Mystery set mainly in LAS VEGAS and LONDON
Novel set in 16th Century MADRID
20th May 2025
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo, novel set in 16th Century Madrid.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is the first of the author’s books that I’ve read, and I just loved it for its originality. While the idea of a book of historical fiction really appeals, I wouldn’t usually pick up a novel that involves magic and the supernatural – but in this case I’m thrilled that I did. Bardugo creates a wonderful fictional world which is based on Spain in the Golden Age of the 16th century. It is fantastically detailed and (as far as I can tell) accurately researched. Her characters are colourfully drawn and engaging. Throw in an intense romance and there is something for everyone in this accomplished book.
Victor Parades is a Spanish nobleman who is ambitious for promotion to the royal court of King Philip II. Parades needs to impress the king. His servant, Santángel – the “familiar” of the title – is his reluctant accomplice in his scheming; an enabler who seeks out talented young people who can help their cause. They settle on a young scullery maid, Luiza Cotado, who has a talent for little miracles that amaze and entertain. However, neither they, nor Luiza herself, fully realise the power that the girl can wield. Their future fortunes – indeed their very existence – come to depend on Luiza’s skills.
Luiza’s situation has always been precarious. She’s an impoverished servant, sleeping on the dirt floor of her employer’s kitchen, and she is expendable. Her best policy is to remain invisible, because by attracting attention to herself she becomes more vulnerable. Yet her aunt has taught her how to put her magic skills to good use – and it comes in handy to be able to un-burn the bread or mend a broken pot in the scullery by quietly singing special words to them. So far, so harmless.
When her aunt’s lover visits, Luiza is taken under Santángel’s wing, and she’s taught how to conduct herself in society in order to compete in a magic contest. If she wins it helps Parades’ ambitions and for Luiza it’s also a way out of her impoverished life. Luiza herself is courageous and when she realises the power that she can conjure, she enjoys it – to begin with. When it becomes plain that Luiza can tap into incredibly powerful magic, the spirited girl realises she must use it with caution. Raising her profile in order to promote her sponsor, Parades, risks their enemies making enquiries about her and her family that can only end badly. For this is the time of the Spanish Inquisition and any hint of heresy could lead to punishment or death.
Bardugo keeps a beautiful balance between exploring the characters’ personalities, their needs and desires, and describing the world she has created. I particularly liked the tension in the unequal relationship between Luiza and Santángel. Other characters are complex and not necessarily what they seem to be. Luiza has to learn who she can trust.
Most of the book’s action takes place in Madrid but of course it is a different city than its 21st century equivalent. Bardugo describes the grinding poverty of the hot, oppressive streets in the capital in contrast with the pools, fountains and opulent excesses of the noble residences: the two extremes of Spanish society at the time. The sights, smells and sensations that her characters experience bring her world to life.
The Familiar is recommended to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, with a touch of magic and supernatural. If – like me – you’re new to the author’s work, I’d recommend approaching it with an open mind and I expect you to be very pleasantly surprised.
Sue for the TripFiction Team
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