Listener Reviews

“This is a fantastic historical fiction that captivated my interest in the history it portrays, in its portrayal of how religion is at the root of so much conflict and persecution, and in its portrayal of diverse Immigration to the New World being so fundamental to the wellbeing and ongoing enhancement of life in the New World then and now.”

“Flames of Freedom, exquisitely written and masterfully produced, tells an important story. With scenes of both terror and triumph, the creators have found that magical sweet spot where can’t-turn-away human drama is balanced with historical context. Be prepared for an engaging, enriching experience.”

“Flames of Freedom brings to life the little-known story of Savannah’s first Jews, mostly survivors of the murderous Portuguese Inquisition. The cast vividly enacts the horrors of the Inquisition, the precarious double lives of “hidden Jews” and a family’s brilliant escape from Lisbon to London. From England they — along with some German Jews — embark on a treacherous crossing to Georgia, a colony only 5 months old, rife with deadly disease and officially off-limits to Jews. And that’s just the beginning. Creative story-telling interwoven with actual history makes for a compelling tale in Flames of Freedom.”

“Wow! As a history fan, I had no clue as to the continued persecution in other countries for the Jews. The storytelling of Flames of Freedom has you hanging on every word, looking for some semblance of hope and justice to follow their faith. Look forward to following this brave family - this should be shared in schools to help create a true understanding of religious beliefs and eradicate misunderstanding and hate. Your storytelling skills bring this journey to life. As I said before, wow! Thanks for letting me share in this phenomenal work."

"'Flames of Freedom' reminds us how antisemitism echoes into the modern age. Those who know nothing of the Inquisition will find amazing similarities between that time and the Holocaust and the antisemitism of today. Those familiar with the history of the Inquisition will feel a sense of ‘being there’ as the time and characters come to life in this compelling dramatization. "

“You have conveyed historical truths in a way that gives us insight into the people and the times they lived in and through, offering us understanding, but most importantly courage and hope. And you did an amazing job knitting history into a story so compelling and believable. I was swept into the story and couldn’t wait to get to the next episode to find out what would happen next. It is just brilliant. Once I got to your conversation with Dr. Eliezer Papo, I wished I could’ve listened for hours. What an amazing man. That you are weaving interviews into your series with world class historians (keepers of the flame!) and Rabbis, adds depth and weight to the storyline which grounds the fiction with fact.”

The very first reaction I have to this serial requires that I describe my internal state: I have been so pulled into the story and drama of the series, enriched by each part of the production. The setting in time and place; the characters and their role in telling the story; the audio…music, and sound design. All of my senses and related feelings have been activated. I am really at a loss for words to express how engaging, satisfying, instructive and impactful it has been to listen to. I loved each episode, and I especially appreciated Dr. Papo’s sharing of his knowledge and ability to provide and describe the ongoing context for Judaism, Jews, Conversos in Portugal, and how Judaism endure(d)s. Congratulations on this achievement!!