The Midwife’s Apprentice Book Review

Pascal G. St. Aubin

The Midwife’s Apprentice, by Karen Cushman.

During January of this year, 7th graders had to read the book “The Midwife’s Apprentice” in their English classes. One of those students was Joseph Kernan of the Spartan Scroll.

Joseph Kernan-
“I believe that The Midwife’s Apprentice is a very deep and interesting book. Although I do think that it isn’t as exciting and ‘cool’ as most books that adolescents tend to be interested in. The book follows a homeless girl who goes into work as a midwife’s apprentice. It is a difficult job to do but she gets better and better until she can deliver a baby by herself. But the second time she tries to do it, she gives up and she sees herself as a failure. She then runs away from her community and joins an Inn as an Inn worker. This shows how easily she gives up. But, what I enjoyed was that at the end of the book, she finally realizes that to fail is to learn and that she is not looked at as a failure, but as someone who gives up easily. She then goes back to the village and decides to go back to being a midwife’s apprentice. The book ends with a ray of hope, as Jane opens the door, and Alyce and her cat walk in.”