Marci S. (MarciNYC) reviewed on 12/9/2005

Helpful Score: 4

A gripping tale set in Spain during the Inquisition. This is the story of a princess, Maria Luisa (nee Marie Louise de Bourbon), wife of Carlos II of Spain; and Francisca, daughter of a silkworm farmer in rural Spain. Born on the same day, their lives take different paths, but both lead to tragic fates.

I have only read one other of Kathryn Harrison's books ('The Binding Chair') and liked it enough to search out more of her work. 'Poison' gripped me almost from the beginning - Harrison's prose weaves a compelling story that I was hard pressed to put this down to sleep. I don't like it nearly as much as 'The Binding Chair' but would recommend it to others to read.

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