Review: "Day of Atonement" by David Liss

I love this author!!! I have read a few of his other books, the Twelfth Enchantment, The Whiskey Rebels and the Coffee Trader to name a few and once again, he has delivered a great story!!! The setting of this tale is Lisbon, Portugal, 1745. It follows the life of Sebastiao Raposa, a thirteen year old whose parents are taken away in the Inquisition never to be seen by him again. Before they are taken, his father had arranged for him to be smuggled on a ship to London to a kind benefactor who takes him in and teaches him a trade. Ten years later, he returns to Lisbon to avenge the death of his parents and make the priest and the people responsible pay for their betrayal.

Mr. Liss is a masterful storyteller. He takes a historical occurrence, researches it thoroughly, and then weaves an unforgettable story around the event. The characters are always fascinating and fully developed. The storyline is complex and interesting. The story is not an easy summer read but it is definitely a page turner. There are twists and turns that leave you dizzy until you reach the last page and it all comes together.

If you have read and enjoyed David Liss previously, pick this book up, it does not disappoint. If you are not acquainted with him and his wonderful works, be prepared to meet an amazing storyteller who is sure to become one of your favorites too.