Sunday, October 31, 2010

Alchemy and Meggy Swann by Karen Cushman


Cushman, Karen Alchemy and Meggy Swann, 166 p. Clarion (Houghton), 2010.  $16.00.  Meggy Swann has been fetched from her village by her alchemist father, who is look for from free assistance as he delves into mysteries and secrets.  When he discovers her twisted leg – and the fact that she is a girl – his disappointment and his indifference towards her leaves Meggy mostly on her own, to find food, friends, and a place in the dirty streets of Old England of the 1500’s.  Meggy Swann if definitely in a more difficult situation and has a more peppery disposition than Cushman’s earlier protagonists.  While Meggy may not appeal to quite as many readers as say, Birdie, her story gives another dimension into life way back when.  EL – ADVISABLE.  

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