The Book Of The Maidservant (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
'The Book of the Maidservant' by Rebecca Barnhouse was a good book. I enjoyed all the plot twists, and the author did a very good job of making the main character, Johanna, relatable. The author had good word choices, and I liked how there were words that I didn't know because it gave me the opportunity to look them up. In addition, it gave me a lot of information on what it was to like to be a pilgrim during the medieval ages. I learned all about medieval religion, pilgrimages, tools they used in their every day life, and of course, the life of a maidservant. Although it is not my favorite book of all time, there is nothing I can point out that is wrong with it, which is why I give it 5 stars. Johanna is a maidservant to Dame Margery Kemp, a 13th century holy woman. It's a bit of a trial for Johanna to look after Dame Margery who continuously weeps for Christ's sufferings, but Cook and little Cicely (the other maid) make Johanna's position a bit easier with their friendship. Johanna still longs to return home to her father and older sister though, and enjoy the comforts of being a prosperous farmer's daughter. However, her father is in debt and her sister is now married, so Johanna has been sent into service to help the family. She has little choice to put up with Dame Margery's constant demands and the public gossip about Dame Margery's private life. When Dame Margery decides to go on a pilgrimage to Rome she insists on taking Johanna with her. Johanna is nervous about leaving England but looks forward to the adventure. The journey does not turn out as expected when Johanna discovers that the rest of the pilgrims are far less kind than her mistress. Only John Mouse, a student heading to Bologna, and Bartholomew, another servant take an interest in her. After a difficult and dangerous journey to the Alps, the rest of the pilgrims decide to part ways with Dame Margery, taking Johanna with them! Johanna must be brave and resourceful if she's going to find a way home. She is abused battered and beaten down before she finally finds the courage to help herself. This book is for older teens and adults. It's full of gritty details of daily life in the Middle Ages, much like Karen Cushman's books, but without the humor to ease the disgustingness. There are quite a lot of religious references that bog down the story but were so important to people at that time. There's also lots of violence, some sexual innuendo and some nasty characters. I appreciated the details but it got to be too much after awhile and I wanted something happy to occur for a change. I was torn between liking and not liking Johanna. For most of the book she meekly accepts what happens to her and I found that annoying. By the time she finally takes charge, I felt sorry for her and wanted her to have a happy ending. The ending is a bit unusual and not really necessary. It could have ended a chapter or two earlier. I listened to the Audible Audio edition read by Susan Duerden. I really liked her narration. She pitches her voice differently for each character and I could always tell who was speaking. She has a light, pleasant voice with an English accent to lend an air of authenticity (though I doubt Johanna would have spoken so well). I would recommend this book to dedicated medievalists only.
What do You think about The Book Of The Maidservant (2009)?
This book was pretty good, but it was still a little boring at some parts for me.
—Ashley_fierce
this was good...I don't remember much but I really liked it.
—Alex
October '09 VOYA 5Q5P Historical fiction
—kallenrin
