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bhnmt61's review
4.0
Set in 1350, this is the story of an orphan named Boy who is a goatherd on an estate recently devastated by the plague. When a mysterious stranger shows up and insists that Boy accompany him on his pilgrimage to a nearby shrine, no one—including Boy— knows quite what to make of it. But no one besides the goats really cares about Boy anyway, so off he goes.
It’s fully absorbing and a surprisingly creative take on the tropes of a pilgrimage tale, but the ending left so many dangling plot threads that it felt muddled and unsatisfying when I wanted it to be sure of itself. And the one place it does seem sure of itself—an unsettlingly moralistic assertion of the value of work and being “good” and helpful— seems almost jarring in its lack of nuance.
Also, although it’s clearly intended to be a middle grade book, there are some surprisingly heavy themes, like (literal) eternal damnation and a scene of entrapment that is almost nightmarish for someone with claustrophobic tendencies. Definitely difficult to pigeonhole, which isn’t a bad thing. Obviously I’m having a hard time knowing how to think about it, but it was captivating to read, and Boy is a thoroughly lovable protagonist, especially at first. For any adult with a nostalgic love of good kids’ books, highly recommended, but if you’re going to hand it to a fourth grader, I’d read along so you could discuss. I bet some interesting conversations would result.
It’s fully absorbing and a surprisingly creative take on the tropes of a pilgrimage tale, but the ending left so many dangling plot threads that it felt muddled and unsatisfying when I wanted it to be sure of itself. And the one place it does seem sure of itself—an unsettlingly moralistic assertion of the value of work and being “good” and helpful— seems almost jarring in its lack of nuance.
Also, although it’s clearly intended to be a middle grade book, there are some surprisingly heavy themes, like (literal) eternal damnation and a scene of entrapment that is almost nightmarish for someone with claustrophobic tendencies. Definitely difficult to pigeonhole, which isn’t a bad thing. Obviously I’m having a hard time knowing how to think about it, but it was captivating to read, and Boy is a thoroughly lovable protagonist, especially at first. For any adult with a nostalgic love of good kids’ books, highly recommended, but if you’re going to hand it to a fourth grader, I’d read along so you could discuss. I bet some interesting conversations would result.
hlflosser's review against another edition
5.0
Well I loved this book set in the holy year of 1350. It was a suprise to me that I would and that it was based on a pilgrimage. Which is something I’ve wanted to do for years. I’m not sure it’s one a middle schooler would like unless they loved mid evil history and religion. Loved it
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
KS2/3-aimed historical story, full of realism and detail
Religious superstition, fear and rumour - 1350s Europe made real for children. I felt at times it was a Pillars of the Earth for a younger audience, in terms of the period, detail and class of the characters.
A hunchback boy, ostracised for his appearance but also strangely talented, Boy sees an opportunity to attempt to improve his lot when a stranger comes to his home, calling himself a pilgrim in need of a servant able to climb. Following him to various sites containing previous holy relics, Boy proves both useful and resourceful, and also sees his new master has a greater motivation. Can he also help Boy achieve his dream of ridding himself of his deformity?
The medieval superstitions regarding relics, saints, deformity are handled well and will raise interest in readers. Secondus the pilgrim with his hidden purpose gradually becomes a warmer character, and you have to suspend disbelief very liberally to accept the storyline, but I didn't have any problem with this. I was loving the period and detail, it was well-fashioned and a refreshing time to read about. Boy is a very empathetic creation as well, even if, again, he must be accepted with a large pinch of salt.
Wonderful historical story, with some fantasy thrown in, lovely introduction to medieval/middle age beliefs and lives. For ages 9-13.
Religious superstition, fear and rumour - 1350s Europe made real for children. I felt at times it was a Pillars of the Earth for a younger audience, in terms of the period, detail and class of the characters.
A hunchback boy, ostracised for his appearance but also strangely talented, Boy sees an opportunity to attempt to improve his lot when a stranger comes to his home, calling himself a pilgrim in need of a servant able to climb. Following him to various sites containing previous holy relics, Boy proves both useful and resourceful, and also sees his new master has a greater motivation. Can he also help Boy achieve his dream of ridding himself of his deformity?
The medieval superstitions regarding relics, saints, deformity are handled well and will raise interest in readers. Secondus the pilgrim with his hidden purpose gradually becomes a warmer character, and you have to suspend disbelief very liberally to accept the storyline, but I didn't have any problem with this. I was loving the period and detail, it was well-fashioned and a refreshing time to read about. Boy is a very empathetic creation as well, even if, again, he must be accepted with a large pinch of salt.
Wonderful historical story, with some fantasy thrown in, lovely introduction to medieval/middle age beliefs and lives. For ages 9-13.
readinginfairyland's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
wookieeelf's review
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
roseleaf24's review against another edition
3.0
This book had a twist partway through that I totally didn't see coming, and I'm still not sure how I feel about it. This was a good read, and a good picture of the times. Boy is an endearing character, and the resolution is sweet. But the book as a whole doesn't quite settle right for me. The theology is atrocious; some of that is an accurate portrayal of the beliefs of the historical period, but I can't parse the rest of it well enough to settle myself in my opinion of the book.
helleb1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
breakfastgrey's review against another edition
2.0
A lot of times 2 stars is a book I found frustrating or grew angry with, but that isn't the case here. I don't particularly have any strong feelings towards this one. I didn't particularly like it, but I didn't particularly dislike it either. It was very solidly okay. I don't regret reading it, but I'm not in a rush to recommend it either. It's a bit formulaic, but then there's a very cool twist midway through. But then not much is done with that twist and it returns to the formula. It's just kind of dull without much going on.