The Spanish Brothers
The Spanish Brothers
by Deborah Alcock
A gripping story of two young bothers, Juan and Carlos, in Spain during the Inquisition. The two were devoted to each other, and from the time that they were but boys, they had planned and fancied how they would find their father, who had been lost and was believed dead long ago. They wondered at the phrase carved in glass by their father's hand,
"El Dorado
Yo hé trovado"
"I have found El Dorado"
They dreamed of what the great treasure he had found had been.
The brothers grew up, Carlos, the younger and more delicate of the two, went into training to be a Catholic priest, Juan to be a soldier. Carlos was well taught in the Catholic faith, and on the verge of becoming a priest when he met Juliano Hernandez, whose influence would change him forever. Juliano was not a Catholic, but a follower a Christ, part of those who were chosen to suffer for His name. Julian gave Carlos a Spanish New Testament, which was very scarce and dangerous to have on one's keeping. After reading the Testament in his language, Carlos' eyes were opened to the Truth and he was truly changed.
The storm clouds were gathering over the little band of Christians in Seville, and growing ever blacker. Soon, the rain began to fall. Carlos is seized by the Alguazils and taken away…
Written in 1898, this amazing story chronicles the lives of Juan and Carlos, though fictional characters, their suffering and trials are very real, many records tell of countless similar circumstances. The Inquisition, the Question, the Auto-de-fé… Those heroic men and women stood firm in the face of great persecution, a light much stronger than the darkness around them shined, and they were conquerors! An excellent story! On reading it, our present troubles are lost, not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to come. I recommend to all!
NOTICE: Some readers may not find it to be as exciting as they had expected in the beginning and will be tempted to peek at the end of the book, DO NOT! The end is well worth waiting for!
Those of you who are familiar with the quote below my name on the forums maybe be interested to know that it came from this book.
"My country is there
Beyond the star pricked with the last peak of snow." ~E.B. Browning
~ Star Dust