Stitching a Safe Passage: Barbara Stark-Nemon on Isabela’s Way
Tue Feb 03 2026
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In this episode
Anne-Marie Cannon is joined by author Barbara Stark-Nemon, whose novels span centuries and borders. They dive into Barbara’s newest historical novel, Isabela’s Way, set in Inquisition-era Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany, and explore how history lives on through family memory, travel, and storytelling.
Topics we cover
Isabela’s Way and the history behind itThe Inquisition and why it’s still misunderstoodEmbroidery as coded communication and safe passageRefugee histories and inherited resilience“Unexpected allies” and resisting black-and-white narrativesEmotional truth vs. historical accuracyHow genealogy and DNA uncover hidden pastsWriting as an encore career and the path to publicationAbout Barbara Stark-Nemon
Barbara Stark-Nemon is the author of Isabela’s Way, Even in Darkness, and Hard Cider. A self-taught historian and traveler, her work explores resilience, identity, and survival across turbulent historical moments.
Connect with Barbara
Website: https://www.barbarastarknemon.com
Substack: https://barbarastarknemon.substack.com
Barbara is also available for book clubs (via Zoom or in person when local).More from Armchair Historians
Show notes include links to everything discussed, ways to support the show, and a free short story downloadintroducing Bedlam, from Anne-Marie Cannon’s forthcoming historical fiction series.Website: https://www.amcannon.com
Support the show
Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Ratings, reviews, and shares help more listeners discover Armchair Historians.
Support the show
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Instagram: @armchairhistorians
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armchairhistorians
Support Armchair Historians:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/armchairhistorians
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/belgiumrabbitproductions
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Send us a text In this episode Anne-Marie Cannon is joined by author Barbara Stark-Nemon, whose novels span centuries and borders. They dive into Barbara’s newest historical novel, Isabela’s Way, set in Inquisition-era Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany, and explore how history lives on through family memory, travel, and storytelling. Topics we cover Isabela’s Way and the history behind itThe Inquisition and why it’s still misunderstoodEmbroidery as coded communication and safe passageRefugee histories and inherited resilience“Unexpected allies” and resisting black-and-white narrativesEmotional truth vs. historical accuracyHow genealogy and DNA uncover hidden pastsWriting as an encore career and the path to publicationAbout Barbara Stark-Nemon Barbara Stark-Nemon is the author of Isabela’s Way, Even in Darkness, and Hard Cider. A self-taught historian and traveler, her work explores resilience, identity, and survival across turbulent historical moments. Connect with Barbara Website: https://www.barbarastarknemon.com Substack: https://barbarastarknemon.substack.com Barbara is also available for book clubs (via Zoom or in person when local).More from Armchair Historians Show notes include links to everything discussed, ways to support the show, and a free short story downloadintroducing Bedlam, from Anne-Marie Cannon’s forthcoming historical fiction series.Website: https://www.amcannon.com Support the show Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Ratings, reviews, and shares help more listeners discover Armchair Historians. Support the show Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: @armchairhistorians Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armchairhistorians Support Armchair Historians: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/armchairhistorians Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/belgiumrabbitproductions Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.