The Midwife's Apprentice

The Midwifes Apprentice

The Midwife's Apprentice is a historical novel written by Karen Cushman, published in 1995. It is set in medieval England and tells the story of a young, homeless girl known only as Brat, who becomes an apprentice to a harsh, demanding midwife. Through her journey, Brat, who later names herself Alyce, learns not only the skills of midwifery but also discovers her own self-worth and the power of kindness and perseverance.

Plot Summary

The novel begins with the protagonist, Brat, sleeping in a dung heap for warmth. She is discovered by the village midwife, Jane Sharp, who takes her in as a servant. Brat is given the name Beetle by the midwife due to her initial unkempt and insignificant appearance. Despite the hard work and the midwife's cruel treatment, Beetle is eager to learn. She observes Jane's work and starts to acquire knowledge about childbirth and herbal remedies.

As Beetle becomes more competent, she starts to assist Jane more directly with the births. After helping to deliver a baby in a critical situation, Beetle earns the respect of the villagers and chooses the name Alyce for herself. Alyce's confidence grows, but after failing to deliver a baby and being ridiculed by Jane, she runs away, believing she is not fit to be a midwife's apprentice.

While away, Alyce encounters a series of individuals who teach her about self-worth, kindness, and perseverance. She works at an inn, where she learns to read and further develops her interpersonal skills. Eventually, Alyce decides to return to the village and face her fears. She confronts Jane and asks to continue her apprenticeship, promising to learn everything she can.

The novel concludes with Alyce successfully delivering a baby on her own, proving her skills and determination. She reconciles with Jane and decides to stay in the village, no longer as an apprentice but as a midwife in her own right.

Themes

The Midwife's Apprentice explores several themes, including Self-discovery, Resilience, Empowerment, and the importance of Kindness and Community. Alyce's journey from a nameless, homeless girl to a confident and skilled midwife highlights the novel's focus on personal growth and the search for identity. The story also emphasizes the value of hard work, learning from failure, and the impact of compassion and support from others.

Reception

The novel received critical acclaim for its historical accuracy, character development, and its handling of themes relevant to both young and adult readers. It won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1996 for its contribution to children's literature.

See Also

• Historical fiction
• Newbery Medal
• Karen Cushman
• Medieval England