The Midwife's Apprentice

By: Karen Cushman

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

Length: 2 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Lyrical yet unsentimental, The Midwife's Apprentice won the coveted 1996 Newbery Medal. Filled with striking characters, it paints unforgettable pictures of village life in the Middle Ages, the midwife's craft, and a very remarkable girl's growing independence and pride.

Brat has no name, no home, and no shelter against the 14th-century English winter except the foul warmth of a dung heap. So when Jane the Midwife wakes her with a kick and takes the half-starved creature to her cottage, a curious relationship begins. Jane teaches Brat to gather herbs and make the poultices used to ease the pain of childbirth for the village women.

The skinny young girl quickly learns to obey the sharp-tongued midwife, and secretly watches Jane practice her art whenever she can. But Jane is also teaching Brat unspoken lessons that will take longer - maybe a lifetime - to master.

©1995 Karen Cushman (P)1996 Recorded Books

Journey in Knowledge

The author and narrator told a story of a young girl who grew into a woman with the progression of gained knowledge. She found herself through her experiences (ex. cleanliness) and was able to bring herself up in social status as she gained more knowledge about midwifery. She used this knowledge to help others but was not so conceited that she didn't realize there was more to learn. On the whole it as a wonderful read.

read this as a young girl

I loved reading this as a girl and enjoyed listening to it with my daughter. will definitely listen to it again 😊

Rivetting - from start to end

If you could sum up The Midwife's Apprentice in three words, what would they be?

Wonderful medieval tale

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Midwife's Apprentice?

The end - when Alyce understands that only by her own determination will she realise her dream of becoming a midwife.

Which scene was your favorite?

They are all fantastic, but I loved when cat revives and the time Alyce and Cat spend together.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Alyce leaves the village in despair of ever becoming a midwife and her sense of loss.

Any additional comments?

A really interesting story. It's listed as a young adult's book, I think, but should appeal to all ages. It's never condescending or preachy in getting its message across. Jenny Sterlin's narration was perfect for the story.

Not sure a book for 12-13 year olds

It was a good book but my child struggled with the accents and I fell the theme isn’t for all kids at that age.

Great book

I really enjoyed this book. I think it was read wonderfully. I read this book as part of a book club. I am a mama to three with one on the way and it is very interesting to read about old practices maybe even with some newer thinking. The book is great for many ages; especially young girls who might become mothers or who are interested in history and or midwifery.

Unique

An imagined glimpse at ordinary life in medieval Europe—a bold endeavor in itself. The story of a girl's struggle for survival and socialization in a society which is largely indifferent, and sometimes harsh, although there are pockets of human warmth and hope.

Midwife’s Apprentice

I truly enjoyed. This is the year 2018. It wakes you up as to how hard and tough you had to be to have lived back then, way back. I don’t think there is anyone today that could survived. The girl that survived learned with out confidence. But learned she did even though it was so very hard.

Really amazing

This is a must listen to. Powerful narration, verbiage completely appropriate. A great book to listen to again and again!

Charming. Endearing.

The narrator really conveys the moodiness of the village scenes and depth of Alice's character. There is both sadness and triumph in this story.

not just for kids

What did you like best about The Midwife's Apprentice? What did you like least?

liked most -- the refreshing perspective of one that has had a rough life, but doesn't wallow in "poor me";it was worth price.

liked least -- almost fell over dead when the recording started, with the "audible kids"
screeching out - startling everyone in the room! didn't realize it was intended for kids.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

frankly, i don't remember the ending - now that's sad.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

it was ok, take it or leave it.

Was The Midwife's Apprentice worth the listening time?

yep, and the price was good too.