The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman

1.     Bibliography

Cushman, Karen. The Midwife's Apprentice. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 1996.

ISBN: 978-0547722177

2.     Plot Summary


 One day, young Brat (who renames herself Alyce) is found by the town’s midwife laying in a dung heap. After some persuasion, Alyce convinces the midwife to take her on as her apprentice. Alyce learns and grows under the harsh midwife's tutelage in 1400s medieval Europe. Will Alyce have what it takes to make it as a midwife someday?

3.     Critical Analysis

This delightful story unfolds for the reader in short vignettes. The research and care of the author are evident as she explains what midwifery was like during the middle ages in Europe. The reader certainly gains the perspective of the townspeople and life back then through the author’s clever writing. Superstition and prejudice of class are clearly evident through the short vignettes of the story. At the beginning of the story Brat is spat upon, dismissed and teased by the townspeople. But as the story progresses, the reader observes Alyce take her spot in the village as the apprentice. As the story progresses, people grow to trust her and respect her. This is a tale of resilience and life lessons for young Alyce. The reader watches Alyce grow, progress, change and learn throughout this witty short tale. Also, at the end of the story, Cushman includes an author’s note about midwifery, herbs, remedies, and superstition used in childbirth during the story's time period. Her careful research and the accuracy of the historical aspects included in the story are evident throughout the story and in the author's note.

4.     Review Excerpts
From GoodReads: “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.”
From Publishers Weekly: “Gradually the girl forges an identity for herself and learns some timeless truths.”
From Kirkus Reviews: “...[the] language...is simple, poetic, and funny. 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

Also by Newbery Award-Winning Author Karen Cushman
Catherine, Called Birdy
By Karen Cushman
ISBN: 978-0547722184

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple
By Karen Cushman
ISBN: 978-0547722153

 The Midwife's Apprentice would be an excellent addition to a unit on the middle ages. Students could analyze the time period and the medicine of that time and compare it to today.

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