A Bed of Spices by Barbara Samuel is a historical romance set in 14th century Germany during The Black Death, focusing on the forbidden love story between Rica, a Catholic nobleman's daughter, and Solomon, a Jewish merchant's son aspiring to be a physician. The book delves into the societal constraints of the era, the impact of the plague, and the mistreatment of the Jewish population, all while exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the struggles faced by the characters in pursuing their desires against all odds.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with complex personalities and relatable struggles that enhance the emotional resonance of the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose and emotional depth, effectively transporting the reader to the historical setting.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a forbidden romance amid social and religious tensions, enriched with historical details about the era.

Setting:

The setting is vividly depicted, grounding the narrative in 14th century Strasbourg amidst the chaos of the Black Death.

Pacing:

The pacing of the story is well-structured, balancing tension and emotional moments, keeping readers captivated throughout.

Rica knelt in the confessional, smelling the sour, sharp scent of beeswax that had been rubbed into the wood. Stone flags met her knees. Beyond the screen, blocked with sheer white linen, the old prie...

Notes:

The story is set in 14th century Strasbourg, Germany during the Black Plague.

The main characters are Rica, a Catholic noblewoman, and Solomon, a Jewish physician's son.

The book explores themes of forbidden love and societal intolerance.

It highlights the harsh treatment of women and the Jewish population during this historical period.

The father in the story struggles with traditional views while trying to marry off his daughters.

The narrative includes dark themes, such as trauma and gang violence against women.

There are elements of magic and the idea of soul mates within the love story.

The relationship between Rica and Solomon is compared to Romeo and Juliet and is marked by societal constraints.

The writing includes rich historical detail, making it immersive and engaging.

It addresses the impact of superstitions and ignorance in relation to the Black Death and the persecution of Jews.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains several triggering themes including sexual violence, trauma, and the harsh realities faced by women during the historical period.

Has Romance?

The book contains a strong romance narrative that is central to the plot, depicted with depth and emotional weight.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

A Bed of Spices A heart wrenching and uplifting tale of forbidden love in the middle ages by a beloved and award-winning author. Solomon and Rica meet by chance at the herbalist's cottage and fall in love despite the divisions of religion, class, and expectations -- but how can they possibly find a happy ending with so many things stacked against them?

A haunting and triumphant romance you will not easily forget.

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A Bed of Spices

Barbara Samuel