Alchemy and Meggy Swann Paperback – October 25, 2011

This latest Karen Cushman book is aimed at a slightly older audience than her earlier works. In my opinion, writing about Medieval and Renaissance settings is her forte, and this book has a delightful depiction of Elizabethan London.

I adore Karen Cushman. So far, I've loved all her books. As a former teacher and grandmother, I am constantly buying books for grandchildren and offspring of friends. So many children't books are so sweet and gentle that they make your teeth ache. This novel is one for the exceptional young reader and a reader of any age who wants to laugh and enjoy the delight of a gifted author's tale. Her London streets come alive. The book captured me from the first page and swept me through. I finished it in one night and immediately purchased two additional titles by Karen Cushman in ebook form. I highly recommend this book for anyone with imagination and a love of history. 5 Stars!

Traditional Newberry Medal formula... check. BUT... you find yourself adoring the plucky Meggie, especially as she shows her quick wit and teaches the intolerant lessons, and you can't help, even if, like me, you're googling the archaic language, but think English has gotten really boring. A girl, a goose, a miracle or two... maybe NOT so formulaic after all. If it is, then it's proof that the formula works.

This book was very good. The author did a great job on research.I woulkd recomend it to anyone who likes historical fiction.

Arrived on time and in perfect condition. This is a wonderful story. For a real treat, look for the audio book to listen to while you read. They did a really good job with the voices, etc. on that.

A good book about growing through trials. Also teaches about the history of England.

This is the story of Meggy Swann’s transformation from a helpless, unloved cripple into a capable young woman surrounded by loving friends. Though the old English vocabulary and expressing are strange to a modern reader, they were surprisingly easy to read.

Karen Cushman's books have a general pattern: a young girl faces difficulties in a richly described historical setting. She is aided by kindly persons and usually a likely lad. I have enjoyed several of these for the historical description mostly - BUT in this book, she has created a personality that really stays with you. Meggie is faced with what seems like insurmountable circumstances - essentially parentless, in London (which is totally new to her) and with the inability to walk without the assistance of crutches. Not only is her mobility impaired, this situation is viewed by many as a mark of the Devil. Meggie is a fighter, however, and very resourceful. Great story.

I bought this and a few other Karen Cushman books for some research on a project I'm working on. I like how (in this book and in others) she get the historical accuracy in, without it ever getting boring and I certainly learned a lot!. Even if you're an adult, reading her books can certainly teach you a thing or two, and it's clear a lot of research has gone in to her work. I would definitely recommend any of her books for a young person with an interest in history.I feel the real interesting thing in this book is that you're following a crippled girl who really has to take care of herself, because no one else is willing or can be bothered to do so. Meggy's determination and strong will to survive in a world that doesn't want her, makes for an exceedingly interesting story I can see myself rereading this one.