Joe Cohen

The Time of Pedro Joe Cohen

The Time of Pedro begins in a small Jewish village in Poland where dramatic change begins with the arrival of a Christian Monk who converts to Judaism and marries a beautiful widow. Some Polish Noblemen plot to attack a strip of land held by Hungary, and force the able men of the village into their army. After the brief war, village life struggles to resume its traditional stasis. Sara, a teenager, is raped by the local count, and her family decides to cross the Holy Roman Empire in hope of a better life in Spain. On arrival in Barcelona, Sara gives birth to a son, Pedro, who when grown, is believed by some to be the New Messiah and is imprisoned by the Inquisition. Pedro escapes with the help of the Jailer's wife and sails aboard the Santa Maria with Cristobal Colon. The plot is lightened throughout with moments of humor.