CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY by Karen Cushman

Bibliography
Cushman, Karen. 1994. Catherine, Called Birdy. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395681863

Plot Summary
Fourteen-year-old Birdy is subject to her parents’ plot of marrying her off to the highest bidder. Although she is a lady of a medieval English manor, her father is a poor knight with modest lands. Birdy is set against becoming the proper grown lady that her parents want her to be, and she scares away every suitor that comes her way. In an attempt to avoid marrying the worst suitor of them all, Birdy runs away from home. However, she discovers that she cannot keep avoiding the life in store for her and realizes that she can conform and yet still remain true to who she is.

Critical Analysis
The theme of this story is universal and timeless in that it deals with a rebellious teenager, Birdy, fighting against the normal way of life. In the midst of her rebellion, Birdy finds a place in the world and discovers hope in maintaining some way to remain true to who she is. This theme is set in a modest English manor house during the Middle Ages (1290-1291), a time where women are the property of their husbands and fathers. Cushman remains true to this period with everything but Birdy herself. During medieval times fire could destroy villages, fleas abound, religion is the center of everyday life, and time is marked by celebrations. All of this is captured in Cushman’s novel. Birdy, on the other hand, has thoughts and actions that modern day teenagers can identify with. She is rebellious and outspoken. In the author’s note, Cushman points out herself that most girls of that time would consent to marry anyone their parents told them to with no fuss. Therefore, although the plot of an arranged marriage is true to the time period, Birdy’s reactions and deeds are not.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it enthusiastically in a couple of hours. Cushman presents Birdy’s predicament with humor. Birdy’s portrayal of her suitor, Shaggy Beard, who has no manners or sense of personal hygiene, is hilarious. Birdy comes up with every way possible to get out of such a marriage. Cushman ends the book with an author’s note that explains the ways in which her portrayal of medieval England is authentic. I plan on reading the author’s book recommendations for more information on medieval England.

Awards Won & Review Excerpts

•  John Newbery Medal, 1995 - Honor Book

• ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award, 1995

• Carl Sandburg Literary Arts Awards, 1994

• Golden Kite Award, 1995

• Booklist: "The diary format helps portray the tedium of life in the Middle Ages, the never-ending sewing, cooking, and other chores; the dirt and the illness; and, worse, the lowly role of women in medieval life."

• Kirkus Reviews: "The period has rarely been presented for young people with such authenticity; the exotic details will intrigue readers while they relate more closely to Birdy's yen for independence and her sensibilities toward the downtrodden."

• The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books: "Cushman hedges her bet a little by making Catherine conveniently modern and rebellious in much of her outlook, but she writes with vigor and craft of a life most young people won't have contemplated but will find fascinating here."

Connections

• In the author's note, Cushman provides suggestions for further reading about the Middle Ages and medieval England. Try reading some of these suggestions.

• Other books by Karen Cushman:

          Matilda Bone. ISBN 0395881560
          The Midwife's Apprentice. ISBN 0395692296
          The Ballad of Lucy Whipple. ISBN 0395728061

• Try reading some poems with a medieval England theme:

          Lewis, J. Patrick, and Rebecca Kai Dotlich. Castles: Old Stone Poems. ISBN                           1590783808
          Tennyson, Alfred Lord. The Lady of Shalott. ISBN 1553378741