In 1492, two history-altering events occurred: the Jewish and Muslim populations of Spain were expelled, and Columbus set sail for America. Many Spanish Jews chose not to flee and instead become Christian in name only, maintaining their true religious identity and traditions in secret. Among them is Luis de Torres, who accompanies Columbus as an interpreter. His journey is only the beginning of a long migration. Over the centuries, de Torre's descendants travel from Spain and Portugal to the hills of New Mexico, settling there long before the Pilgrims arrived in New England. Five hundred years later, in these same hills, Miguel Torres, a young amateur astronomer, finds himself trying to understand the mystery that surrounds him and the town where he was raised. Entrada de la Luna is a place that ambitious children try to leave. Poor health, broken marriages, and poverty are the norm. Good luch is unusual. When Miguel sees a flyer for a babysitting job in Santa Fe, he jumps at the opportunity and begins work for a Jewish family. Rachel Rothstein is not the sort of parent Miguel expected. A frustrated artist, Rachel moved her family from New York in search of a fresh start, but so far New Mexico has not solved the problems she brought with her. Miguel loves the work, yet he is surprised to find many of the Rothstein family's customs similar to the ones he grew up with and never understood. |