What Was Forbidden by Jonathan Bockian (Book Review #2160)

Jonathan Bockian’s What Was Forbidden is a masterfully woven tale of love, loss, ideology, and resilience set in the cloistered yet richly complex world of the Venice Ghetto in 1672. Inspired by a real historical murder, Bockian’s debut novel is a gripping literary mystery that explores not only who committed the crime—but why society might wish it were left unsolved.

At its heart is Yehudit Baldosa Parenzo, a strong-willed, intelligent widow and mother whose life is shattered when her beloved brother, Mordechai Baldosa, is found brutally murdered. The narrative unfolds across two alternating timelines: one follows Yehudit and a weary Venetian investigator named Valentin Zachera as they dig for the truth in the aftermath of the killing; the other replays Mordechai’s final five weeks of life, slowly revealing the many enemies he made by daring to challenge the norms of his world.

Bockian’s depiction of 17th-century Venice is atmospheric and immersive, bringing to life not only the splendor of the city’s canals and its gilded aristocracy, but also the tightly regulated world of the Ghetto, where Jews lived, loved, debated, and sometimes defied the status quo. The historical grounding is impeccable—particularly in its integration of real philosophical and political undercurrents from the time, including the messianic fervor surrounding Shabbetai Tsvi and the controversial humanism of Spinoza.

Mordechai, with his forbidden love for a Christian courtesan, his flirtation with dangerous ideologies, and his irreverent wit, is a tragic yet magnetic figure. His story asks powerful questions about identity, freedom, and the cost of truth in a world unwilling to accept it. But it is Yehudit’s arc that gives the novel its emotional weight. Her quiet grief, her refusal to be silenced by the men around her, and her courage to confront the hypocrisy within her own community create a deeply compelling portrait of feminine strength in a patriarchal age.

The novel’s tension builds as Yehudit uncovers the truth—only to be faced with a bitter dilemma: stay silent and preserve the fragile peace of the Ghetto, or speak the truth and risk exile and scandal. Bockian does not offer easy answers; instead, he forces readers to wrestle with moral ambiguity and the cost of justice when justice itself is inconvenient.

With beautiful prose, richly developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, What Was Forbidden is both a mystery and a meditation on freedom, faith, and the struggle between progress and tradition. It will resonate with fans of historical fiction, literary mysteries, and stories that examine the enduring tension between private truth and public silence.

Why You Should Read This
• A meticulously researched historical setting that feels alive and immediate
• A poignant mystery told through dual timelines that add depth and suspense
• Strong, complex characters—especially a female protagonist rarely seen in period fiction
• Explores still-relevant themes of religious politics, gender roles, and ideological oppression
• Inspired by true events, adding a haunting resonance

Bockian’s debut is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally engaging—a literary triumph that lingers long after the final page.

Written by Jeyran Main

“Want your book featured in our magazine? Feature an editorial book review in our Book Review Magazine or submit an article in our Book Article Magazine.”

“Support the writing community—purchase our magazines today!”

“Explore more reviews and find your next great read!”