Alchemy and Meggy Swann

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.

After Meggy Swann's Grandmother dies, her mother sends her to live with her Father, an Alchemist who has sent for her. Upon arriving in London she finds that her Father doesn't want her - for she is a cripple and a girl, he was expecting a boy. Undeterred, Meggy makes a great many friends in London and slowly learns how to live there. Then she hears that her Father is planning to a Baron and Meggy has to decide what to about it... This book is good but it doesn't stand out. It's a quick story, written as if for children in the Seventies, rather than now. However Karen's writing style is vivid and descriptive and Meggy is an engaging character. The idea of her being a cripple is certainly a unique one and I enjoyed learning how she got around London (slowly). It would be easy to sum this entire story up in one sentence: Meggy Swann moves to London and makes friends. Later on she discovers that her Father is making a potion to kill the Baron. Finally, some action! Eh, not really. The book ends with a happy childish ending with everyone singing and dancing around a table. Yes, really.

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!

This book equals any by Karen Cushman. It describes how a crippled girl who who has been mocked and insulted, goes to London to meet her father, an apothecary alchemist. In spite of all rejection, she learns to be pleasant, makes friends, and eventually is able to help friends and to live a meaningful life. Great encouragement for middle grade readers.

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

Not my favorite Cushman book.

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.