Catherine, Called Birdy

Before we really get into the novel Catherine, Called Birdy, by Karen Cushman, I’d like to note that most Europeans in the 1200s were Christian, and in keeping the era historically accurate, Cushman provides many biblical references throughout the story. If this sort of thing doesn’t appeal to you, read no further.

Now, into the goods. Catherine, Called Birdy, consists of an ingenious choice of character complimented by structure. Catherine, the protagonist, needed to be a distinct voice in order to carry the story through, and Cushman delivered.

Catherine is witty, fun, whimsical, and most of all relatable. She takes all these crazy topics few people in America have to deal with anymore--dowry, arranged marriage, goat boys, monks--and breaks them down with timeless emotion, bringing these things to life in a way a documentary couldn’t.

As the title suggests, she is the main plot of this story; without her, the plot couldn’t congeal. And readers sure get a kick out of all the different ways she attempts to shake off those pesky suitors!

Of course, Catherine would be moot unless she had the spotlight. The diary format of the text highlights our protagonists and allows all other characters to take a step back. For this book, it makes perfect sense and also helps highlight some of the differences between this era and that one without making it overwhelming to the reader. Overall, a historical fiction novel I’d read again.

“I am commanded to write an account of my days: I am bit by fleas and plagued by family. That is all there is to say.”

Recommended for anyone who needs some humor in their lives right now.

--Grace Nask