Juliana, an eleven-year-old Saxon girl, loses her home and family when the Normans conquer England in 1066 and seeks to order her life by becoming involved in the creation of the Bayeux tapestry.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
The Norman invasion of England on Michaelmas Eve morning in 1066 is the setting for this historical novel starring 11-year-old Juliana, daughter of a Saxon thane. She was among the first to sight the invading ships as she shirked her embroidery to steal a quiet walk on the beach. With her luxurious life a dim memory, Juliana is separated from all of her family except her young brother Wulfric but manages to deliver him safely to Canterbury. She ultimately escapes from slavery and finds a modest yet fulfilling life as an embroiderer on the great Bayeux Tapestry. McGraw's ( The Money Room ; Moccasin Trail ) finely balanced blend of historical detail and dramatic invention admirably brings to life the harsh realities and emotional tumult in a country under seige. Juliana is the perfect heroine, feisty and practical; her invigorating struggle to become self-reliant craftily encompasses the complicated political issues of the period. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 6-10-- Rich in detail, The Striped Ships follows the life of Juliana--pampered daughter of a thane--from the Norman invasion of England in 1066 until, 18 months and many trials and hardships later, she finds satisfaction and peace working on the Bayeux Tapestry. McGraw's descriptions of Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Norman life are excellent; she paints a clear, colorful picture of this period of upheaval. Juliana is an interesting, realistic character whose battle for a sense of purpose and identity is timeless. Very little is available for young people on this era of English history, so McGraw's novel is welcome. It's just unfortunate that there isn't more historical data. The glossary is not comprehensive, and the note on dates is incorrect (the Normans invaded England September 28; October 14 was the Battle of Hastings). Finally, in 1066 Edgar, not Edward, was the Aetheling. These flaws aside, the book should be a positive addition to historical-fiction collections. --Ann W. Moore, formerly at Lane Road Library, Columbus, OH
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book for historical fiction fans of all ages,
By
This review is from: The Striped Ships (Library Binding)
Although Eloise McGraw won a Newbery Honor Book Award for "The Golden Goblet," this work is as good or better. Juliana's life is vividly portrayed, from her privileged "Thane's daughter" upbringing at the beginning of the book, to becoming a Norman slave grubbing for every crumb, to her travels to Canterbury and ultimately becoming a part of the creation of an (actually existing) tapestry. McGraw captures the historical feel of the times, with rich detail that you can picture in your mind's eye, but not so much detail as to get bogged down. It was refreshing to see a strong female character (especially considering this was written and published in the 1950s) who can take care of herself--and her younger brother--without succumbing to the "oldest sister too good to be true" syndrome. Her older brother's character is particularly interesting--is he good? Or are his actions as a Saxon "terrorist" just as "evil" as the Norman conquerors? Those who like sappy endings with all the loose ends tied might be be a bit discomforted by the end--Juliana is never truly reconciled with her ultimate place in life--but I think the mixed feelings she experiences are true-to-life. As an added bonus, you'll absorb some interesting Saxon/Norman history!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good job!,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Striped Ships (Library Binding)
This is a children's book, but I'm 25 and I still enjoyed it. I wish that there had been a little bit more about King Harold and Duke William, but the story is still a gripping one, set in that all-important year of 1066.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book,
This review is from: The Striped Ships (Library Binding)
I read this 229 page novel for my Honors 9 Geography 5 themes project. This book is based on a 1066 period of time that happened in various places around England. The Normans took over parts of England and destroyed a lot of the people's lives and really effected their economy. One brave, strong girl by the name of Juliana travels from heart-braking place to another in search of something her heart desisres. She finds out what it is in the end while going through loss of family, hard work, devistating sights, and adventures you won't forget. I like how the author uses very good literary devices to get you "involved" with the book. There were nights where I just didn't want to put the book down because it was really exciting. One thing I thought was difficult about this book was, the word choices McGraw chose. A lot of the words were advanced so I would not reccomend this book for a real young person. I am in grade 9 and had somewhat hard time understanding it at times. But what was really helpful was McGraw put a glossary in the back of the book which helped A LOT. I had never known that such a devistating thing took place over in England and by reading this book it helped me understand the hardness that the people went through. There were a few parts that were a little grusome, but not too bad for a book that deals with war. I would strongly reccomend this book to people who are interested in the history of England, or just want a good novel to sit and cuddle up with. But if you read this book you need to understand that it is not just a relaxation book; it is about an awful war that took place.
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