The Mona Charen Show A Novel About the Spanish Inquisition
Jun 23, 2025
Linda Chavez, an accomplished author and radio talk show host, dives into her debut novel, The Silver Candlesticks, inspired by her discovery of her Jewish ancestry persecuted during the Spanish Inquisition. They discuss themes of religious identity and repression, illustrating parallels with modern immigration challenges. The conversation delves into cultural histories, the intricacies of personal identity amidst persecution, and the pressing need for reform in today's immigration policies. Chavez's narrative reminds us of the enduring impacts of historical injustices.
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Family History Uncovered
- Linda Chavez discovered her 12th great grandmother was investigated by the Spanish Inquisition on Finding Your Roots.
- She found her family were secret Jews or "conversos" who practiced Judaism in secret after forced conversion.
Secret Jews and Conversion
- Many Jews converted to Catholicism in Spain to keep their property and avoid expulsion.
- Secret Jews, or "conversos," intermarried and practiced Judaism in hiding to survive the Inquisition.
The Silver Candlesticks Symbolism
- Guillemar, the protagonist, is forced to marry a candle maker to protect her secret Jewish identity.
- The silver candlesticks symbolize Sabbath rituals and Jewish survival throughout the book.
