Newbery Medal (John Newbery Medal)
The Midwife's Apprentice (Newbery Medal Book)
Set in medieval England, the novel follows a nameless homeless girl as she becomes a midwife’s apprentice and slowly finds a name, a place, and a sense of confidence.
Work Information
A nameless girl finds a place in the world.
Set in a medieval village, the story follows Brat as she becomes Alyce, learning, working, and gradually earning both a name and a place in the world.
Book Information
- Publisher
- Clarion Books
- Published
- 1995-03-27
- Pages
- 128 pages
- Language
- 英語
- Size
- 13.97 x 1.91 x 19.05 cm
- ISBN-13
- 9780395692295
- ISBN-10
- 0395692296
- Price
- 9120 JPY
- Category
- 洋書/Children's Books
From the author of Catherine, Called Birdy comes another spellbinding novel set in medieval England. The girl known only as Brat has no family, no home, and no future until she meets Jane the Midwife and becomes her apprentice. As she helps the sharp-tempered Jane deliver babies, Brat--who renames herself Alyce--gains knowledge, confidence, and the courage to want something from life: "A full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world." Medieval village life makes a lively backdrop for the funny, poignant story of how Alyce gets what she wants. A concluding note discusses midwifery past and present. A Newbery Medal book.
Karen Cushman was born in Chicago, Illinois and lives now on Vashon Island west of Seattle, Washington. She received an M.A. in human behavior and one in museum studies. Ms. Cushman has had a lifelong interest in history. She says, "I grew tired of hearing about kings, princes, generals, presidents. I wanted to know what ordinary life was like for ordinary young people in other times." Research into medieval English history and culture led to the writing of her first two novels, the Newbery Honor book CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY and the Newbery Medal-winner THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE. She is also the author of MATILDA BONE, THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE and, most recently, RODZINA.
Reviews
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自分の存在意義をみつけてゆく喜び
身寄りもなく、自分の名前もわからず、ただ流れにまかせて生きるしかなかった少女が、しっかりした意志をもつ人間に成長する物語。 はじめ、不思議な読感がありました。というのは、少女の心情を直接的に表現した箇所があまりなく、少女が考えていること、感じていることがよく分からなかったからです。「ゴキブリ」なんてひどい呼び名をつけられても怒ることもしません。 ですが、読み進むうちに、少女は本来の人間らしさを取り戻していき、読者にも少女の人となりがわかってきます。 まず、少女は自分の名前をアリスと決めます。難しい出産を成功させて、自分にもできることがあるんだと少しずつ自信をつけてゆきます。 ある時少女は、ある人から「君はどうしたい？」と問われ、途方にくれます。 食べるためにただ成り行きにまかせて生きてきたこの少女は、自分がどうしたいかなんて考えたこともなかったからです。 この問いをうけたとき、少女はある失敗から自分に絶望していたのですが、最後には私はこうしたいというしっかりした意志をもつ、力強い人間に生まれ変ります。 12歳以上の子供向けの本のわりに、英文が難しいのでは？
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Great book I really enjoyed it
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I loved the simplicity of the story and the wonderfully descriptive writing. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves to read.
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I bought this and a few other Karen Cushman books for some research on a project I'm working on. I like how (in this book and in others) she get the historical accuracy in, without it ever getting boring and I certainly learned a lot!. Even if you're an adult, reading her books can certainly teach you a thing or two, and it's clear a lot of research has gone in to her work. I would definitely recommend any of her books for a young person with an interest in history. The great strength of the midwife's apprentice is the main character and how she's learns to trust herself and stand up for herself, starting on a dungheap and ending quite well. Also showing that even though she hasn't had any education, she's smart enough to pull off a big trick on the whole village.
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La escuela de mi hijo necesita
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Karen Cushman has such a knack for historical fiction. I've enjoyed reading and sharing all of her books again and again...though I must admit this one is my favorite (and well Catherine too..and Rodzina...I take it back...I love them all! ;). Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. - the very point of this review option...but it just amazes me how some people find the ending or the overall treatment of this girl to be offensive. Life was HARD in medieval times, particularly for the downtrodden and children (who in many ways weren't really recognized as being in any special group...just "little adults")...most were lucky to actually reach adulthood. Sure the midwife is obnoxious and at times cruel but "Brat" was given a home...and over time, a trade (more of a passion, I'd say). She came into her own at the end...and knew exactly what she was doing with that final decision. Sure nobody (well I hope) actually enjoys reading about a child suffering ...in whatever way (and on that note, animals too), but it was what it was. Won't say more because I don't want to be a spoiler...but Brat aka Alyce overcame it all...she was a survivor! One great read.