The Midwife’s Apprentice by Cushman Karen

The Midwife’s Apprentice

Cushman, Karen. 1995. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN: 9780395692295

Plot Summary

This story begins with an orphaned, homeless girl, that does not remember her parents, nor does she have a name. She is referred to as Brat and then later as Beetle. She is found by a midwife seeing Beetle as a way to acquire cheap labor. Beetle is just grateful to have a place to sleep and food even if it is just scraps. The midwife goes by Jane Sharp she mistreats Beetle both physically and verbally. Beetle follows the midwife and begins to learn from her without the midwife knowing. In a trip to acquire some materials for the midwife Beetle is treated differently and names herself Alyce. She saves a boy that had bullied her before named Will from drowning in a river. Alyce slowly builds up her confidence and self-esteem. There comes a time in which the midwife is absent and Alyce has to deliver a baby. This causes people to start requesting Alyce and the midwife becomes upset. In one occasion Alyce finds herself not being able to deliver a complicated pregnancy and calls for the midwife. Alyce is ashamed and runs away later the midwife goes to where Alyce has found shelter and in some way hints to Alyce that she is in need of an apprentice.  Alyce comes to understand that everyone fails, but one should try again. She then goes and asks the midwife to be her apprentice.

Critical Analysis

The historical fiction by Karen Cushman takes place in medieval England. The main character is an orphaned nameless girl and goes through many experiences individuals living in this time frame went through. She is addressed as Brat, later Beetle by the midwife, and lastly Alyce a name given to herself. She is a character that learns to love herself as the story progresses. She learns to value herself, gain self-confidence, and believe in her worth. This character is wonderful for readers can relate to the emotions and situations Alyce experiences such as being bullied or being put down by others. She is uneducated, but demonstrates that one can reach anything one wants to accomplish. 

I enjoyed reading this book especially since I had grown with my mother telling me stories how my great grandmother was a midwife in a small town in Mexico. Medieval time was still a way earlier time period that one comes to understand how living during this time was difficult. The author incorporates how back then herbs were used for medicinal purposes. I could not even imagine giving birth without an epidural. The author’s note addresses how people during this era believed that midwives were witches for medicine was not yet advanced. One comes to understand how Alyce was not in an orphanage since lots of people during this time would die at an early age of diseases since there was no proper care. The story gives an accurate picture as to how life would be like for individuals during this time.

Review Excerpts

• Review in GOODREADS: “From the author of Catherine, Called Birdy comes another spellbinding novel set in medieval England.”
• Review in KIRKUS: “From the rebirth in the dung heap to Brat's renaming herself Alyce after a heady visit to a medieval fair, this is not for fans of historical drama only. It's a rouser for all times.”
• Review in PUBLISHERSWEEKLY: “…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.”
• Newbery Medal (1996)
• Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee (1997)
• Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award for Senior (1998)

Connections

Great source to discuss medieval times students can create an illustration based on what they picture this era to be like after reading. Students can write how the main character developed through the story. Other books similar to this:

Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. ISBN 0440227534

Rees, Celia. Witch Child. ISBN 0763618292