The Handless Maiden: Moriscos and the Politics of Religion in Early Modern Spain (Jews, Christians, and Muslims from the Ancient to the Modern World Book 22)

This book is one of the most interesting that I’ve read in a long time. It outlines the history of Moriscos in Spain during the Reconquista, and the dispersal from Spain. It also discusses how women held agencies within this culture by defying authorities and retaining Muslim culture and religious practices. It’s also a really easy and fun read!

Mary Elizabeth Perry concentrates on the Morisco experience in Granada. From her book it is possible to conclude that the unwritten history is far more dangerous than the written. With few personal accounts to draw from, we are left to examine the Moriscos based on a sample population who may or may not have represented the majority. Many of those who did keep records were trying to save their Muslim heritage. With those records, Perry concludes that the Moriscos in Granada were closet Muslims.

Excellent book