The novel is structured into four main parts that interweave the story of a Jewish family with the investigations of Padura’s recurring protagonist, former detective :
The novel explores "heresy" not just as a religious rebellion, but as the fundamental human right to exercise individual freedom and free will against oppressive systems—whether they be religious, political, or social.
Daniel’s son, who initiates the modern search for the painting to find closure regarding his father's life. Herejes (Spanish and French Edition) (Spanish E...
Mario Conde is hired by Elias Kaminsky, a Cuban-American, to investigate the sudden reappearance of a long-lost family heirloom—a small Rembrandt painting of Christ —at an auction in London.
Conde also investigates the contemporary disappearance of a young girl, Judith Torres, which links back to the younger generation of the Kaminsky family in Havana. Key Characters The novel is structured into four main parts
The 17th-century "heretic" whose passion for art leads him to challenge religious dogma. Major Themes
Reviewers from the Complete Review and NPR generally praise the novel's ambitious scope and Padura's prose, though some note that the dense historical middle section can feel "unbalanced" or slow compared to the detective narrative. It is widely considered one of Padura's most accomplished and "sweeping" works. Book Review: 'Heretics,' By Leonardo Padura - NPR Conde also investigates the contemporary disappearance of a
A lengthy historical section follows Elias Ambrosius, a young Sephardic Jew in Amsterdam who defies his community’s laws by becoming an apprentice to Rembrandt. He serves as the model for the Christ painting that becomes the focal point of the family saga.