Lion Feuchtwanger published this historical novel in 1955. It’s set in Spain during the second half of the 12th century, which is what we typically think of when we think of the Middle Ages. It’s the time of Richard the Lionheart and the Crusades, both of which make appearances in Feuchtwanger’s novel.
In 12th century Spain, King Alfonso VIII of Castile is battling the Moors who rule a large part of the Iberic Peninsula. He is one of the novel’s three central characters, the other two being Jehuda ibn Esra and his daughter Raquel. Jehuda is the character I found it easiest to identify with. As a Jew, he overcomes prejudice to attain influence in the Christian King’s court, using it to build the kingdom’s economy and help those in need. I’m not Jewish, I’m not influential in or outside any King’s court, and I don’t live in medieval Spain, yet I can relate to Jehuda’s struggle to do the right thing. I can’t remember having read any other novel that goes as deeply and plausibly into its characters’ inner lives, even though they live in a time far removed in time and thinking from our own.
Nehaveigur 