This immense novel clocks in at nearly 400 pages and is set among the tumultuous, violent, vibrant world of 17th century Spain. Growing up amidst a culture obsessed with limpieza de sangre, or the 'purity' of one's background, our hero Vicente de Rocamora juggles the truth of his heritage with his ambitions -- and that of his family.

The feel of the novel is like Margaret George meets Emilio Salgari: meaty, weighty, huge, enormously detailed, with a kind of swashbuckling hero and a melodramatic setting. 

Unsure of his own heritage and his limpieza de sangre, a teenaged Vicente is forced by his very vile relatives to become Dominican priest.  His nautral intelligence and curiosity give him wisdom and the foresight to grab opportunities when they come; his natural charisma leads him to ladies.  Becoming confessor to the King's sister, Infanta Maria (later the Empress of Austria), Vicente uses his influence and stature to get revenge on those who betrayed him and to wrest control of the Inquisition, hoping to put an end to the outrageous torture and stifling effect religion had on Spanish society. (And there is torture in this one -- I sometimes found it hard to read!)

All this might seem pretty over-the-top, but Vicente de Rocamora is a real historical figure, whose life is the stuff of novels.  Platt has clearly done his research: every page drips with details of the era, and the effect is almost overwhelming.  (It is undoubtedly educational.)

There's a real saga-like feel to this one, too, as if we've followed Vicente his whole life, although the book only covers 26 years -- 1617 to 1643.  I think the book could have used a little tightening and some editing down, but overall, it's a pretty grand historical adventure.

Also, this book has the most amazing conclusion -- jaw-dropping, cinematic, really -- and makes for a fine ending or cliffhanger, depending on your mood. (Which, if you find it to be cliff-hanger-y, you'll be happy: there's a sequel!)

There are three pages of historical notes, and opens with a summary of the rest of Vicente's life, so if you plan to read the sequel, considering skipping down the page. There's info on the value of money during the era as well as an extensive cast list (helpful for keeping everyone straight!). ( )

My knowledge of the history of Spain is lacking in comparison to my knowledge of the history of England and France. Therefore any time I find a book that can educate me about Spanish history I jump all over it. When that book also keeps me enthralled and turning the pages it's a bonus.

Rocamora is the first of two books based in fact. While little is left to history of the real Rocamora Mr. Platt builds a tale from can be found. This first book takes through Vicente Rocoamora's adolescence - where his learning is more "of the street" than the typical training path of a young noble. A vendetta of sorts has left him, a second son, on the outside of the family holdings as his father is killed and his addled older brother is under the control of the family enemy. Vicente is forced into the priesthood but little do they know the levels to which he will climb.

The book does take place during the last years of the Spanish Inquisition - which is not one of Spain's shining moments in history. It does not shy away from the horrors that were visited upon the poor souls who fell into its keeping. These passages are not easy to read but any book that covers difficult subjects such as these are difficult - much evil has been perpetrated throughout history in the name of God.

This is a history lover's book. There is lots of (at least to me) fascinating detail about all facets of life during this time. Vicente as a character is very fleshed out and despite his stand offishness I rather liked him. I'm already 3/4s of the way through the second book and it's just as good as this one. This is a book jam packed with fascinating historical information and written in such a way as to draw the reader in from page one. It is one of those books where I was tapping, tapping, tapping to turn the pages of my Nexus. I've learned a bit more about the history of Spain and about a very interesting man who played a role in that history. ( )