A teenager in danger runs away from home and hides himself aboard a pirate’s ship. Once he is found as a stowaway, his life really begins.
José, like just about any other teen, doesn’t like being made to study. He is upset that he knows so much more than others because they make fun of him for being so smart. Even those older than him call him an over-educated freak. He can even speak five languages! I’m a bit jealous of him. Still, his father, the colonial treasurer on Santo Domingo and a Jew, makes him study and do his lessons to increase his knowledge.
When José’s father is taken prisoner by de Guzman for the Inquisition, José escapes and boards The Laqish, a pirate ship. He is captured as a stowaway. The only thing that saves him from being thrown overboard is when the captain discovers he is a Jew. And now his education begins again. But even now, he is not totally committed to learning about his people, the Jews, although he does find it very interesting; he is more interested in learning how to become a pirate! But he also learns just how valuable the education his father has been giving him is.
This is the first graphic novel I’ve read, so I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy it. So did I? Yes! While reading this great story, you learn about the Spanish Inquisition, a time when the Roman Catholic Church found and punished people that didn’t accept and follow its beliefs and practices. There were many countries such an inquisition took place in, but according to Britannica.com, the Spanish Inquisition took place from June 1391 to July 1834.
The pictures bring the story to life right in front of your eyes! You can tell what the characters are thinking by the looks shown on their faces. The struggle of the Jews to remain free and just how much it meant to them can be clearly seen.
This is the story of how José, a Jew, survives during such dangerous times. This is also the story of a young boy learning to love his heritage and honor the teachings of his father.
Recommended Article: From the Screen to the Page (and Back Again?) – Guest Post by Arnon Z. Shorr
Here is a preview to the film, The Pirate Captain Toledano. It costs $1.99 to buy or $0.99 to rent, but it is definitely worth the money. And it is a great introduction to the book.
If you would like to purchase a copy of this book, I’ve provided an Amazon link right below the video.
Amazon Links:
Jose and the Pirate Captain Toledano
Favorite Sentence:
The Inquisition will live on and you will be like a rabbit in the woods, forever afraid of the wolves in the night. (No, I’m not a fan of the Inquisition; I just like that sentence.)
About the Author and Illustrator:
Arnon Z. Shorr, a filmmaker and screenwriter, loves telling stories. Half-Sepharadi / half-Ashkenazi, a Hebrew speaker in America, a Jewish private-school kid in a mostly non-Jewish suburb, whenever he’d set foot in one world, his other foot would betray him as different. That’s why he tells stories that embrace the peculiar and the other. For more about Arnon, visit www.arnonshorr.com. Formerly of Los Angeles, he lives in Boston.
Joshua Edelglass’ work has appeared in publications including Tikkun Magazine, and The New Haven Review. His artwork has also appeared in numerous exhibitions, including Pow! Jewish Comics Art and Influence at the Brooklyn Jewish Art Museum. He has watched Star Trek II more times than is probably healthy. For more information about Josh, visit www.MotionPicturesComics.com. He is the Assistant Director of Camp Ramah New England and lives near Boston.
Bonus Video:
Christians who didn’t agree with the doctrine of the Catholic Church were also targeted during the Inquisition. Below is one of my favorite videos.
I am so glad you enjoyed ‘José and the Pirate Captain Toledano’!