The Last Look A Tale of the Spanish Inquisition   By: William Henry Giles Kingston (1814-1880)

"The Last Look: A Tale of the Spanish Inquisition" by William Henry Giles Kingston offers readers a gripping and enlightening journey into one of the darkest periods of human history. Set during the infamous Spanish Inquisition, this historical novel delves deep into the lives of those affected by religious intolerance and persecution.

From the very first page, Kingston expertly captures the turbulent atmosphere of 15th-century Spain. The vivid descriptions of the time and place successfully transport readers to a world of fear, secrecy, and religious fervor. Through his meticulous research, the author meticulously recreates the Inquisition's oppressive atmosphere, effectively conveying the constant state of dread and suspicion that permeated society.

The characters in "The Last Look" are wonderfully developed and offer a well-rounded perspective on the era. We follow the story of Diego Alvarez, a brave young man who questions the oppressive religious ideologies enforced by the Inquisition. His journey of self-discovery and struggle against the powers that be is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Kingston masterfully portrays the conflicting emotions and moral dilemmas faced by Diego and other characters, forcing readers to ponder the price of personal conviction in the face of tyranny.

This book skillfully balances historical facts with a compelling narrative. Kingston's ability to seamlessly weave historical events and details into the plot ensures that readers are not only entertained but also educated about this dark chapter in human history. The author doesn't shy away from depicting the ruthless methods employed by the Inquisition, providing a stark reminder of the dangers of religious extremism and intolerance.

While the novel's pacing is generally well-maintained, there are moments where the narrative becomes slightly slow, occasionally deterring the overall reading experience. However, these instances are few and far between, and the book quickly regains its momentum as the story progresses.

"The Last Look" is a thought-provoking exploration of religious fanaticism, personal sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. William Henry Giles Kingston's captivating prose, combined with meticulous historical research, makes this novel an engaging and enlightening read. It serves as an essential reminder of the importance of religious freedom and the dangers of unchecked power. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for historical fiction enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the lasting impact of the Spanish Inquisition.

First Page:

Some years later the child is now grown up, and has two suitors, one of whom is a rich Catholic, and the other is a much poorer man but a Protestant. She and others are meeting at the house of a woman who often has such clandestine all Protestant meetings, when they hear that a person they all know has gone mad and has run around telling everyone about these Protestant meetings. The Inquisition of course, with spies everywhere, hears all about it. From then onward the story takes many of them to the jails of the Inquisition, and some are burnt at the auto da fe, a ritualised torture ceremony ending in death at the stake... Continue reading book >>