80 pages 2 hours read

Adam Gidwitz

The Inquisitor’s Tale

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In medieval France, three children with magical powers—Jeanne, a prophetic peasant girl; William, a strong monk-in-training; and Jacob, a Jewish boy with healing powers—embark on a journey, pursued by knights, to reach Saint-Denis while fostering mutual understanding despite their diverse backgrounds and overcoming numerous challenges with the help of Jeanne’s resurrected dog, Gwenforte, and others they meet along the way. The book portrays instances of religious intolerance and violence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz is celebrated for its imaginative narrative, rich historical context, and engaging storytelling. Critics laud its complex characters and thought-provoking themes, but some note the pacing occasionally drags. Overall, it is a captivating read suitable for both young and older audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Inquisitor’s Tale ?

Readers who would enjoy The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz are likely fans of historical fiction and fantasy, especially those who appreciated the mix of adventure and history in books like The Canterbury Tales and The Book Thief. Ideal for ages 10 and up, these readers enjoy rich storytelling with moral complexity and medieval settings.

Recommended

Reading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

620L

Book Details

Genre

Children's Literature

Historical Fiction

Fantasy

Topics

History: World

Religion / Spirituality