Incantation

Hoffman, Alice. 2006. Incantation.

With a title like Incantation, one doesn't know quite what to expect. I certainly didn't expect to find the book to be about a Jewish family living in sixteenth century Spain masquerading as Catholics trying to blend in during the Inquisition. But that is exactly what Incantation is about. Mostly.

Estrella deMadrigal is a girl on the verge of womanhood and just beginning to experience life. Her best friend, Catalina, her neighbor is her dearest companion. They've grown up 'Raven' and 'Crow' (both nicknamed for their black hair) laughing and sharing everything until the summer when Catalina's cousin Andres came to live with them. Suddenly, the girls' friendship is threatened. Catalina has every expectation--as does her family--in her making a match with her cousin. Andres has different plans. He's fallen for the attractive neighbor, the best friend, the lovely Estrella. Estrella try as she may can't stop thinking about him either. But what will their attraction mean to everyone in this dangerous time?

Will Catalina's friendship and love turn to bitter hatred? Will she seek the ultimate revenge on her friend and her family?

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