Customer Reviews

Alchemy and Meggy Swann

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I don't normally seek out historical fiction, but I make an exception for Karen Cushman's books. I still smile when I think about the heroine of Catherine, Called Birdy, for example. Like Meggy Swann, the main character in Cushman's new book, Birdy is just so completely lively and real. Cushman has a knack for created characters who seem like someone you know--even as they fit into their historical setting. And that setting will also seem comfortably real. You never feel as if Cushman is a history teacher thinly disguised as a storyteller. She is simply a storyteller who sets her tales in vanished eras.

Cushman doesn't mind taking risks when it comes to writing main characters who are unpleasant, either. But like Mary in the classic, A Secret Garden, these girls tend to become more likable as they face their challenges and grow up a bit. In the case of Meggy Swann, those challenges are formidable: Meggy is a cripple in Elizabethan times, an age when many still thought that physical deformities were the mark of the devil and even a sign of witchcraft.

Meggy's mother, a hot-tempered barmaid, had shuffled the child off on her mother for years. Now that the old woman has died, Meggy's mother washes her hands of the girl, sending her to live with her long-vanished father, an alchemist, in London. When he sees Meggy, he doesn't want her because she is not a boy and is imperfect, besides. Meggy's only friend is a goose named Louise.

When our story begins, Meggy has no idea how to care for herself because her grandmother did everything for her. She is also frightened of the big city and has no social skills. Yet, although some Londoners are superstitious and mocking, others are kindly and reach out to Meggy. She gradually makes friends with a group of players, especially a boy named Roger (whom she begins by insulting mightily!), and with a cooper neighbor and a printer.

As for her father, Master Ambrose, readers get a look at the life of an ever-hopeful alchemist during this period of history. The predecessors of chemists, these men pursued the dream of turning base elements into gold. As we discover in the book, they could be a shady lot. What's more, Meggy's father isn't any better at parenting than her mother was. He can't even seem to remember her name.

Meggy becomes a sort of assistant to her crotchety father, who eventually gets involved with a conspiracy that could lead him into terrible trouble. Meggy tries to set things right, giving the book more of an adventurous flair. But really, the strengths of Alchemy and Meggy Swann are Meggy's growing friendships and the close-up look the book gives us at life during Queen Elizabeth's reign.

At 176 pages, Alchemy and Meggy Swann is a compact read. It is also a compelling one. Cushman gives us a girl whose favorite expression is "Ye toads and vipers," a girl who "wabbles" instead of walking and frequently loses her temper, a girl not wanted by anyone. Yet the author shows us how Meggy succeeds against the odds--and there we have lead that truly does turn to gold. Or at least, we have lead used to build something altogether new and promising.

We meet Meggy newly arrived by cart in Elizabethan London, with her pet goose. She is alone, rejected, and confused.

I found the beginning confusing as well. It's an unfortunate way to be introduced to Meggy, at her most peevish and helpless. We vaguely and eventually learn that she uses two walking sticks, that in fact she is in this strange place because she was summoned by her father, who thought he was sending for a hardy son rather than a crippled daughter. Her father is an alchemist, dedicating every ounce of his energy to discovering the elixir of life and the method to transmute other metals into gold. He barely considers his own belly, let alone his daughter's.

Meggy has never before been to London, so we discover it with her, on her challenging walking sticks, not knowing the places to go or avoid. Many people fear the ill and disabled, adding to her troubles. With time, she becomes stronger and more useful to her father, working the bellows or fetching his supplies, and develops friendships. In her adversity, she finds strength and self-sufficiency.

There are vivid descriptions of various chemical reactions that tantalized the pursuit of alchemy, of the various vendors of London in 1573, and of dramatic plays of the time, when Meggy befriends a group of players. I thought it was interesting that Meggy had a goose, and was disappointed when that subplot just petered out.

There is much to appreciate here: though I had trouble understanding Meggy at first, she grows into a strong, admirable young woman. And, it's a great introduction to the time and place. The book is rated Young Adult, and that is because the language is somewhat difficult; there is no mature content. It would be appropriate for any child skilled enough to handle the vocabulary. But, I think it would be pretty slow reading for any young reader not already interested in some of the particular aspects of the story: Elizabethan England, drama, alchemy, or disability.

My main quibble is that given the reading level required to handle the text, I expected a more complex storyline. In the end, I found it interesting, but not as compelling as I hoped, which is why I've given it three stars.

Excellent portrayal of a time and a place. Nobody does that better than Karen Cushman. She captures and evokes the cadences and sounds, the sights and scenery of an Elizabethan city that is so different from anything children of today have ever experienced that readers will be drawn into Meggy Swann's world by its sheer novelty, and because of that novelty, they will want to stay, read, and further explore.

At the same time, there is a kind of universality to Meggy's plight that many kids of any era can relate to, ie. not being sure if a parent loves you because, or in spite of, who you are. Feeling taken advantage of by an unstable parent in dubious circumstances. Having incredible - or even small - physical challenges that impact both daily existence and growing up. Wanting to have friends, and yet being outwardly almost brazenly willing to do without rather than express the need. I think girls and boys will appreciate the story equally, and also think it make an excellent read aloud for one or a class full.

I would not categorize Alchemy and Meggy Swann as a young adult book - despite the vocab, I think it would appeal to, and hold the interest of upper elementary readers.

Wow! Like Cushman's other books, this one vividly evokes the time period and features a strong female character. It is a heartwarming story of redemption and personal growth, with some excitement thrown in to keep the plot going. The period details liberally strewn throughout give a better feel for the time period (after Elizabeth I but before Shakespeare) than a history textbook, making this another wonderful "living history" book by this author.

My only reservation in recommending this book is that the front-matter describes this book as targeted at 10-14 year olds. The plot is appropriate for this age range, but unless it's used as a read-aloud, it would be a tough read for kids at the younger end of this range. Heck, it would be a tough read for many 15 year olds, too! The problem lies in the language, which is highly authentic. Not only the dialogue reflects the time period, but even the general narrative prose (which is in the third person). Children unfamiliar with Elizabethan English (such as you find in Shakespeare) would really struggle with much of this. A simple example is this: Meggy asks, "What will you, Puppy?" To understand this, a child would have to know that "will" used to mean "want," and that "Puppy" is Meggy's on-the-spot made-up nickname for Roger. I think most children would just assume that she is asking something like, "What will you do?" (My child, reading over my shoulder, commented, "I would assume that!")

Not only archaic language, but also archaic syntax and vocabulary fill this book. A child would need to be exceedingly clever or have ready familiarity with a dictionary to grasp the plethora of obscure words in here...for example, a brief glance through two pages yields "rushlight," "kirtle," "wits," "belike," "fie upon." A motivated reader can figure them out (or close enough) by context, but this is not a book to hand to a reluctant reader.

On the other hand, a child who gets through this book will acquire a familiarity with Elizabethan English and will be better prepared to understand Shakespeare, so it could be a great choice to help young high school students get their feet wet with the Bard's language.

Born crippled, Meggy Swan was raised in a small English village by her loving grandmother. Her mother was unkind and wanted nothing to do with her, and the villagers were suspicious of people with disabilities. When her grandmother dies in 1573, Meggy's mother, eager to be rid of her, sends her to London to live with her father, whom Meggy has never met before.

From the time she arrives in London, Meggy hates it and wishes she could return to her country village. The city is dirty and scary and confusing, and it is especially hard for her to travel around because of her disability. Her father, an alchemist, had thought his child was a son, and is disappointed by the arrival of a daughter, and a crippled one at that. Meggy feels lost, alone, and friendless. Her father is obsessed with his work of turning liquid into gold and wants little to do with his unwanted daughter. But soon Meggy learns that the city isn't an entirely terrible place, and even a crippled country girl like herself can make friends.

Alchemy and Meggy Swan is another enjoyable middle grade historical novel by Karen Cushman. Unlike her previous books, which were set in the Medieval era, this book is set in Elizabethan London, and she brings the place and time to life with gritty and realistic detail. Meggy is a bit unlikable at first - she is a stubborn and unfriendly loner, as a result of a childhood in which she was despised by everyone except her grandmother. But it is enjoyable to see her grow from a friendless loner into a girl with many friends and a chance for a wonderful future. I recommend this book to readers who enjoyed previous books by the author or who like middle grade historical fiction.

Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.

This book is the first-person account of Meggy, a crippled child who is sent to live with her father (the alchemist), whom she does not know and who does not really want her. She is forced to make her own way in London, faces dangers and prejudices, and ultimately finds a surrogate family where she is accepted and appreciated. I found that the semi-archaic English was difficult for my seven-year-old child to follow, even when I read it to her. The story is also pretty dark in places -- there is a murder plot, child neglect, a fire, and cruel treatment of Meggy -- simply because she is lame. Nevertheless, Meggy is spunky, finds allies, and seems to be a survivor. Though it is not a romance, there is some suggestion that Meggy and one of her friends have a special affection for each other.

Though I found the writing and period aspects of the story entertaining, the plot itself was disjoint. It seemed that the writer was not sure whether this should be a story about alchemy, murder plots, traveling play groups, or "life in Elizabethan London." I think that there are probably three or four good story lines in this book, but they do not all work together, and the plots sometimes fizzle before completion (like Meggy's nascent romance and her relationship with her rascal father). The title does not capture the storylines well; while Meggy is clearly the main character, alchemy is only one of several topics covered in the book, including poisoning, printing, nascent romance, and theater.

Given the amount of information that the author assumes that the reader has about language and history, I would recommend this book for children who are at least 11 or 12 years old. I do not think that it would hold the interest of teenagers, as Meggy is about just on the cusp of adolescence herself.

In full disclosure, I grew up loving Ms. Cushman's Catherine Called Birdy. It's one of my favorite books from my childhood. So I'll admit I may have been pre-disposed to like this book.

I really feel that Alchemy and Meggy Swann is Ms. Cushman at her best. All the reasons I love her books are here. The historical detail she puts into her writing is superb. I really think Meggy would be a great introduction to the time period. (Meggy takes place in 1573) It's fascinating to read about Meggy's daily life and how people lived during this time.

I really loved Meggy. She was somewhat annoying at the start, but she grew on me. She is such a strong girl and I loved her comebacks-she's very funny. I don't want to give away too much, but I really liked the fact that Meggy could have been negative about everything-I wouldn't really blame her for it either. Her growth throughout is what made the book for me. I think she might rival Catherine for my favorite Cushman character!

The book has an overarching storyline, but it also has the feel of smaller vignettes in Meggy's life. It all comes together in the end and it's a treat to see how Ms. Cushman pulls it all together.

The book is somewhat heavy in historical detail and language, so it might not be an easy read for some younger tweens. But if you have historical fiction fans or readers looking to "read up," give them Alchemy and Meggy Swann. This is one treat of a book you won't want to miss.

Alchemy and Meggy Swann / 978-0-547-23184-6

I would have loved this lovely tale anyway, but I do confess to loving it even more so for its wonderfully spirited, partially crippled heroine. Hot tempered Meggy has more than a good reason to be so - saddled with hip dysplasia from birth, walking is painfully difficult, and can only be accomplished with the help of her walking sticks. It is so rare to find heroines in novels that are anything less than possessing a perfectly sound mind and body, and children will delight in this physically imperfect heroine, as well as in the unique friends she makes.

Though the title mentions 'alchemy', be aware that this is not a fantasy novel, but rather a historical fiction one. Meggy has been summoned to London to live with her alchemist father, only to find to her deep sadness and regret that she is no more wanted in her new home than she was in her old one. As she scrambles to work with her cold and unfeeling father, she quickly comes to make friends in spite of her natural suspicions of strangers, and through her own bravery and efforts learns to make a home for herself even when those who should provide for her fail to do so.

Underneath the delightful plot that will keep the reader turning pages until the very end, there is so much warmth and wholesomeness about this book that it is impossible not to love it. Though Meggy is often cold and hungry, the reader will be delighted with the many and varied friends that litter the streets of London - several with their own little physical imperfections that help Meggy to understand she is not alone in the world. And the sense of humor and sharp wit that marks the pages will delight the reader, as Meggy bandies sharps words with both those who would curse her for her limp as well as with her closest friends and companions (with, of course, varying degrees of acrimony).

In short, I deeply enjoyed "Alchemy and Meggy Swann" and would recommend it for adults and children alike, but especially for anyone like myself who finds it painful to walk and yet dreams of dancing.

NOTE: This review is based on a free Advance Review Copy of this book provided through Amazon Vine.

~ Ana Mardoll

Most often, when we read of young women in Elizabethan England, they are of the noble classes. Few authors have dared to deal with a young woman on the streets, particularly one with a handicap.

We first meet Meggy Swann in a predicament. The disabled girl has come to London at the summons of her father and she and her one friend, the similarly handicapped goose, Louise, discover they do not want to stay. It's a poor introduction to a young woman with such wit and vibrancy, but stick with Meggy. She's well worth getting to know.

Meggy was summoned to London by her father, an alchemist, who was expecting a son and quickly rejects her as unsuitable. Still, she manages to work to save him from the authorities when he sells arsenic to poison someone.

All the rich elements of Tudor England are there, the plays, the alchemy--but we see these elements from the not-so-pretty backside of the weaving. The historical research is very well done, language is authentic though not quite as pretty as it is in iambic pentameter.

While the story has a rough beginning, patient readers will come to love and appreciate Meggy Swann as she works to transform herself in her new home.

Rebecca Kyle, May 2010

Experience the sights and smells of Elizabethan London while watching the transformation of a crabby, hopeless girl into a bright, self-assured young woman. This is a character-driven story that really holds the reader's interest by weaving in historical details about city life in the 16th century and the nature of early "science." Throw in some intrigue and danger, and you've got a new classic.

This book was educational and entertaining... I really enjoyed reading it! Although the main character is female, it's certainly not a "girl" book, so I hope lots of boys will pick it up, too. I highly recommend it for all young readers.