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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
Well written and interesting. I just wish that children would actually read good literature like this.
This is one of those books that lurked around the edges of my childhood and I steadfastly ignored (You expect 10yr old Darcy to read a book without dragons? Impossible!) but through the magic of classics bingo I have rediscovered, and it's great! It's a quick little historical fiction with a sweet and clever protagonist who learns what she wants and how to get it. I think even picky wee me would have enjoyed it had she given it a chance.
I also read this book in sixth grade and absolutely loved it. I have never really like school books, but this one was very good.
She doesn’t even know her own name. An orphan, she spends her time scavenging towns and the countryside, just trying to keep herself alive. This is her life. Until a sharp-tongued midwife fetches her from a dung pile, gives her a name, “Beetle,” and also a new purpose – bringing forth babies into the world.
Only serving as an unappreciated apprentice in England in the Middle Ages, Beetle has to make friends where she can (with a cat), and combat enemies throughout the town. To them, she is stupid “Beetle,” who will never amount to anything. However, as her skills and confidence grow, she gives herself a proper name, Alyce, and begins to find her place in town, until she meets a personal and professional challenge and must rethink her present and future purpose. Rising up from the dung pile to a midwife’s apprentice to a midwife herself, this tale is one of perseverance and finding one’s way in the face of adversity.
When you have nothing, you have nothing to lose. This is taught none better than through Alyce’s tale of courageously taking on the role of a mean-spirited midwife’s apprentice. This novel teaches that by grabbing opportunity by the horns, taking chances, and never giving up, our true potential and purpose will be revealed. Aside from the lessons taught, The Midwife’s Apprentice paints a vivid portrait of 14th century England, albeit a dark one. Life in the Middle Ages is in sharp contrast to the world in which we live today, and much can be learned through examination of this novel. This Newbery Award-Winner would work best as an individual read, and is an essential purchase for all libraries.
Only serving as an unappreciated apprentice in England in the Middle Ages, Beetle has to make friends where she can (with a cat), and combat enemies throughout the town. To them, she is stupid “Beetle,” who will never amount to anything. However, as her skills and confidence grow, she gives herself a proper name, Alyce, and begins to find her place in town, until she meets a personal and professional challenge and must rethink her present and future purpose. Rising up from the dung pile to a midwife’s apprentice to a midwife herself, this tale is one of perseverance and finding one’s way in the face of adversity.
When you have nothing, you have nothing to lose. This is taught none better than through Alyce’s tale of courageously taking on the role of a mean-spirited midwife’s apprentice. This novel teaches that by grabbing opportunity by the horns, taking chances, and never giving up, our true potential and purpose will be revealed. Aside from the lessons taught, The Midwife’s Apprentice paints a vivid portrait of 14th century England, albeit a dark one. Life in the Middle Ages is in sharp contrast to the world in which we live today, and much can be learned through examination of this novel. This Newbery Award-Winner would work best as an individual read, and is an essential purchase for all libraries.
The book left me with such a weird feeling! It felt at once childish and incredibly adult. I felt uncomfortable yet comforted. It was just . . . strange. I don't know how else to describe it.
I really enjoyed reading about historical people who weren't wealthy, royal, or lordly. The attention to detail was pleasantly surprising. I appreciated the little hidden treasures, like how the "science" of childbirth was so unquestionably absolute, how soap was made, or the kinds of foods served at a roadside inn.
Poor Alice, I hope she gets everything she needs. I want her to adopt Edward, thrive as a midwife, and never again know what it's like to be hungry or abused—accompanied by her apparently immortal cat. I've such a tender heart for her!
Overall: a quick read that'll leave you hollowly happy, and sadly fulfilled
I really enjoyed reading about historical people who weren't wealthy, royal, or lordly. The attention to detail was pleasantly surprising. I appreciated the little hidden treasures, like how the "science" of childbirth was so unquestionably absolute, how soap was made, or the kinds of foods served at a roadside inn.
Poor Alice, I hope she gets everything she needs. I want her to adopt Edward, thrive as a midwife, and never again know what it's like to be hungry or abused—accompanied by her apparently immortal cat. I've such a tender heart for her!
Overall: a quick read that'll leave you hollowly happy, and sadly fulfilled
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Well done, well researched story. More serious than Catherine, Called Birdy but every bit as captivating.
adventurous
funny
informative
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
While this book has received the Newberry Medal, I did not find it that intriguing or engaging. The character herself, first known as Brat, then Alyce, is an enjoyable character to watch grow, adjust, and change, but there is not a lot else about it that drew me in. If, however there is a young-ish reader who is interested in learning more about mediaeval times and practices and wants a relatively short book, this one might be an option.