THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE

1. Bibliography

Cushman, Karen. 1995. THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395692296

2. Plot Summary

This book, set in medieval England, tells the story of a homeless orphan named Brat who, by some twist of fate, finds herself being taken in by the stern, cantankerous midwife. There is certainly no love lost between the midwife and Brat, now called Beetle. On a good day she is treated like a slave; on a bad day, like an animal. However, her belly is full and she has a dry place to sleep. Along the way, the newly named Alyce learns many of the secrets of midwifery, but the really important lessons are much more personal. Alyce also learns trust, responsibility, and most importantly, self respect.

3. Critical Analysis

As with all works of historical fiction, the setting is perhaps the most integral part of the story. In this work, although we are not explicitly given a year, we do know that it is set in medieval England by the description of the village and the manor. This division of land was part of the feudal system in England during the middle ages. We are also given a glimpse into medieval life by the descriptions of daily life. For example, a meal may consist of bread, cheese and an onion. This is unlike any meal we might eat today. Also, the descriptions of the midwife's medicines are a historically accurate depiction of medical knowledge from the middle ages. For example, “Beetle carried the basket with the clean linen, ragwort and columbine seeds to speed the birth, cobwebs for stanching blood, bryony and woolly nightshade to cleanse and comfort the mother, goat's beard to bring forth her milk and sage tea for too much, jasper stone as a charm against misfortune, and mistletoe and elder leaves against witches” (Cushman, 1995). While some of these herbs do possess medicinal qualities, many are simply tools of superstition.

Besides setting, two other important elements of any fictional story are characterization and plot. First of all, the protagonist needs to be someone that the reader can relate to. In this story, Alyce is described as “unwashed, unnourished, unloved, and unlovely” (Cushman, 1995). All young girls can relate to feeling alone and unattractive, even if they have never been either of these.

As for plot, this story is written in an episodic style which leaves little time to get bogged down in the story. Rather, the story moves quickly, at times, seemingly racing to the end when Alyce must decide whether to return to the midwife or move on. Together the plot and characterization create a fast paced tale of a lovable character who just happens to learn and share a very valuable life lesson along the way.

4. Review Excerpts

Publisher's Weekly: Cushman has an almost unrivaled ability to build atmosphere, and her evocation of a medieval village, if not scholarly in its authenticity, is supremely colorful and pungent.

School Library Journal: Characters are sketched briefly but with telling, witty detail, and the very scents and sounds of the land and people's occupations fill each page as Alyce comes of age and heart. Earthy humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children's literature.

Booklist: The characters are drawn with zest and affection but no false reverence. Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone.

5. Connections

* Other books by Karen Cushman
MATILDA BONE
RODZINA
CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY

* Other books about herbal remedies
GREEN MAGIC: THE HEALING POWER OF HERBS, TALISMANS, AND STONES by Morwyn MEDICINES FROM NATURE by Peggy Thomas
MEDIEVAL HERBAL by Chronicle Books LLC Staff

* Other books about life in medieval England
LIFE IN THE MIDDLE AGES by Barron's Educational Editorial Staff
LIFE IN A MEDIEVAL VILLAGE by Gwenyth Morgan
CITIES AND TOWNS IN THE MIDDLE AGES by Mercedes Padrino Anderson