HISTORICAL FICTION - Catherine, Called Birdy

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 1994. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. New York: Harper Trophy. ISBN 0060739428

PLOT SUMMARY
Medieval England in the 13th century and a sassy daughter of a country knight are the two elements that define the Newbery Honor Book, Catherine, Called Birdy. Upon the request of her older, educated brother, Birdy commences to keep a journal of sorts recounting the events that make up her days. This journal marks a year in the life of the headstrong and willful Birdy as she engages in the “womanly” duties prescribed as per her social station. Vivid explanations of sewing, cooking, remedy making, and the like pepper the account. The conflict in the story arises when Birdy’s father begins arrangements to have her betrothed now that she has reached the ripe old marrying age of fourteen. The seemingly indomitable Birdy uses her wit and clever antics to drive off a string of suitors she deems unacceptable. She manages to succeed at these rebukes until Shaggy Beard arrives on the scene. Shaggy Beard is old, ugly, and repulsive, but his wealth appeals to the greedy side of Birdy’s father. Birdy is informed in no uncertain terms that she will marry this suitor whether she likes it or not. The novel plays out as Birdy first fights this decision, then mourns for herself, and finally comes to grips with the news. A surprise twist in the end leaves the reader with a sense of justice well served.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This work of historical fiction embodies the traits of genre quality. History is portrayed in all of its flea-bitten, unbathed glory in this remarkably accurate account of life in the Middle Ages. There is no sugar-coating here! From farts to belches to grumbling guts, Cushman spares no pleasantries. With accounts of a hanging, childbirth, butchering and other unsavory occurrences, the book is certainly not for the delicate constitution. But the magic of these disgusting descriptions is that they hook the young reader and draw them right into the book, giving a first hand account of the day to day routines of a person living seven centuries ago. As an example of the historic validity, one need only turn to the image created by the author of a feast day meal: “We sat down at to dinner at an hour before noon and stayed at the table until after dark. We ate glazed eggs, apple tarts, whole pigeons and snipes, peacock in raisin sauce, red and white jellies, pig stomach stuffed with eggs and spices, and potted beef with nutmeg.” Cushman also lends authenticity to her work by using some words common to the era (Corpus Bones!, Deus!, privy, vex), but not so many that the language becomes inaccessible to the reader. The plight of the young female protagonist is also something readers will identify with. Birdy is often grounded, sent to her room, and made to go without supper showing that despite all of the differences, there are still some things that are universal, even across time. Cushman provides author’s notes at the end of the book to give a basic, philosophical description of life in England during the Medieval time period.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
* Newbery Honor Book Winner – 1995
* ALA Best Books & Notable Book – 1995
* School Library Journal Starred Review – 1994
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: “The 14-year-old daughter of a rustic knight records the events of her days in the year 1290, writing perceptive, scathing, and often raucously funny observations about her family, friends, and would-be suitors. A delightful, rebellious heroine, determined not to marry the man of her father's choice.”
* BOOKLIST REVIEW: “This is a story of life in the last decade of the twelfth century as seen through the eyes of a young teenage girl. Birdy's is the only real voice. Fortunately, it's a sprightly voice, complete with its own brand of cursing ("God's thumbs!"), that moves the action.”
* PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW: “This fictive diary of a medieval young woman's coming-of-age and struggle for self-determination. . . . . first wells up in the reluctant and aggressive prose of hated homework, and then eases into the lighthearted flow of descriptive adventures and true confessions; the narrative device reveals Birdy's passage from rebellious child to responsible adult.”

CONNECTIONS
* Create a Venn diagram of life in modern times and life in Medieval England.
* Compose a list of things in the book that seem unusual and discuss them in more detail, comparing and contrasting to life today.
* Write a journal in the style of Birdy’s, chronicling day to day happenings, personal thoughts, and feelings for a specified period of time.
* Study the dress, habits, games, music, and foods of Medieval England. Dress in costume, prepare foods of the time period, and have a feast with games, songs, and dancing.
* Further Explore Medieval Europe with Karen Cushman and Avi:
1) Cushman, Karen. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. ISBN 006440630X
2) Cushman, Karen. MATILDA BONE. ISBN 0440418224
3) Avi. CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD. ISBN 0786816589
4) Avi. CRISPIN: AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD. ISBN 078685152X