"This book is about belief, which can be both powerful and dangerous, and has a resonance for the times we live in today." Theresa Breslin
Shortlisted for the UKLA Children’s Book Award
Shortlisted for the Northern Ireland Children’s Book Award
Longlisted for the 2011 United Kingdom Literacy Association Book Award
Nominated for the Carnegie Medal
›› Guardian Interview ‹‹
Zarita, only daughter of the town magistrate, lives a life of wealth and privilege. Indulged by her parents, she is free to spend her days as she pleases, enjoying herself in the company of an eligible young nobleman, horse riding, or leisurely studying the arts.
Saulo, son of a family reduced by circumstances to begging, witnesses his father wrongfully arrested and dealt with in the most horrifying way. Hauled off to be a slave at sea and pursued by pirates he encounters the ambitious mariner explorer, Christopher Columbus. Throughout his hardships Saulo is determined to survive - for he has sworn vengeance on the magistrate and his family.
As Zarita's life also undergoes harsh changes the formidable and frightening Inquisition arrives in the area, bringing menacing shadows of suspicion with acts of cruel brutality - and ultimately, amid the intrigues of the court of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in the splendid Moorish city of Granada, betrayal and revenge...
PAGE TO STAGE COMPETITION
Page to Stage Competition – Winners Announced
Theresa visits Farnborough Hill School.
meets staff and pupils and is shown the filming locations of the winning entry.
View the winning videos and others submitted via Youtube