The small magic of “The Familiar”
Spoiler-free review of The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
During the reign of Phillip II, a young Sephardic Jewess working as a scullion finds her life turned upside down when her employer discovers that she possesses a strange gift—the ability to create small miracles, or milagritos. This is the last thing that Luzia Cotado wants; after all, Spain is in the merciless grip of the Inquisition, when all heresy is forbidden. The tightrope between magic and religion is fragile, and Luzia must balance carefully between them while also concealing her cultural and spiritual background, keeping her patron happy, and finding the meaning of her own power. Such is the beginning of Luzia’s journey in The Familiar, the latest novel from bestselling author Leigh Bardugo.
“If the bread hadn’t burned, this would be a very different story.”
A fascinating blend of magic realism and historical fiction, The Familiar tackles the role of women in the 16th century, the hypocrisy and cruelty of the Inquisition, and the struggles of a community forced to hide itself in plain sight. There is so much to unpack about a story like this; Luzia’s tale is a multifaceted one, layered with longing, romance, linguistics, code switching, and suffering. But our heroine isn’t alone on her adventure—the eponymous “familiar” is Guillén Santángel, an immortal being forced to do the bidding of his master. Against all odds, Luzia and Santángel are drawn together by the magic she is only beginning to understand.
The novel is positively dripping with witty dialogue, vibrant metaphors, sexual tension, and seamless integration of historical detail, making it a joy to read (especially if you’re the type of person who sees a movie in your head when you get immersed in a good book). Luzia in particular is an intriguing main character; Bardugo has crafted a believable heroine who can also share the stage with other female dramatis personae, namely the characters of her aunt, her boss, and her competition. The four women may live very different lives and embody separate roles in society, but their struggles are not so distinct from each other. After finishing the book, I found myself contemplating their individuality, and thinking about what power a woman has in the world…especially when she has to perform or make herself more appealing. Does one of these women suffer more than the others, or is the plight of one woman the plight of all women?
Ultimately, the novel is a sweeping and complex view of Spain’s multicultural history, embroidered with colorful threads of enchantment, symbolism, and romance. I was enraptured from the very first line, and feel so proud to have been able to experience it before its release date.
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would read again: 10/10
Personal recommendation: Read this book if you like historical fiction that feels natural instead of stuffy. Perfect for fans of slow-burn romance and the supernatural.
Favorite line(s): “Desert hair, her mother had called it. Luzia hadn’t understood what it meant at the time, but it had pleased her because it felt special… Hair that had survived the destruction of the temple, the Roman legions, the long road to Morocco, that had endured conquest, and conversion, to be tied up like a secret in her little white cap. Hair of the sands, of sun-washed stones, of a horizon she would never see.”
(Details for parents—this book is not for kids. It contains sexual imagery, mentions of torture in the context of the Spanish Inquisition, and has overall adult themes.)
The Familiar is available on April 9, 2024. You can preorder a copy from Something Novel by clicking here. Preorders will receive a free gift inspired by the novel!
