The Secret Diaries of Juan Luis Vives: A Novel

Written by Timothy Darcy Ellis

Narrated by Peter Noble

It is 1522, in Bruges, The Spanish Netherlands. Juan Luis Vives, a renowned academic, born into a Jewish family in Valencia in 1492 has fled Spain to avoid the fires of the Inquisition. Even here, though, he is not safe and he finds that the 'eyes and ears' of the king of Spain are far-reaching. With the net closing in, England's Sir Thomas More offers him the role of tutor to Mary, daughter of Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII; he eagerly accepts.

While publicly navigating life as a 'Nuevo Cristiano,' Vives is quickly drawn into the secretive and dangerous world of London's Jewish community. Amidst a background of conflicted faith and divided loyalties, he is also torn between the love of two women; one from his own culture, one from this new world of England.

Once established in the Tudor court, Henry VIII and his queen, Catherine of Aragon separately seek Vives's assistance to support their opposed demands. He must betray one to help the other; knowing his decision could cost him his life. Whom will he choose? Will his wily skills allow him to manipulate them both? Not only his survival but that of his family and even his entire people hangs in the balance.

Based on real events "The Secret Diaries of Juan Luis Vives," is 'faction as fiction,' and was named as one of the Top 100 Indie books of the year by Kirkus Reviews in December 2020. 

Award-winning narrator, Peter Noble delivers a stunning performance as Juan Luis Vives as he navigates the Tudor Court and encounters the well-known and well-loved characters of the realm of Henry VIII. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell
• Release date: Feb 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662244995

Reviews for The Secret Diaries of Juan Luis Vives

[Shirley Katz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Highly recommended ! I read the reviews on this on Kirkus last year and I was very excited when it came out on audio. Juan Luis Vives is a man caught in awe of court intrigue while battling with his (outlawed and secret) Judaism. It is a ripping good yarn, fast paced and full on intrigue and surprises. What makes it here is the expert narration of Peter Noble, who takes the role of Juan superbly. It had me gripped form start to finish.