Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife’s Apprentice. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0395692296
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Found by Jane the midwife in a dung heap, an orphan named Brat (renamed Beetle) is taken on for menial tasks, yet kept in the dark about the secrets of midwifery, so she won’t become competition. When Beetle (renamed Alyce) must deliver a baby on her own and cannot do it, she runs away filled with shame. Working at an inn, Alyce learns to read and write some, but more importantly, learns the real shame was not in failing but in giving up.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Although kids probably can’t relate to sleeping in a pile of dung for warmth, they should be able to relate to Alyce in this personable coming of age story. The most relatable part of the book are the themes of finding worth internally not externally, believing in one’s self, and learning to persevere. In one touching moment, Alyce says, “I am nothing. I have nothing, I can do nothing and learn nothing. I belong no place. I am too stupid to be a midwife’s apprentice and too tired to wander again. I should just lie here in the rain and die.” However, Alyce does find a way to believe in herself and her gifts when not many else do. Kids everywhere who are struggling to find their own self-worth should relate.
Set in a 14th century, small village England, Cushman excellently weaves details of the period and midwifery throughout the book without sounding too "teacher-y." The life of an orphan is not sugar-coated, and there is no Daddy Warbucks to save Alyce here. She gains her life through her own efforts and growth, along with the help of characters who bring a bit of truth along the way.
Cushman naturally works in how integral beliefs and superstitions, along with a lack of education, affected midwifery during this period. Other moments that really make the era come alive are descriptions of sweeping dirt floors, worrying about the Devil walking around, and the novelty of bathing with soap. The language is accessible while still being true to the times (e.g. the innkeeper says, “Oskins, boskins, chickadee”).
An author’s note that follows the story gives a history of midwifery, including its place in the world today. Cushman explains the use of superstitions and relics, as well as sharing words for “midwife” in multiple languages. It is an excellent follow-up to a wonderful historical fiction novel.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
- Newbery Medal Award Winner
- ALA Best Book for Young Adults/ALA Notable Book for Children
- Booklist starred review: “Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone.”
- School Library Journal starred review: “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.”
- Kirkus starred review: “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.”
5. CONNECTIONS
- An audio clip of The Midwife's Apprentice is available on Karen Cushman’s website. Listening to it is a great way to introduce the book to students and get them intrigued.
- Houghton Mifflin has a downloadable reader’s guide with a lot of great discussion questions from the book, comparing this book to other Cushman’s texts, and about the author’s craft.
- Other historical fiction books set in 14th century:
Eco, Umberto; translated from the Italian by William Weaver. The Name of the Rose. ISBN: 9780156001311
Walsh, Pat. The Crowfield Curse. ISBN: 9780545229227
- Nonfiction books about the 14th century:
Macdonald, Fiona. You Wouldn’t Want to Work on a Medieval Cathedral: A Difficult Job that Never Ends. ISBN: 9780531137840
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