The Inquisitor's Tale

Written by Adam Gidwitz · Illustrated by Hatem Aly

Three children flee across medieval France, pursued by knights and prejudice, to save sacred texts and confront a mysterious destiny.

4.1 Goodreads · 13,535 ratings

400 pages· 74,010 words· Est. 8 hour read· 620L

$9.99Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In 1242 France, three children—William, Jacob, and Jeanne—embark on a perilous journey. Captured by knights and pursued for their beliefs, they must save sacred texts from destruction. With Jeanne's resurrected greyhound, Gwenforte, they face a final test at Mont Saint-Michel. Can they perform miracles like saints? Their intertwined tales, told by travelers at an inn, reveal a world of adventure, prejudice, and unexpected heroism. As their saga unfolds, the children's courage and unity challenge the darkness of their time, leaving readers to wonder about the true nature of miracles and destiny.

From the publisher

On a dark night, travelers from across France cross paths at an inn and begin to tell stories of three children. Their adventures take them on a chase through France: they are taken captive by knights, sit alongside a king, and save the land from a farting dragon. On the run to escape prejudice and persecution and save precious and holy texts from being burned, their quest drives them forward to a final showdown at Mont Saint-Michel, where all will come to question if these children can perform the miracles of saints. Join William, an oblate on a mission from his monastery; Jacob, a Jewish boy who has fled his burning villa≥ and Jeanne, a peasant girl who hides her prophetic visions. They are accompanied by Jeanne’’s loyal greyhound, Gwenforte . . . recently brought back from the dead. Told in multiple voices, in a style reminiscent of The Canterbury Tales, our narrator collects their stories and the saga of these three unlikely allies begins to come together.