Review: The Midwife's Apprentice

1.     BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. The Midwife’s Apprentice. New York: Clarion Books, 1995.  ISBN 0-395-69229-6

2.     PLOT SUMMARY
The Midwife’s Apprentice is the story of a young, uneducated, impoverished girl who feels as though she has no worth and belongs nowhere, until a midwife takes her in and allows Beetle to help her with midwifery in exchange for food and a place to sleep – an opportunity for cheap labor for Jane Sharp. Though Alyce continually doubts herself, she finally finds her place in the world when she decides the profession she has stumbled upon is not only what she would like to pursue, but what makes her heart content.  

3.     CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This short historical novel takes place in medieval England, and provide so many opportunities to draw readers into the time period through specific details that are present in the story. From the straw beds, tying Burch twigs for a broom, mention of lords, ladies and knights, to Alyce fetching fruit with baskets tied to each end of a pole, the 1290’s come to life through Cushman’s writing and allow readers to experience the era first hand. Though these details are embedded throughout the chapters, in Chapter 7: The Devil, readers also see the dated punishments of that time, though some were never carried out in the book – face branding, spending the night in prayer and fasting, having one’s hands chopped off, and beatings. Punishments such as those would be thought of as crazy and extensive, not to mention unlawful by today’s standards.

As the author states in the Author’s Note, midwifery used to be thought of as witchery. The women had no training, as is required today, and it was a trade passed through oral tradition and apprenticeship. Most deliveries comprised of herbs and syrups that supposedly aided with labor, pain, bleeding and whatever else was needed. Though it seemed ideal for the time, midwives could only, truly help with normal deliveries. Mothers-to-be with any complications, such as the Bailiff’s wife in the story, would not be expected to make it through delivery. That is a lot for a young girl of only fourteen to learn.

In this story of self-confidence and perseverance in the face of many obstacles, Cushman provides an authentic experience through language, imagery and characters that are true to the time, from the way they dress do their actions, as well as a character whom young adults can relate to.

4.     REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

1996 John Newbery Medal

From School Library Journal: “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.”

From Booklist: “This novel is about a strong, young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home. . . . Kids will be caught up in this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she’s not ugly or stupid or alone.”

From 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."

5.     CONNECTIONS
Gather other teen historical fiction books to read such as:

• Napoli, Donna. Daughter of Venice. ISBN-10 0440229286
• Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. ISBN-10 0547577095

Gather other Karen Cushman books to read such as:

• Catherine, Called Birdy. ISBN-10 0547722184
• Matilda Bone. ISBN-10 9780440418221
• Rodzina. ISBN 044041993X

Use as a resource for studying how midwifery has evolved over the years

Use as a resource for an in depth study about the medieval times

*For a fun, authentic activity, visit a local renaissance fair