Cushman, Karen. 2010. ALCHEMY AND MEGGY SWANN. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 9780547231846
Book jacket by Leah Palmer Preiss - hand lettering
2. Plot Summary
This book is about a young, teenage girl, Meggy, who in 1573 comes to London from a country village where she was raised to live with a father whom she does not know, who believes her to be a boy, and who, upon arriving and seeing her crippled legs and walking stick, basically ignores her. With her beloved grandmother dead and a mother who could easily let her go, Meggy has no choice but to stay with her absent father in London. The historical fiction novel is set during Queen Elizabeth I's reign but before Shakespeare. Meggy's father is an alchemist, trying to discover the secret to immortality with his potions, and Meggy is to be his help. When Meggy finds her father is up to some devious acts, she sets out on a mission to make her and her father's situation better. She discovers during her journey that she is stronger than she ever imagined and meets some friends along the way to bring into her once lonely and unforgiving world.
3. Critical Analysis
Karen Cushman's expertise on the subject of the Elizabethan Era shines through in this novel of self-discovery. Her "Author's Note" section at the back of the book is particularly helpful in understanding the background of playwrights before Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth I, the study of alchemy, and the times and language of the late 1500s in London. Also adding to the author's authority on the subjects within the novel is the list of references in the back. There are websites and books for further exploration of the historical setting. Cushman also explains the concept of broadsides and singing ballads to spread news - the precursor to newspapers and television newscasts. She used actual text from historical ballads in the novel.
Meggy Swann is a quick-witted and sharp-tongued girl who does not show much self-restraint in her words or exhibit much patience. Cushman characterizes her to be a typical teenage girl who readers will quickly identify with, even though her language may include some very unfamiliar phrases and language, such as her coin phrase of disgust and irritation, "Ye toads and vipers!" The language in the book could be confusing for the suggested reader's age, 10 and up, so it may be important for educators to have a vocabulary conversation prior to diving in to the novel. The author notes at the back of the book that she leaves thou and thee out of her writing and replaces those pronouns with you because enough of the true Elizabethan dialog and language is already complicated and heavy. The chapters are short and easy to read, giving the reader a chance to process some of the heavy language and concepts; however, a glossary at the back of the book would be a helpful quick reference and tool. There were certain portions of the plot line that moved very slowly, but that may have been a way to describe and develop Meggy's feelings of loneliness due to her absent father and the seclusion she felt at times because of people's attitudes towards disabilities during this time period. The author does an excellent job in her author's note of describing Meggy's disability (hip dysplasia) and the prejudices and stereotypes that people felt towards the disabled. She also explains how times were changing and that people's attitudes were becoming more sympathetic towards the less-abled. All of these notes and research show how enthusiastic and invested Karen Cushman is towards this time period.
4. Review Excerpts and Notable Awards/Honors:
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEW: "Cushman adds another intrepid, resourceful, courageous girl to her repertoire in this tale set in 16th-century London."
BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW: "Writing with admirable economy and a lively ability to re-create the past believably, Cushman creates a memorable portrayal of a troubled, rather mulish girl who begins to use her strong will in positive ways."
KIRKUS STARRED REVIEW: "Readers can hear and see and smell it all as if they are right beside Meggy. She employs the syntax and vocabulary of the period so easily that it is understood as if it’s the most contemporary modern slang. A gem."
Winner of/Honored by:
- Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production Honor (2011)
A. A vocabulary gallery walk or other activity would be particularly helpful before reading this novel.
B. Teachers could set up a traveling museum exhibit to show artifacts from the Elizabethan Age and documents such as ballads.
*Other books of interest by Karen Cushman:
Cushman, Karen. THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE. ISBN 9780547722177
Cushman, Karen. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. ISBN 9780547722184
Cushman, Karen. WILL SPARROW'S ROAD. ISBN 9780547739625
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| Image from Amazon.com |
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