Friday Memes: The Inquisitor's Tale by Adam Gidwitz

Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader and Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice.

The Inquisitor's Tale: or three magical children and their holy dog by Adam Gidwitz. 360 p. Dutton Children's Books/ Penguin Young Readers Group, September 27, 2016. 9780525426165.

Publisher synopsis: 1242. On a dark night, travelers from across France cross paths at an inn and begin to tell stories of three children: William, an oblate on a mission from his monastery; Jacob, a Jewish boy who has fled his burning village; and Jeanne, a peasant girl who hides her prophetic visions. They are accompanied by Jeanne's loyal greyhound, Gwenforte . . . recently brought back from the dead.

As the narrator collects their tales, the story of these three unlikely allies begins to come together.

Their adventures take them on a chase through France to escape prejudice and persecution and save precious and holy texts from being burned. They’re taken captive by knights, sit alongside a king, and save the land from a farting dragon. And as their quest drives them forward to a final showdown at Mont Saint-Michel, all will come to question if these children can perform the miracles of saints.

Beloved bestselling author Adam Gidwitz makes his long awaited return with his first new world since his hilarious and critically acclaimed Grimm series. Featuring manuscript illuminations throughout by illustrator Hatem Aly and filled with Adam’s trademark style and humor, The Inquisitor's Tale is bold storytelling that’s richly researched and adventure-packed.

First Line: The king is ready for war.


Page 56: Silence settles over the table. I say, "That did not happen."
     The little nun shrugs. "Indeed it did."
     "He beat them to death with a donkey's leg?"
     "That's the craziest thing I ever heard," Marie puts in.
     I try to sound nonchalant when I turn to the old monk. "Jerome, you're a man of God. Do you consider what William did-a miracle?"

I had the privilege of hearing Mr. Gidwitz speak about this book twice and am very excited to read it. It has already received a ton of starred reviews. Here's a link to a book trailer.