The Familiar

As is common in fantasy novels, magic plays a role in the novel as a force that can manipulate material objects, but it also serves as a means of exploring other aspects of human existence and feeling. In The Familiar, the power of magic is linked to the idea of talent, with Luzia drawing upon her knowledge and talents to try to combat a society that marginalizes her in terms of both religious belief and class status.

Luzia’s magical ability is firmly tied to her Jewish heritage, which is suppressed under Philip’s ultra-Catholic rule. Jewish identity is traditionally regarded as inherited from one’s mother, and Luzia’s mother, Blanca Cana, came from a family of scholars. She taught Luzia to read and understand Latin, Spanish, and Hebrew. The refranes that Hualit learns and teaches Luzia are gleaned from letters Hualit receives from exiles abroad, indicating traditions existing outside the boundaries of Catholic Spain. While their language is not identified in the novel, Bardugo’s Author’s Note explains the language of the refranes is Ladino, a blend of Hebrew and Castilian Spanish with loans from other languages, including Arabic. This cultural blend gives the refranes their unique power, with the magic drawing on a union of many traditions and talents from a variety of peoples.