The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is an enchanting tale set in 16th century Spain. Luzia Cotado is a scullion of secret Jewish heritage. Protecting her true lineage in a country ruled by the Inquisition requires Luzia to keep a low profile. Although well-read, intelligent, and witty, Luzia must play the part of the illiterate, dull scullion to retain her safety. What makes Luzia’s situation even more precarious is her ability for small magical acts: un-burning bread, fixing broken glasses, making plants grow…
Yet Luzia’s small acts of magic soon catch the eye of her master, Valentina, and she is subsequently put on display to Madrid society to demonstrate her magic. Luzia is but a bargaining chip in Valentina’s desire to climb the social ladder, yet the attention upon Luzia grows as she attracts the attention of men of influence. Her aunt’s lover, the inexplicably lucky and powerful Victor de Paredes becomes Luzia’s patron with the aim for Luzia to be entered into the holy torneo to display her talents for the king. Paredes’ true aim, of course, is to wield power and influence over the king through Luzia’s abilities, or “milagritos.” Paredes’ servant, the mysterious and enigmatic white-haired, silver-eyed Santangel becomes a sort of magical tutor to Luzia.
Santangel and Luzia form a unique bond, her power magnified by his unexplainable history. In time, he reveals his own impossible secrets. He is Luzia’s shadow and protector during the torneo entailing three trials in which Luzia must compete against three other competitors with their own unique abilities (some real, some illusion.) Bardugo is also careful to give Luzia her own agency and ability to save herself rather than be saved by a man, while still leaving the reader satisfied with the equitable relationship between Santangel and Luzia.
The Familiar is actually the first book I’ve read by Leigh Bardugo, and I now understand why people love her work. In this tale, she has woven an engaging narrative and complex characters in combination with bite sized chapters to keep the pace moving as well as keeping the reader guessing. The Familiar does not romanticize or gloss over the darkness of power and men who would wield it, of violence, of self preservation vs. selflessness. Quite honestly, I did not want this story to end. And although The Familiar is self-contained, I would love to see more of Santangel and Luzia. That said, the end of The Familiar is absolutely beautiful.
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