Catherine, Called Birdy
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman is a First Edition published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 1994. This juvenile fiction novel, written in English and spanning 169 pages, presents the lively narrative of Catherine, affectionately known as Birdy. Set against the backdrop of a medieval English manor, the story unfolds through her own words as she navigates the expectations placed upon her by her family while dreaming of a life filled with adventure and creativity.
Readers will find Catherine’s humorous and spirited account of her fourteenth year both engaging and relatable. As she grapples with her mother’s desire to mold her into a proper lady and her father’s focus on advantageous marriage, Catherine’s aspirations range from becoming a painter to a minstrel. This exploration of family dynamics and personal ambition in a historical context offers insights into the challenges faced by young women in medieval Europe. Through her journey, Catherine’s character shines as she seeks to define her own identity amidst societal pressures.
Official synopsis Publisher
What follows will be my book — the book of Catherine, called Little Bird or Birdy, daughter of Rollo and the lady Aislinn, sister to Thomas, Edward, and the abominable Robert. Begun this 19th day of September in the year of Our Lord 1290. Picked off twenty-nine fleas today. Catherine’s mother wants to teach her the skills of the lady of the manor and to prepare her to be a gentle and patient wife. Her father wants only to see her married off, and profitably. Catherine herself hopes to become a painter, a Crusader, a maker of songs, a peddler, a minstrel, a monk, a wart charmer. Of all the possibilities, she has ruled out only one: being sold like a cheese to the highest bidder. Against a vivid background of everyday life on a medieval English manor, Catherine’s earthy, spirited account of her fourteenth year is a richly entertaining story with an utterly unforgettable heroine. – Back cover.
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