Fans of Karen Cushman's witty, satisfying novels will welcome Meggy Swann, newly come to London with her only friend, a goose named Louise. Meggy's mother was glad to be rid of her; her father, who sent for her, doesn't want her after all. Meggy is appalled by London,dirty and noisy, full of rogues and thieves, and difficult to get around in—not that getting around is ever easy for someone who walks with the help of two sticks.Just as her alchemist father pursues his Great Work of transforming base metal into gold, Meggy finds herself pursuing her own transformation. Earthy and colorful, Elizabethan London has its dark side, but it also has gifts in store for Meggy Swann.
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"I think this will be a hard sell because of the old style English used throughout. Good, strong female character. Satisfying ending. Cushman's notes at the end help to explain much that took place in London during that time that might be foreign to readers. I was pleasantly surprised by this book."
— Michele (4 out of 5 stars)
" Cushman creates another strong female character in Meggy Swann, who travels to London in the late 1500s to live with her father after the death of the grandmother who raised her. Meggy's limp makes life a challenge, as does living with her abrupt and secretive father, an alchemist. An intriguing look at Elizabethan England through the eyes of common people. Alchemy and Meggy's friendship with a boy make this questionable for a religious audience. "
— Beth, 2/11/2014" I didn't enjoy this one as much as some of Cushman's other books. The story was okay, and kids might enjoy it, but I was left a little cold. I didn't really care about any of the characters--even though Meggy makes quite a transformation--none of them had the depth I wanted them to have in order to be interested in their fate. "
— Leslie, 2/4/2014" Characterization is full, plot well-done. Full of Elizabethan-period details. Cushman doesn't disappoint. "
— Ginger, 1/16/2014" This is listed as a Teen book but I am way past being a teen and enjoyed the book. I don't usually read books set in the 1500s but since I have an interest in alchemy I picked this book up to read. It is a light read that people interested in historical fiction might enjoy. "
— Denise, 1/11/2014" Fabulous, delicious language and a uniquely prickly yet endearing heroine. A terrific MG read. "
— Stasia, 12/7/2013" Historical fiction at it's best. "
— Alice, 11/27/2013" Ugh... Is there anything good about this book? It's dull, and the fact that the author used Elizabethan language didn't help that fact. The main character is hardly likeable and nothing really happened in the 34 pages I managed to get through. "
— Stephanie, 10/8/2013" Short, sweet story. This is a fun children's lit book set in London during the Elizabethan age. "
— Lex, 9/18/2013" I liked it, but not as much as Catherine, Called Birdy or The Midwife's Apprentice. "
— Heather, 8/27/2013" loved this book so much!! "
— Shanda, 7/15/2013" This fantastic audiobook is narrated by the same person who does the Jackie Faber books--Katherine Kellgren. LOVE her. Oh, it's a great story too! "
— Allison, 5/7/2013" A good introduction to Elizabethan historical fiction for younger readers. "
— Rita, 9/19/2012" really enjoyed this, but I am a big fan of Cushman's and a historical fiction fan, so I don't know if that made me add a star! "
— Patricia, 7/12/2012" I wanted to love this book but it just didn't do it for me. "
— Jane, 3/7/2012" Fine writing and judicious use of period detail, but a little too close in its arc to her beloved Midwife's Apprentice for me. "
— GraceAnne, 10/30/2011" This is a good slice of life from Elizabethian London. Who wouldn't love Meggy, a character who struggles to find her place despite rejection from both of her parents. Despite all odds, Meggy finds her place, friends and a future. "
— Louann, 8/14/2011" I might have enjoyed it more had I read it myself, rather than listening to it on audiobook. The narrator was just too annoying. It also seemed to borrow quite heavily from a hodgepodge of 19th century/early 20th century children's literature that I LOVE, so this felt a little cheap. "
— Kelly, 6/14/2011" The title character's disability makes this a good discussion starter to use with students. The Elizabethan vocabulary may make it somewhat challenging for readers. "
— Angelene, 5/2/2011" Liked it. Cushman creates such brave, strong girls. Katherine Kellgren narrates the audiobook. "
— Camille, 4/4/2011" really enjoyed this, but I am a big fan of Cushman's and a historical fiction fan, so I don't know if that made me add a star! "
— Patricia, 3/28/2011" Really good historical fiction that will satisfy readers of that genre. I liked the good discussion that could come from a handicapped character. Keeps you reading and the author's note is an added bonus. <br/> "
— Kathy, 3/23/2011" Actually, I wish I could give it a 3.5. Cushman has once again created a fiery heroine with a heart. And it gives a good fictionalized account of life in Elizabethan London. But the plot was a little lacking. The small conflict that seemed an afterthought was over as quickly as it began. "
— Katelyn, 3/16/2011" Another great book by Cushman. She gives such great insight into history from a young adults perspective. "
— Rebecca, 3/12/2011" Elizabethan London. After a slow start, with a protagonist that was a bit unlikeable at first, this book turned into a delightful story of triumph and growth. "
— Alisa, 3/10/2011" Meggy Swann is a young, invalid who lives during Queen Elizabeth's reign. <br/>I liked it. 5-6 grader girls might enjoy this. Old fashioned language in it, but overall shouldn't be too tough to understand. "
— Caren, 2/13/2011Karen Cushman is the author of many acclaimed historical novels including Catherine, Called Birdy, a Newbery Honor winner, and The Midwife’s Apprentice, which received the Newbery Medal.
Katherine Kellgren (1969–2018), narrator and actress, appeared onstage in London, New York, and Frankfurt, including in the role of Laura in a regional production of The Glass Menagerie and appearances on Comedy Central. In recognition of her mastery of audiobook narration, she received many honors, including the prestigious Audie Awards, with four for best female narrator; the Odyssey Award; Publishers Weekly Listen Up Award; dozens of AudioFile magazine Earphones Awards; an AudioFile Golden Voice Award; Booklist Voice of Choice award; and acclaim from press and listener reviews.