Orphaned Matilda is not at all pleased when she arrives at Blood and Bone Alley to become an assistant to Red Peg the Bonesetter. She is a religious, well-educated girl who can’t picture herself doing dirty chores or helping sickly patients. Each day is very different from her former quiet life. Matilda’s not used to being around so many people who are coming and going, laughing and eating. Not one of them seems interested in prayer or study. Self-centered Matilda thinks no one understands her. But Peg does, and gives her time to get used to this new way of life and teaches her through kindness and friendship. Matilda is as surprised as anyone when she begins seeing the world around her in a different way.
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"This is the story of the orphan Matilda, a girl raised by a priest in a medieval manor house. She reads, knows every saint of the church, and speaks Latin, but possess few skills that will help her when she becomes Red Peg's apprentice. Karen Cushman always has the most wonderful characters, and she has done it again with this book."
— Nancy (5 out of 5 stars)
" This was a curious book about a young girl and the practices of medieval medicine. The story keeps you interested for what's next. My 11 year old Son enjoyed listening to the story. "
— Dawn, 2/19/2020" This Book is HYSTERICAL!!!! It's really good. Especially if you have kids 8 years old or older. But you have to listen to on tape. Thats the best way, then you get all of the funniness. "
— Kristin, 2/1/2014" A charming and entertainingly educational tale out of the middle ages. Thank goodness for modern medicine. "
— Becky, 1/26/2014" The book was a little boring in the beginning, as it didn't quite grab my attention there, but it started getting better in the middle. I didn't quite get the whole story except the fact that (view spoiler)[ there is a girl that got sent to be the apprentice of a bonesetter (hide spoiler)] and I also thought that there wasn't exactly a main point in the story until I got to the end. I started getting the whole point of the story near the end, so I wish I got the point a lot sooner. "
— Kitty, 1/14/2014" I liked this, though I found it fairly heavy-handed. Young Matilda has been raised by a priest to be humble but learned in Latin, to be obedient and not to question, to be a priggish pain in the tush, in other words. She's suddenly sent to live with Red Peg the Bonesetter, and oh, how Matilda hates this new life where Latin isn't important, and God is about love instead of punishment, and where the unschooled and the ignorant help people in distress. Heavy-handed, but sweet and well-researched and worth reading. "
— melody, 1/4/2014" I love historical fiction and I have enjoyed other books by this author. This book is no exception. Delightful characters, interesting story and lots of accurate historical facts. "
— Carolyn, 1/2/2014" Delightful! Wonderful details of the medical care available in the Middle Ages, and an interesting heroine as well! "
— Heather, 12/31/2013" I had fond memories of 2 other books by Karen Cushman--The Midwife's Apprentice and Catherine Called Birdy. This was an interesting and quick read, although not too deep--even for a children's book. "
— Hillary, 12/21/2013" I saw this book in the Children' Lit section of the college library, and it kept nagging at me. Great tale based around Medieval medicine! "
— Nicole, 12/10/2013" I enjoyed taking a look back to medieval medicine through the eyes of a young girl. "
— Denni, 12/5/2013" A super easy read, and incredibly enjoyable. The historic details are fantastic. I love all of Karen Cushman's books! This is probably my favorite. "
— Morag, 11/18/2013" A pretty good book but a few parts are pretty confusing. "
— Zaira, 10/31/2013" I thought this book was really interesting, funny and thought provoking. "
— AlixJamie, 6/26/2013" Ms. Cushman is fine writer who always provides relatable characters and fantastic historical detail. I found this book to end a bit abruptly and could have used a bit more resolution but the heroines story and her journey were fascinating. "
— Holly, 5/3/2013" A very good look of a two view side of God in the middle ages, as well as a look at medical practices of the time. "
— Jenette, 11/30/2012" Great youth story: historical/coming-of-age fiction set in medieval England. As with all Karen Cushman's book, the chacters are great, flawed and special in some way. "
— Denise, 9/25/2012" Great book to show change in perception over time. "
— Lia, 9/24/2012" I love the medieval era, so I decided to read this book. It is small and a real easy read. I really liked how it had a lot of information on the peasants in the medieval era. "
— Sydney, 5/19/2012" An orphan in medieval circumstances with a pious character transforms into the Saint she never knew was available. Full of intriguing Medieval life descriptions of a bonesetter and other "Blood and Bone" alley careers. "
— Ronna, 5/14/2012" one of my favorite young adult authors- smart, funny, feminist stuff. i enjoy it and i'm 25. "
— Gina, 1/5/2012" Great for our medival unit study. My children enjoyed listening to this book on tape. We were not disappointed at the end of this book. It is very good with details from that period. "
— Michelle, 11/8/2011" Interesting to learn about medieval bonesetting and medicine. Quick, pleasant story of a girl who has to learn to work and accept responsiblity for her fate. "
— Suzanne, 9/23/2011" Cushman's effortless style belies her craft (both in terms of research and writing). This book is beautifully done, with likeable characters and lots of food for thought. A great feminist YA read! "
— Robina, 5/19/2011" A charming and entertainingly educational tale out of the middle ages. Thank goodness for modern medicine. "
— Becky, 4/10/2011" I read "The Midwife's Apprentice" and loved it so much I went on and read the rest of Karen Cushmans books. I think this was one of my very favorites. She has such plucky female characters. I love that! "
— Chanin, 11/23/2010" Sans doute un peu naïf par moments, mais tout de même un bon livre. "
— Anna, 9/24/2010" I thought this book was fairly predictable and a bit short to really develop things well enough. I think young readers may enjoy it but I felt that the author might have had a better book if it was allowed to be longer and written for readers a few years older. "
— Catharine, 8/14/2010" Not my favorite of her books. Interesting info on Medieval medicine, though. "
— Laura, 7/26/2010" I enjoyed the picture of life and medicine in the middle ages. The protagonist was a rather whiny, opinionated, know it all, angry, teenager, who was only mildly likable, though she got better by the end of the book. <br/>A quick and compelling read. "
— Bryan457, 4/26/2010Karen 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.
Janet McTeer is one of Britain’s leading actresses. She has made her principal impact in theater, playing many classical roles, including Rosalind in As You Like It and Nora in Ibsen’s A Doll’s House on Broadway. Her performance of the title role in Schiller’s Mary Stuart was especially memorable. She grew up in York and has a distinct ear for accents which made her an ideal reader for Wuthering Heights.