Karen Cushman

Fourteen-year-old Matilda, an apprentice bonesetter and practitioner of medicine in a village in medieval England, tries to reconcile the various aspects of her life, both spiritual and practical.

Matilda Bone

Kristy Donasco

** spoiler alert **
           I think the story was well-researched. I like how the story also doesn't easily flip Matilda's perspective on the people she's surrounded with as she started living in Blood and Bone Alley. Until the very end of the story, she still has doubts about what is right and wrong, and what is ahead of her. But she did become open to change and to think about her future prospects. I really liked that. I also like that she learned through Peg, Tom, Margaret, Walter, and others to actually observe the other person you are tending to. It is mostly in that way that you will be able to help them.

The author said that Blood and Bone Alley was fictitious but it was through research that she learned people of related jobs live together in small villages, so to her, it only makes sense that there is also a place for a group of people whose jobs are related to medical pursuits.

Favorite part of the book? That duck talk. And when Matilda cradled the baby and sang what Effie couldn't do so.

Matilda Bone

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