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Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Martin Abulafia is an intelligent young man who abandoned his studies after becoming disillusioned with the Roman Catholic church. The year is 1529 and Spain is at the height of its imperial power. This is also the time when the Spanish Inquisition wreaks havoc in Europe. Martin secures a place in the ship Duqueza Hermosa, one of the eleven Spanish ships going on a voyage to the New World. With Captain Juan Aruzza at the helm, the ill-fated ship landed in the island of Ludapar. From working in the bilge, the bilingual Martin is now one of the captain's trusted men. Working closely with the captain, the young man discovers the extent that his master will go to control his crew and enrich himself. He also discovers the role of the priests who are in the voyage with him who use religion for their own goals. In Ludapar, Martin becomes friendly with Rezuka who is the son of the tribe's healer. They develop close ties but this will soon be threatened by man's greed, ambition, cruelty and hunger for power.
"The Golden Island" is a historical fiction novel that tries to examine the nature of man. John Funke is obviously disillusioned with people who are willing to do anything for power and wealth. Captain Aruzza has lusted to take control of Ludapar's population and wealth as soon as his ship lands in the island. The island's elders, on the other hand, use religion to control their own people. This false morality is also practiced by the priests accompanying the Spaniards in the voyage. The idealistic Martin is thrust into a difficult situation when his moral stand is challenged by the ambitious men around him. Herein lies the conflict in the story and the reader is thrown into this moral dilemma. This is because John Funke writes with rich detail and vivid imagination. Fast-paced and suspenseful, this is a story that has repeated itself in history over and over again. After reading this novel, I am confronted with the sad truth that there is so much to be desired in the nature of man. It is a compelling read!
