What did you know about the time period before reading the novel? Had you heard of any of the real-life figures before reading it?

What did you know about the time period before reading the novel? Had you heard of any of the real-life figures before reading it? Did you learn anything new about 16th century Spain?

I knew generally about the Inquisition but was not familiar with any of the real-life figures before reading it. It was interesting to read the blurb at the end describing the real-life folks. (Of course, I was familiar with Elizabeth, but seeing her from the Spanish perspective was intriguing.)

I knew a bit about the time period, being an avid reader of historical fiction with a particular affinity to the 16th century.

I knew a lot about the time period, but mostly from an English point of view. I found I didn't know all that much about it from Spain's (other than a vague understanding of the Inquisition). I knew about King Philip, but hadn't heard of any of the other characters; in fact, I was surprised that so many of them were real. (What did we do before we had Google?!?)

One thing that did surprise me was that Philip and his retinue did have a fascination with dreams and magic - that part was true.

Unfortunately not having a love of history when I was in school I knew nothing. I enjoyed reading this historical novel to learn about this period in history. Reading novels is always an education!

I did not know much about this period other than a little of King Philip II with the Spanish Inquisition. Certainly never heard of Antonio Perez, who plays a significant role in this story. I hadn’t heard of Lucretia de Leon, or Mateo Vazquez de Leca.

I am an avid reader of history and historical novels, so I knew about the marriage of Queen Mary I of England and Scotland, and King Philip II of Spain, and that Queen Mary, on her death-bed, told her ladies-in-waiting that if her heart were carved open, two words would be written on it, "Philip and Calais." I also knew that King Philip's bed, as a reminder of his mortality, was placed next to an open casket. What I had forgotten was the fact that he was a member of the Hapsburg dynasty, which is brought home in The Familiar when the populace calls him "the Austrian."

I was surprised that I knew very little about this period of time and that made the book that much more interesting and engaging.

Although I knew quite a bit about England and France during this time period, I knew very little about what was going on in Spain during this time period. I always read the author notes and appreciate all the insight they provide. I really enjoyed all the actual individuals that Leigh Bardugo included in the book and her notes.

I knew very little about the time period or any of the real-life figures. This is one of the reasons I love reading historical fiction! It always gets me interested in the time period and sends me to Google down a rabbit hole to find out more about what the actual events.