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MY INSPIRATION ~ THE GHOST OF HANNAH MENDES
Over twenty-five years ago, I read a historical novel by Naomi Ragen. The story—the factual parts of long ago—has stayed with me ever since. Back then, I was a busy interior designer and business owner, living in San Francisco. Writing my own novel never crossed my mind, but I did, not long after I retired.
Writing the build-and-design parts of The Man From Córdoba was a breeze. I knew every detail from personal experience. But the historical chapters were a challenge. History is complicated. I did my best to get it right.
When I'd completed the book, I wrote to Naomi Ragen, who resides in Israel, asking for her permission to reference her name in my Acknowledgment. Israel! I could only think my email would get lost somewhere in the ether, but I was thrilled to not only receive a response, but also her warm wishes for my success.
Medal of Gracia Nasi the Younger (niece of Doña Gracia Nasi), commemorating her marriage in Ferrara, shortly before the family's departure for Constantinople.
Made by Italian Renaissance medalist, Pastorino
di Giovan Michele de' Pastorini, 1558.
Gift of the Samuel and Daniel M. Friedenberg Collection, The Jewish Museum, New York
Historical Note:
Doña Gracia Nasi was born Beatriz de Luna—her Christian name, used publicly throughout her Iberian/Christian early years. She adopted the name Gracia Mendes Nasi once she reached Ferrara, Italy, where Jews could live openly.
"Gracia" is the Iberian equivalent of her Hebrew name, Hannah (Chana), meaning "grace."
Mendes became part of her name when she married Francisco Mendes Benveniste. It later became Nasi when her nephew, Joseph Mendes, dropped Mendes Benveniste in favor of the family's original Hebrew name, Nasi (meaning "Prince.")
