Customer Reviews

Catherine, Called Birdy (Newbery Honor Book)

5 star:		(138)
4 star:		(74)
3 star:		(30)
2 star:		(30)
1 star:		(36)

 

 

"Catherine Called Birdy" is a young adult book in a class of its own. Unlike the petty, superficial novels usually written for children, this book's historical setting and endearing heroine make it a must read for all precocious children who grew up on fairy-tales, etc. Set in The Middle Ages, this novel explores the society of the time and also the conditions of the time including some hilarious insights on the hygiene! When I read this book in 4th grade I was automatically hooked on everything Middle Ages and actually was inspired to do research in my free time! Setting of the book aside, "Birdy" is a wonderful character that many girls will be able to connect with even though they live more than 500 years later. Each diary entry tells you more about this character, which makes her personality more in-depth than other books for this age group. I recommend this book for all ages but especially for girls who are just beginning to choose what kind of books they want to read and have always enjoyed fairy-tale and historical fiction type works. This book has a permanent place on my bookshelf--- right next to the Jane Austen and Charles Dickens I have come to cherish because of the pathways of literature this book created.

Arbitrators of historical accuracy in works of fiction decried "Catherine Called Birdy" as a travesty when it first came out. They said it was inaccurate and filled with factual misrepresentations. They said the main character could not and would not have acted the way she did (Birdy is both headstrong and willful) not because she wasn't capable of it but because of the times in which she lived (Medieval England). I was very partial to "Catherine Called Birdy" when I read it. I thought it was a breezy romp through a time entirely different from our own today. I thought the plot was enjoyable, the main character likable, and the setting fascinating. But yes, if pressed, I would admit that this is definitely not the book you're going to want to read to if you want a realistic portrayal of the Middle Ages. So there it is.

Lady Catherine (called Birdy) is the fourteen-year-old daughter of a knight and lady of a manor. Their only daughter, she is expected to wed soon, thereby bringing in a significant price from her suitor. Birdy, however, has other ideas. She knows that in terms of some people (barons, kings, etc.) her family is not particularly rich, but she also feels that no money in the world would be worth her marriage to some empty headed blockhead. As such, the book follows the day-to-day activities of a young lady in jolly old England as she outsmarts and drives away a variety of different potential husbands. To do so, the tale is told through Birdy's journal entries, usually beginning with a note as to what the saint day it is and how they died. The book really hits its stride when Birdy finds herself engaged to a man that repulses and disgusts her more than any other she's met thus far.

I contest the notion that the book is entirely inaccurate, however. First of all, the ending of the book is, however fortuitous, believable. I feel the book taken as a whole is meant to show how trapped the lives of women during medieval times were. We are constantly bombarded with images of cages and caged birds. Birdy is told not to fight her position in life since it will do her little good. The book does not end with Birdy marrying outside her class or running away to live the single life. Instead, it remains faithful to the ideals of the time, for which I was very glad.

Just the same, Birdy is not your average girl. I have to agree that she's a mighty unlikely character for her time period too. Girls reading about her today might identify with her intrinsically, but that's only because she's written with a particularly modern eye. For example, Birdy expresses an interest in running away and joining the Crusades. I challenge anyone to say that any girl growing up in 1290 England even harbored a glimpse of a thought about such a thing. It wasn't just the girls couldn't, it was the fact that they would have considered such an idea alien to their culture. Birdy has lots of thoughts along these lines as well. She likes to fart and spit and do all sorts of things that, quite frankly, girls younger than fourteen might be into but that a kid her age would probably have outgrown. That was actually one of my problems with the book as well. Too often is Birdy immature for her age or irrational beyond her otherwise cool head. After all, being fourteen now and being fourteen then were two entirely different ideas. People grew up faster back in the day, an idea that Birdy does not seen to convey. In fact, in some things Birdy is perfectly ahead of her years. She seems to have a very clear idea of sex and human reproduction. On viewing some grass stained villagers returning from the woods she observes wryly that there will probably be quite a few babies born the coming December. Nine months away, that is.

Just the same, I liked this book. I liked how Birdy's conceptions of humans on the whole changes. I liked the humor in this tale, something that most books set in the Middle Ages neglect. In short, I liked "Catherine Called Birdy" in spite of its flaws. Author Cushman is good enough to include an Author's Note at the end of this text that offers not only further information about the times, but non-fiction resources and other medieval children's books for reference. I challenge you to read this story and not enjoy it, at least on some level. It's a lovely romp. And if you still find yourself yearning for something a little more believable, check out "Dante's Daughter" instead.

"You are lucky, Little Bird, for you have wings. But you must learn to master them. Look at the baron's hawk there on her perch. Just because she doesn't flap her wings all the time doesn't mean she cant fly."

Catherine, also called Birdy, is a 14 year old girl from England (the year is 1290). Her brother Edward insists on her writing an account of her days to help her grow "less childish and more learned." So she does, reluctantly at first, her first entry being:

12th Day of September
I am commanded to write an account of my days: I am bit by fleas and plagued by my family. That is all here is to say.

Catherine is "the daughter of a country knight with but ten servants, seventy villagers, no ministrel, and acres of unhemmed linen." Her mother wants to make her a fine lady who keeps her eyes down and her mouth shut. And her father is determined to wed her to an honorable, wealthy suitor to improve on their family status. Catherine won't let none of this happen to her: she is witty and strong-minded, looking with a critical eye upon the world around her. The only problem is, that nobody but the caged birds in her chamber would share her outlook on life. But she doesn't give up: from now on much of Birdy's energy is consumed by avoiding the various suitors her father has lined up for her marriage. One by one, they are all sent packing, thanks to Catherine's determination. Until she is almost wed to an older, unattractive man she refers to as Shaggy Beard. Should she run away or join the Crusades?

Catherine has to go a full circle, get lost in her emotions and feelings, and find the answer for herself. At the end, the words of old Jewish woman come to her mind: "Remember, Little Bird, in the world to come, you will not be asked 'Why were you not George?' Or 'Why were you not Perkin?' But 'Why were you not Catherine?' " Birdy finally learns how to use her wings: "I am who I am wherever I am."

"Catherine, Called Birdy" is a book that is revealing, amusing, and horrifying at times. With an insider-look, Catherine tells of the people she knows and of the daily events in her small manor house. She lays before readers a festive account of details about medieval England: about the food, dress, religious beliefs, manners, health, medical practices, and the lack of sanitary habits of the people of her day. It's an example of superb historical fiction, no doubt!

For more stories set in or near the Middle Ages, check out "Dante's Daughter" by Kimberly Burton Heuston, "Innocent Wayfaring" by Marchette Chute, "The Door in the Wall" by Marguerite De Angeli, "Adam of the Road" by Elizabeth Janet Gray, "A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver" by E.L. Konigsburg, "The Maude Reed Tale" by Norah Lofts, "The Devil's Workshop" by Katherine Marcuse, "Pangur Ban" by Mary Stolz, "Knight's Fee" and "The Witch's Brat" by Rosemary Sutcliff.

Julia Shpak
Author of "Power of Plentiful Wisdom". Available on Amazon.
For more reviews on children's books visit my blog "Julia's Library" at: ForwardQuoteDOTcom

From the first time I read this book in 6th grade,I loved it. Two years later,I bought it and "The Midwife's Apprentice" at a school book fair and enjoyed it all over again. The ways she got rid of potential suitors were ingenious and amusing! Imagine having to be married at 14 to someone you hate! Some parts were gross,but what do you expect in 13th century England? Birdy managed to cope with it and the dreadfulness of being a woman of the Dark Ages. Her feminism was ahead of its time. She escaped her troubles by writing and pondering,like many teenage girls do today with theirs. I had to remind myself that this wasn't a real diary from 1290-91! It's one of my absolute favorites! A note to other readers: buy it,buy it! Wish there was a sequel (are you reading this,Mrs. Cushman?)

I read this book when I was about 13. Although that was years ago, I still own it and still look back at it fondly. This is a great book. The main character is not your typical medieval damzel in distress, she has an intellect and humor that is refreshing. The book provides good historical details into medieval life. The ending is good, and historically accurare. I would wholey recommend this book for anyone who likes historical fiction, not just YA readers.

This book was recommended by a friend. After enjoying every page, I put it on the pillow of my 11 year old granddaughter. She had finished it by the next morning, and loved it. It is a story of a stubborn 14 year old girl coping with the expectations of a 13th century family. Talk about a dose of reality! Read it, whether you are 11 or 70.

Catherine Called Birdy In an interview, Author, Karen Cushman said the following: "I grew tired of hearing about kings, princes, generals, and presidents. I wanted to know what life was like for ordinary young people in other times." She did that in her book called Catherine Called Birdy. At last, an author has finally written about a younger generation from a long time ago; this is a book written about kids and for kids. Moreover, this book won the prestigious Newbery Award for Literature because of its originality, humor, romance, and its application towards audiences of all ages. I was astonished by how comical the book was. I personally enjoyed the book thoroughly. The characterization in this novel is impressive because the people sound like young people in the 1200's. Catherine, called Birdy, is a young girl who is the daughter of a manor keeper in 13th century England. She is a saucy, young 14-year-old girl who hates her father; also, Catherine bitterly hates her own life. She does not have good self-esteem and, in fact, she thinks of herself quite poorly. She describes herself as unlady-like, ugly, bitter, and stubborn. She hates her father because he is an embittered and nasty man: he is not a good role model for his daughter. He is mean to all the people of the manor. He is also quite mean to her. This main character, Catherine, is faced with quite a dilemma. She is trying to decide which dirty, greedy, rich man to marry throughout the book. In fact, Cat's greedy father insists on her marrying a man who is rich; he believes this will give him more opportunity if she marries a wealthy man. Another main character is called Perkin. Perkin is a poor boy who tends the goats, and Catherine really likes him, but only as a friend. He is one of Catherine's only companions. He also likes her as a good friend. He could be described as gentlemanly and full of integrity. Morwenna is also a big part of Catherine's life. She used to be like her mother, but now that Catherine is grown up, she considers herself more as Catherine's nurse. Basically, the book progresses as Catherine meets more and more men. Finally, after a while, the decision is made that Catherine would marry a fellow who she really did not like; he is called Shaggy Beard. This book is definitely a winner. It teaches many life lessons. For example, one such lesson is to treasure your freedom. It teaches the reader this by making him/her feel grateful that he/she is not in poor Catherine's position. The book also gives us an idea of what life was like for a normal girl back in those times as well as what the people were like in those olden times. One might be astonished by how primitive they and their culture were, for instance, the way the men treated the women and the crude language the people used. Another aspect of the book, which is worth making note of, is the fact that the author wrote the book as each day progressed in Catherine's diary. This gives the entire book a more personal feeling as the reader is submerged into Birdy's life through her own eyes. What a great book! Too bad these were just fictional characters. But then again, maybe they were actually real!

Catherine, age 14, is the youngest daughter of a land-owning knight in 1291 England. She loves birds, and keeps many caged in her room. Birds become an important part of the novel-symbolizing both freedom and captivity. Her older brother, Edward, a monk, suggests that she should keep a diary to help her "grow less childish and more learned" (2). She keeps a diary of her days, documenting everything from mundane flea-catching to her attempts to drive off would-be suitors. Her diary gives a realistic portrayal of life in a medieval castle, with all the dirt, crudeness, small-mindedness, and hard-work intact. Her father, Rollo, is intent on marrying her off to the richest man who will have her. Catherine is brash and outspoken, often slapped or hit for impertinence or bad behavior. She drives off one suitor by blackening her teeth, putting mouse bones in her hair, and acts the idiot. To another, she pretends to be a villager and tells how Catherine has a stooped back and marks on her face, and is mad.

Between trying to dismiss suitors, she rails against the injustices of the life the daughter of a poor knight. She hates lady's work-sewing, making soap, doctoring-and wishes to have adventures. She vacillates between wanting to be a goat-herder, a traveling puppeteer, a troubadour, a crusader, or a monk--anything other than a "lady." Throughout the year, she is told many times by many people to stop trying to be someone or something else. An old Jewish woman tells her, "'Little Bird, in the world to come, you will not be asked `Why were you not George?' or "Why were you not Perkin?' but `Why were you not Catherine?''" (17). Catherine's diary chronicles her search for self.

Catherine's search for identity and her growth from girl to adolescent provide the underlying theme of the novel. When she runs away to her Aunt Ethelfritha on the eve of her marriage to a despised man, Catherine finally realizes that she cannot remake herself by becoming a crusader, goat-herder, or Saracen dancer. She writes, "I cannot survive if I am not myself. But who am I? I am no minstrel and no wart charmer, but me, Birdy, Catherine of Stonebridge, daughter of Lord Rollo and lady Aislinn, sister to Robert and Thomas and Edward and little Eleanor, friend of Perkin, goat by and scholar" (202). In a trite, end-of-the-novel rush, Catherine makes the startling revelation that she is who she is, and accepts that.

Like modern day 14-year-olds, Catherine is prone to exaggeration and being emotional. She asks, "Am I doomed to spend my days stirring great vats of goose fat when not writing for Edward?" and often spends her days sulking in the dovecote (12). Everything is all or nothing with Catherine. Despite a setting very different from modern-day America, Catherine has the same insecurities, desires, and worries that many young women do. She is insecure about her appearance (very easy when one "picked off twenty-nine fleas today") (3). She does not know what she wants to be when she grows up-and her options are much more limited than a modern girl's. She suffers normal crushes and disappointments. She struggles in her relationships with her parents and her brother, Robert. She is a decidedly modern girl in a very un-modern time.

Birdy is the fourteen-year-old daughter of a knight and the sister of a monk, who has taught her to read and write, and suggested "that writing this account of my days will help me grow less childish and more learned..." At first her accounts are short:

"12th Day of September: I am bit by fleas and plagued by family. That is all there is to say."

and

"16th Day of September: Spinning. Tangled. 17th Day of September: Untangled."

until her mother bargains that Birdy may forgo spinning as long as she is writing.

On the 21st Day of September: "Something is astir. I can feel my father's eyes following me about the hall, regarding me as he would a new warhorse or a bull bought for breeding. I am surprised that he has not asked to examine my hooves. And he asks me questions.... This morning: 'Exactly how old are you, daughter?' This forenoon: ' Have you all your teeth?' 'Is your breath sweet or foul?' 'Are you a good eater?' 'What color is your hair when it is clean?' Before supper: 'How are your sewing and your bowels and your conversation?' What is brewing here?"

Then she finds out: "I must take lady-lessons and keep my mouth shut.... my father, the toad, conspires to sell me like a cheese to some lack-wit seeking a wife." And so we live with Birdy "this life of hemming and mending and fishing for husbands," and hear about her friends the goat boy and Lady Aelis, her brother who comes home from the Crusades, herbs and doctoring, hangings, ale head, saints' days, cleaning out the privy, soap-making... normal life in a manor.

CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY may not have grand adventures or non-stop action, but Birdy is sharp and witty and the reader can certainly sympathize with her troubles. Some of the humor is crude and scatological, but I think that is part of the realism Ms. Cushman brings to her novel--while the author does note that Birdy is unusual in not consenting to a marriage arranged by her parents, in every other way the reader gets an accurate and lively picture of medieval life. Though written primarily for a young adult (age 12 and up) audience, this 35-year-old girl enjoyed every page, and is now seeking the author's other works. This book has won several awards, including the Newbery, and when you read it, you will see why. A definite 5 out of 5.

Kimberly Borrowdale, Under the Covers Book Reviews

Karen Cushman did an incredible job when she wrote Catherine Called Birdy, because the book is one in which you see a different time through a young woman's eyes. Catherine, the main character, is a girl that is smarter, and more cunning, and gets herself into more trouble than most guys. She can even read and write! The book is set in the Middle Ages, in the countryside. Catherine finds her life fine apart from the fact that her father is trying to marry her off as though she's a piece of meat. She has a few devious plans for keeping the suitors away, but they can't work forever. Or can they? One impressive twist through out the story is something to do with romance, or actually no romance. Catherine Called Birdy isn't one of those mushy and compassionate books. Catherine is not exactly the type of girl that enjoys wearing frilly dresses, and the only way she thinks of boys is as friends. I'm sure that if Catherine were alive today she would rather play football, compared to jump rope. Catherine Called Birdy has some memorable characters. Her mother is a timid lady, and her father is a gruff man who is sort of slow, but he does have a lot of pride. There is also a sensitive side to her father, but to find out about that you'll have to read the book. One funny thing in the book is how Catherine and her best friend Perkins manage to execute so many of their tricks to out smart her father. Another funny thing is some of the tricks that Catherine pulled off to drive away the men who were trying to court her. One reason that I would not have read this book, if it had not been assigned, is that it is in diary form. Most diaries are incredibly stop and go, and they make you feel not at all connected with the book and its characters. Catherine Called Birdy is different. It has a real flow to it, and you feel like you are Catherine. You should read this book because it has a plot that is full of little adventures, and you will fall in love with the characters. Can you imagine being a tomboy in the Middle Ages with men coming to buy you to marry you? Even if you can't, you will love this book. This is one book, one girl and a lot of attitude! Trust me, read Catherine Called Birdy!