Rating: 
Summary: Life on Blood & Bone Alley
Review: .
I have read two other books by Karen Cushman (Catherine, Called Birdy & The Midwife's Apprentice), both of which I have loved. This book has also gained the same special place in my heart.Matilda, who was used to a fairly easy lifestyle following the teachings of a priest (she takes her religion very seriously); arrives at Blood and Bone Alley (the community where you can find Bonesetters, Bloodletters & Barbers)and she is more than disappointed and offended. Desperately awaiting her most respected priest's return, she starts to find herself thrown into the life of a bonesetter's helper. Through this she experiences what she had never experienced before - people, and people different from herself. I found Matilda's journey of self-discovery and realization of the human heart entertaining, thoughtful and at times, funny. It's a good book.
Rating: 
Summary: Another Good Read
Review: After a gruelling year in school reading classic literature with a dictionary at my side, it was unbelievably refreshing to read something like this book. Having loved Catherine, Called Birdy, it was an obvious pick at the library for me. I thought it would be aimed at a much younger audience but Cushman adapts it very well for young adults as well. Overall it was a good, quick read that accurately explores medicine and medieval life in general. With the perfect mix of humor and heart-touching moments, it is truly a good novel for summer.
Rating:
Summary: Cushman returns to the Middle Ages with style
Review: As an adult that eagerly anticipates each Cushman novel and devours each with delight, "Matilda Bone" should please fans of "Catherine, Called Birdy" and the "Midwife's Apprentice" Cushman excels in female protagonists secure in one world that circumstances thrust into another where they have to learn new skills and new ways of thinking in order to successfully cope and "Matilda" is no exception. Fourteen-year-old Matilda, secure on a medieval English manor,where the manor priest has raised her making her fluent in Latin, writing and religion is suddenly dropped by her respected priest on the doorstep of Peg the Bonesetter, where all her knowledge, piety, and mind-set is of no use in Peg's real world. Matilda prays to her well-known saints to save her, but the saints have no pity and no time for her. How Matilda slowly learns her way around real world London and that book knowledge is no replacement for experience, Cushman presents in her usual realism with a sense of humor style. Cushman is so comfortable with the world of medieval England that the details of life should delight readers rather than putting them off. Some fans of the Harry Potter series might enjoy this book while awaiting for the next book in the series. I thought the book over too soon and wish for the further adventures of Matilda.
Rating:
Summary: Cushman returns to the Middle Ages with style
Review: As an adult that eagerly anticipates each Cushman novel and devours each with delight, "Matilda Bone" should please fans of "Catherine, Called Birdy" and the "Midwife's Apprentice" Cushman excels in female protagonists secure in one world that circumstances thrust into another where they have to learn new skills and new ways of thinking in order to successfully cope and "Matilda" is no exception. Fourteen-year-old Matilda, secure on a medieval English manor,where the manor priest has raised her making her fluent in Latin, writing and religion is suddenly dropped by her respected priest on the doorstep of Peg the Bonesetter, where all her knowledge, piety, and mind-set is of no use in Peg's real world. Matilda prays to her well-known saints to save her, but the saints have no pity and no time for her. How Matilda slowly learns her way around real world London and that book knowledge is no replacement for experience, Cushman presents in her usual realism with a sense of humor style. Cushman is so comfortable with the world of medieval England that the details of life should delight readers rather than putting them off. Some fans of the Harry Potter series might enjoy this book while awaiting for the next book in the series. I thought the book over too soon and wish for the further adventures of Matilda.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining, Relevant, and Educational
Review: As done before in The Midewife's Apprentice, Karen Cushman again creates a historical fiction novel for young adults called Matilda Bone. She constructs a young, female protagonist, Matilda, who is struggling for identity and companionship all the while showing historical facts. She develops a beautiful integration between the fictional plot and the historical facts, which are nearly inseparable. While learning about medieval times and medicine, the reader will become entwined into the story and will connect with Matilda even though she's in a completely different time period.
Throughout this novel, the reader will gain knowledge and information about the practices and culture of Medieval England. Cushman uses a variety of techniques to integrate historical facts. First, she uses setting as a way of showing the reader what it would be like to be on `Blood and Bone Alley,' a fictional street in this medieval town. "And so many buildings: Houses and shops crowded together, leaning higgledy-piggledy against each other and away, to the left and to the right; taverns and inns, dark and crowded and ominous; churches with their bell towers pointing up to heaven" (Cushman 21). After being sent here, Matilda is left to work for the bonesetter, Peg. This is quite culture shock for Matilda from the proper life that she had living under Father Leufredus. She'd been educated in Latin, and Cushman includes some Latin words throughout the text to add more historical aspects to this novel. For example, Cushman will use Latin words with English translation following close behind. "[M]isericordia, distress of the heart" (82). Cushman also presents factual information through terms that are relevant to this time period. Bleeders, leeching, apothecary, bonesetting, and many tonics and potions are just a few of the terms included throughout the novel to show and explain what medicine and life were like in Medieval times. Some of these terms might be unfamiliar to the reader, but these terms give an opportunity for research. Learning about these facts will add to the reader's understanding of the times and practices.
Even though the reader is learning about bleeding and leeching, he/she will be able to connect to the story and identify with the main character. Matilda is a girl who feels abandoned and alone. Due to her mother's desertion and her father's death, Matilda is left in the hands of Father Leufredus. He's now left her to be of help to the bonesetter, Peg, while he is away in London. Matilda's loneliness is portrayed so that the reader can understand and sympathize with her. "Never had she felt so alone. If only she could talk with her holy priest, she would be comforted, but she could not" (40). Another way that the reader will connect with Matilda, even though they are in two different time periods, is Matilda's search for her own identity. She had been told what to believe, so she had never considered what she thought. Anyone who thought differently than Father Leufredus was in the wrong, and she was unable to accept any other perspectives. Matilda's own view and thoughts develop throughout the story and show her awakening to her identity. "Love brightens and purifies the heart? Never had she heard such a thing from Father Leufredus. She was beginning to think there was much she had never heard from Father Leufredus that she would like to hear now" (119-120).
Overall, this book is accurate and a wonderful piece of historical fiction. The only aspect of this book that might be a deterrent is the negative portrayal of religion and the church. Cushman uses Father Leufredus as a figure that Matilda modeled herself after. Her own identity comes when she realizes that there is more to life that what he's taught her and that different types of knowledge are possible. Other characters in the book tell her to forget about what he's told her because it's not all true. But, the reader might get confused with these negative comments. It is important that the reader sees that it's not religion or the church that is incorrect but that it's Matilda's unwillingness to accept anything but that of what she's been taught.
For example, when Peg was treating a cat, Matilda didn't want to be involved. "Truly you should not be treating cats, Mistress, Peg. Father Leufredus says a cat is cane pejor et angue. That means worse than a dog or a snake" (39). Obviously, the reader is going to realize that treating cats is all right. But, if the reader assumes that Father Leufredus (and the church) are incorrect, this could develop negative views toward the credibility of religion. Cushman tries to somewhat counteract this through the character of Walter, a young man around the same age as Matilda, but this might be a bit unsuccessful. He tries to show that there is more to God and faith than what Father Leufredus has taught her. " `What about God's love?' God's love. Walter must know a different God than she did, remembering Father Leufredus's warnings about Hellfire and punishment and God's anger" (136).
This novel would be a great asset to have children read when studying the Mideval times. Not only will the children learn historical facts and practices, but also they will be able to identify with the main character and the people of that time. The story line keeps interest, while teaching new terms.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining, Relevant, and Educational
Review: As done before in The Midewife's Apprentice, Karen Cushman again creates a historical fiction novel for young adults called Matilda Bone. She constructs a young, female protagonist, Matilda, who is struggling for identity and companionship all the while showing historical facts. She develops a beautiful integration between the fictional plot and the historical facts, which are nearly inseparable. While learning about medieval times and medicine, the reader will become entwined into the story and will connect with Matilda even though she's in a completely different time period.
Throughout this novel, the reader will gain knowledge and information about the practices and culture of Medieval England. Cushman uses a variety of techniques to integrate historical facts. First, she uses setting as a way of showing the reader what it would be like to be on 'Blood and Bone Alley,' a fictional street in this medieval town. "And so many buildings: Houses and shops crowded together, leaning higgledy-piggledy against each other and away, to the left and to the right; taverns and inns, dark and crowded and ominous; churches with their bell towers pointing up to heaven" (Cushman 21). After being sent here, Matilda is left to work for the bonesetter, Peg. This is quite culture shock for Matilda from the proper life that she had living under Father Leufredus. She'd been educated in Latin, and Cushman includes some Latin words throughout the text to add more historical aspects to this novel. For example, Cushman will use Latin words with English translation following close behind. "[M]isericordia, distress of the heart" (82). Cushman also presents factual information through terms that are relevant to this time period. Bleeders, leeching, apothecary, bonesetting, and many tonics and potions are just a few of the terms included throughout the novel to show and explain what medicine and life were like in Medieval times. Some of these terms might be unfamiliar to the reader, but these terms give an opportunity for research. Learning about these facts will add to the reader's understanding of the times and practices.
Even though the reader is learning about bleeding and leeching, he/she will be able to connect to the story and identify with the main character. Matilda is a girl who feels abandoned and alone. Due to her mother's desertion and her father's death, Matilda is left in the hands of Father Leufredus. He's now left her to be of help to the bonesetter, Peg, while he is away in London. Matilda's loneliness is portrayed so that the reader can understand and sympathize with her. "Never had she felt so alone. If only she could talk with her holy priest, she would be comforted, but she could not" (40). Another way that the reader will connect with Matilda, even though they are in two different time periods, is Matilda's search for her own identity. She had been told what to believe, so she had never considered what she thought. Anyone who thought differently than Father Leufredus was in the wrong, and she was unable to accept any other perspectives. Matilda's own view and thoughts develop throughout the story and show her awakening to her identity. "Love brightens and purifies the heart? Never had she heard such a thing from Father Leufredus. She was beginning to think there was much she had never heard from Father Leufredus that she would like to hear now" (119-120).
Overall, this book is accurate and a wonderful piece of historical fiction. The only aspect of this book that might be a deterrent is the negative portrayal of religion and the church. Cushman uses Father Leufredus as a figure that Matilda modeled herself after. Her own identity comes when she realizes that there is more to life that what he's taught her and that different types of knowledge are possible. Other characters in the book tell her to forget about what he's told her because it's not all true. But, the reader might get confused with these negative comments. It is important that the reader sees that it's not religion or the church that is incorrect but that it's Matilda's unwillingness to accept anything but that of what she's been taught.
For example, when Peg was treating a cat, Matilda didn't want to be involved. "Truly you should not be treating cats, Mistress, Peg. Father Leufredus says a cat is cane pejor et angue. That means worse than a dog or a snake" (39). Obviously, the reader is going to realize that treating cats is all right. But, if the reader assumes that Father Leufredus (and the church) are incorrect, this could develop negative views toward the credibility of religion. Cushman tries to somewhat counteract this through the character of Walter, a young man around the same age as Matilda, but this might be a bit unsuccessful. He tries to show that there is more to God and faith than what Father Leufredus has taught her. " 'What about God's love?' God's love. Walter must know a different God than she did, remembering Father Leufredus's warnings about Hellfire and punishment and God's anger" (136).
This novel would be a great asset to have children read when studying the Mideval times. Not only will the children learn historical facts and practices, but also they will be able to identify with the main character and the people of that time. The story line keeps interest, while teaching new terms.
Rating: 
Summary: A disappointing product of Cushman
Review: Being a avid fan of Karen Cushman's Midwife's Apprentice and Catherine Called Birdy, I was estatic when I found this book in my school's library. I was expecting another spunky, blunt, comedic, young female protagonist-Matilda Bone, as was the title. Instead, I came to find a rather short, dry, bleak book with a poorly developed plot and character. The only element in the story, coming to terms with one's self(or however you may want to put it), is squeezed into the last two chapters of the book. The main character, Matilda(as she is called throughout the book, the "Bone" comes from a small, small part of the book; how it got into the title I do not understand)is one you grow to dislike. She is ignorant and biased, refusing to learn and accept her new world. Also, I found the book somewhat offensive to Christians--so if you are a devout member of the Catholic Church, I would not recommend this book. Altogether, I felt that Karen Cushman has lost her touch. She did not write a story, but more like a script to a "documentary" of the boring day to day life of an apprentice to a bone setter, who works on Blood and Bone Alley, during the 1300's in England. If you have read and enjoyed past books by Cushman, and have some time on your hands, read Matilda Bone and see if you agree with me. I think it will not be up to your expectations of Karen Cusman either. Otherwise, if you're looking for a good read, stick with Catherine Called Birdy or The Midwife's Apprentice.
Rating:
Summary: great read
Review: Cushman fans- If you liked The Ballad of Lucy Whipple and The Midwive's Apprentice, this book is for you. Matilda Bone combines elements of both books. The main character, Matilda, is plucked from her comfy home to new surroundings, and considers herself above those around her. She becomes an apprentice and almost gives up some times. If you are new to Cushmen, this is a good start. Like all the other books by Cushman, the main charater is a teenage girl. Matilda comes from an abby, where she was raised by a priest. She is sent to Blood and Bone Alley to help Red Peg the bone setter. She acts very stuck up, and takes an I'm Better Than You are attitude until she meets another Matilda, called Tildy. Than she begins to change. This is a good reader for kushman fans, and new comers alike.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Cushman must be meticulous in her research of church history, as evidenced by the constant name-dropping of patron saints throughout this slim novel. The litany goes on ad nauseum and becomes more and more forced and contrived as the story rolls out. There is little to like about the title charcter, Matilda, who shows none of the spunk that has endeared readers to the feisty Birdy or Lucy in Cushman's previous books. And the jolly one-dimensional characters that surround Matilda do nothing to illuminate how a female apprentice would have really been treated in the Middle Ages. Cushman has shown that she can write an engaging novel with a central character who sticks in our mind long after we've read the last chapter. I hope her next effort shows a return to that winning formula.
Rating: 
Summary: A Must Read, Despite the Disappointments
Review: Cushman, once again has brought the past to life in a young girl's coming of age story. Fans of Cushman, however, may find the current saga somewhat disappointing. In this story Cushman chooses to take the focus away from her endearing characters and place it instead on the setting of the story (commented on in the Booklist review). Cushman herself admits, "I did realize finally that I was telling a story, not writing a textbook on medieval medicine, so I took out most of it [the interesting material on medieval medicine]." My hope would be that Cushman would return to focusing on her characters using her elaborate settings for the backdrops. Despite all of this, I still consider this a must read.
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