Inside, he discovers the naked and bloody body of his Uncle Abraham, his spiritual master.
Berekiah endeavors to identify the murderer with the help of his Islamic friend and soul-mate Farid, although, as a kabbalist interested in the symbolic nature of the world, he grows more interested in learning the underlying meaning of his uncle’s murder for his family, the Jews of Lisbon and all humanity – and even for God.
Berekiah's family lives in one of Lisbon's oldest quarters, the Alfama, and much of the action of the book takes place there.
These works explore such themes as Jewish mysticism; slavery; how our identities change over time; the devastating effect of the Inquisition on Portugal and its colonies; and the psychological conflict created in people who are forced to hide their faith.
Two of the novels in the Sephardic Cycle have been nominated for the International Dublin Literary Award: Hunting Midnight and The Seventh Gate.