestoread I find myself organizing and making lists. I look for order when everything else seems hard. 4y
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sblbooks @Crazeedi I do the same. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. 4y
Crazeedi @sblbooks you and me in our safe space!!😉 4y
Butterfinger @Crazeedi I did nothing but sleep in 2020. I do read my Bible. I know historically, and presently, sin and hatred and ugliness come from so called Christians, but they were and are not Christ like. The Inquisition was horrific. Why can't they see what they are doing? 4y
Crazeedi @Butterfinger there is evil in the world and in many places and at all times. Wont be defeated till end time. I dont paint believers with a broad brush . Just like then when many were driven by fear, so too now. Fear makes people hate those who dont think like them. You see this from every side and every creed 4y
megnews @Butterfinger @Crazeedi I agree that fear causes such behavior. However, Christians are called to be set apart and Christlike. When we throw up our hands and accept the actions of people who profess to be Christians but do not act Christlike because “that‘s the way the way the world is,” we are so far from what God calls us to be. In fact the Bible commands us not to fear 365 times. Fear is not from God. “God has not given us a spirit of fear ⬇️ 4y
megnews But of power and of LOVE and of a sound mind.” We cannot sit idly by not condemning un Christlike actions because of fear. We must bring the light and truth of scripture to evil. This is true of the Inquisition, the Holocaust, and the continued division we see in our country today. (edited) 4y
megnews As you can tell I‘m passionate on this subject. From a non religious POV, I also don‘t think a lot of what happened in this atrocity was about fear, but of greed. To take land, homes, possessions, good jobs they felt entitled to. (Same with Holocaust.) Definitely not a Christian motive. Beck to religion, forced faith definitely not modeled by Jesus or what the Bible calls for. Anyway. I‘ll quit. 😊 4y
Crazeedi @megnews well said and we believers have to continue to stand in truth and love. Big hug fellow traveler!💗 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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megnews She openly practiced her faith, heritage, and community. And Eliana seemed to heartily embrace it. She also gave her the ability to be a child longer as she was not having to care for a parent as Amalia did. (edited) 4y
Crazeedi She gave her daughter a fixed foundation, that she didnt have. Even when they went from Christian to Muslim communities, she showed her how to navigate those worlds and still retain her Jewish identity 4y
sblbooks @Crazeedi @megnews Agreed Eliana did not have the mixed signals that Amelia had growing up. 4y
Butterfinger Eliana got to experience a different religion without discrimination. That was awesome to me. Amalia didn't get that. She was forced to pretend. 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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megnews It is a ritual purification. I think they could do it when they needed cleansed from the things of this world. I think it is beautiful. 4y
Crazeedi Ritual washing after your menstrual period, and this was the part of the story that resonated with me the most. It reminds me of the connection women feel with their bodies and water and the earth 4y
Deblovestoread There is comfort in rituals. I find this one beautiful. 4y
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megnews @Kdgordon88 I do too. 4y
megnews @Crazeedi it really resonated with me as well. 4y
sblbooks @megnews well said 4y
Butterfinger @Crazeedi I love your answer. 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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megnews I think he probably wouldn‘t. He had basically left it behind and seemed ok with it. He seemed less religious in general than her mom. I also don‘t think he would have wanted Amalia to take that risk. It was practicality to him I think. 4y
Crazeedi I really dont think it was important to him, he had left behind his Jewish faith when he converted and had such a prominent position at court. Men usually can choose a course and just move on which is what her father did 4y
Deblovestoread @Crazeedi I agree with you both. The author didn‘t give any indication that he longed for a connection to his past faith. 4y
sblbooks I concur 4y
Butterfinger One of my few disappointments with the book. 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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megnews I think Amalia just wants to learn her faith from her mother and obviously she did get that from her. I think Amalia needed her father to help her carry on the faith but obviously that didn‘t happen. It‘s incredible she was so young but stayed drawn to the faith. 4y
Crazeedi Amalia was fascinated by her fathers talent as mapmaker, and the lineage of her family by how the maps were passed by the previous generation, but he tie to her mother was much stronger as most times girls will be. And the secrecy that went with he mothers hidden faith I'm sure played in to her deep connection 4y
Deblovestoread Amalia had a strong connection to her faith as her mother did and she wanted to live in her faith in spite of what was happening to the Jewish community. I think she was disappointed not to get the same from her father. I grew up with a mother who found her religion while we were kids. It created many issues and mixed messages from my parents. 4y
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sblbooks Amelia was very close to her mother and that is one reason she chose to follow Judaism. I was much closer to my mom and grandmothers than the males in my family. I agree with everyone regarding, the disappointment she felt toward her father. 4y
Butterfinger Amalia was disappointed with her father which is why she felt so drawn to Judah's family. That was her conviction. She showed respect to her father, living for him till he died. A good daughter. I wanted him to repent on his deathbed and be treated as a Hebrew for his burial. I didn't get the strong tie between the atlas and the Abrahamavel family. The atlas was made by a converso. And they were fleeing because they didn't want to convert. 4y
megnews @Butterfinger when I read this part what came to mind is something I‘ve always heard. The funeral is not for the dead but the living. I think it was appropriate for Amalia to honor her father in this way. 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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Why do you think this is? How do you think it worked for them and their family? How difficult would it be? Is there a right or wrong way to do this?

#overbookedclub

megnews I think her father was just a practical man trying to survive the times. I think her mother probably knew from the beginning she didn‘t plan to leave her faith. They seem to agree to disagree. And while ultimately it split the family, I think it was so important for Amalia (and could have been for the other girls) for their mom to carry this on. I think it would be incredibly difficult to deny the faith you love and not raise your children in it. 4y
megnews As far as a right or wrong way, on the end, it‘s probably best for kids to be raised in one faith to avoid confusion or family discord, but I think they made this work for them. I don‘t think they really had another choice. 4y
Crazeedi The father was definitely caring about his position as mapmaker to the royals. At that tim women would be less likely to push their ideas. 4y
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Deblovestoread I agree. I think her father was trying to provide for his family amid the stress of their times when his faith was a detriment. Her mom wanted to maintain her faith as best she could but presenting two conflicting paths, one public and one private, created more stress and conflict among the siblings and in her marriage. 4y
megnews @Kdgordon88 I agree. I thought it was unfortunate only Amalia kept to the faith of their mother and the wedge between the siblings. 4y
sblbooks @Kdgordon88 @megnews @Crazeedi Yes, her father was the Practical one, while her mom was a woman of faith. I agree, it's unfortunate that the siblings were torn apart because of this. 4y
Butterfinger Traditionally, it was the mother who teaches and models the religion and the father enforces it. I don't think Amalia's father was 100% one way or another. He was truly trying to protect his family even going so far as to dishonor his own parents. I related to the roles. I'm the one who teaches the prayers and reads the Bible to the while my husband only makes sure they go to church. I don't think I even know what I am trying to say. I saw it as being realistic. 4y
megnews @Butterfinger I understand what you‘re saying and it‘s how I saw it too. I don‘t know that he necessarily rejected his religion so much as he did what he had to to survive and for his family to prosper. 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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#OverBookedClub, Discussion starts now! Join in when you can.

Crazeedi @megnews @sblbooks thanks for hosting 4y
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kspenmoll
Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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Cinfhen Great!! And happy belated birthday 🥳 4y
Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 4y
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melissajayne
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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Pickpick

4⭐️ I really liked the lyricism of the book and also how I could envision the characters and Amalia‘s journey between Spain and Portugal. #2021 #fiction #bookreview #bookstagram #historicalfiction #buddyreads #overbookedclub #readalong #litsyatoz2021 #m #readingeurope2021 #spain 🇪🇸

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kspenmoll
Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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#overbookedclub #Emcat #catsoflitsy

““I have never been alone.”
I put the atlas on the chair and close my trunk. “I‘m ready,” I say, feeling the souls of my people as they follow me down the stairs and out into the dying light toward the ship that will take me somewhere.”

This book...❤️❤️❤️❤️

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kspenmoll
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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#overbookedclub #Poestail #catsoflitsy #literarycrew
Learned so much from these books regarding The Jewish people and their role in the world as “perpetual outsiders.”Beautifully written,the tagged book is the story of Amalia Riba as she and her people move from place to place in 15th century Iberia.The other takes place in 1911-1917 Europe.A family molded after the Rothschild‘s deals with loss, ant-Semitism, war, family duty.Loved both books!

Librarybelle ❤️❤️❤️ 4y
megnews I really enjoyed Mapmaker. Stacking 3y
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kspenmoll
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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kspenmoll
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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kspenmoll
Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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#soar
“Soar, don‘t settle...Use your voice.” Judah to Amalia.
#overbookedclub

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kspenmoll
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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review
megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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Pickpick

What a life! I‘ve wanted to read this for so long and it didn‘t disappoint. I‘m looking forward to discussion with #OverBookedClub.

rockpools I‘ve enjoyed the quotes you‘ve posted from this. 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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BookishMarginalia #Truth 🤦🏻‍♀️ 4y
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megnews
Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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I‘m a little ahead in my reading and I have to say chapter 19 is my favorite. The foreshadowing of Isabella and the writing is terrific.

#OverBookedClub

megnews Just finished chapter 19. Ends on a sad note. 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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Whatever that is.

#OverBookedClub

melissajayne Never such thing as a good war. 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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kspenmoll Love this! 4y
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Crazeedi
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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Pickpick

#OverbookedClub @megnews @sblbooks
#BookSpin @TheAromaofBooks #20
#booked2021 @Cinfhen @4thhouseontheleft @BarbaraTheBibliophage #20 Jewish author main character
#TBRRead @AkashaVampie
What a great story, I'm ready to discuss! My favorite quotes are in the photo

Cinfhen Yay!! Thanks for posting and sharing 💕 4y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
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review
sblbooks
Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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Mehso-so

🌟🌟🌟
I enjoyed learning about Jewish customs, and some early Spanish history. The book started off strong however, in the end I felt it was anti-climatic. I did not care for the Diego storyline AT ALL. In addition, How can a book titled the Mapmakers Daughter not include a map? #OverbookedClub @megnews

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kspenmoll
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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#weeklyforecast
#nonfiction #memoir #audiobooks #mystery #nonfiction21 #somethingabouthistory #overbookedclub #sundaybuddyread

📚 Obama- I ch; 8th detective 1 ch
📚Fallout -22 pgs
📚Map- next section
📚Family V-4 chs
📚Inquiry- next section

Cinfhen 🎉🎉🎉 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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#OverBookedClub, if you‘re following the suggested reading schedule, our first section is coming to an end. I‘m midway through the second section and really enjoying it. How‘s everyone else‘s reading coming along? Thoughts so far?

Crazeedi I am midway too. I am really enjoying it. I'm where she is in Granada. I love that she went with her heart but I have a feeling it's going to be broken. I love that she felt her Jewish blood ties and followed her faith. I love her connection with Judah's family too. Her sister and children were evil. Actually both sisters. I love the fact shes telling the story as an older woman 4y
Butterfinger I will catch up as soon as the book arrives. 4y
Crazeedi @Butterfinger I'm waiting for one for a different buddy read too, so I feel your pain!! 4y
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sblbooks I am enjoying it so far. I'm at about 71% through. I plan on finishing it this weekend. 4y
Deblovestoread I‘ve made a small dent but will get caught up this weekend. 4y
DanaManiac I am enjoying it very much! I feel like I‘m really getting to know each of the characters without it being too slow. 4y
kspenmoll I am really enjoying it. Finished first section. 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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#OverBookedClub don‘t forget to grab your copy for our January #buddyread!

catebutler 🎉🎉 4y
CoffeeNBooks Looking forward to reading this one! 4y
megnews @CoffeeNBooks me too! I‘ve had it on my list forever! 4y
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Crazeedi I'm going to try to find this from Libby 4y
Crazeedi @megnews Whoohoo! I found it and borrowed it! I'll be participating 4y
kspenmoll I am going to try & find this too! 4y
megnews @kspenmoll great! I hope you can! 4y
DanaManiac I‘ll join in on this! ☺️ 4y
megnews @DanaManiac glad to have you! 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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And the winner is...The Mapmaker‘s Daughter. Anyone is welcome to join this January #BuddyRead.

#OverBookedClub

catebutler Yay!! Can‘t wait. 👏🏼 4y
CoffeeNBooks I'm really looking forward to reading this! 4y
Deblovestoread Looking forward to this read! 4y
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Readswithcoffee Thanks! 4y
sblbooks This one sounds really good! 4y
megnews @Crazeedi I don‘t know how I missed tagging you on this 4y
Crazeedi This looks great, and thanks for tag, I'd like to read with you 4y
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megnews
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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A story of 1492 Spain. Planning to read this month. Has anyone read this?

#GetOuttheMap #LilithJuly

Crazeedi It's on my tbr list!! 5y
KarenUK This sounds fascinating.... 💕 5y
Cinfhen On my TBR too!!!! Sounds really good!!!! 5y
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review
chavalah
The Mapmaker's Daughter | Laurel Corona
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Pickpick

The prose was a little purple, especially around the novel's main romance. And for a work set in 15th century Spain, Amalia did come off as a little too modern sometimes. The story follows the plight of conversos and Jews up until their expulsion, and Corona definitely did her research on historical figures. Also, despite all my whining about modernization, I felt a personal pull towards Amalia's story and her quest for a Jewish community.

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