Matilda Bone

By Karen Cushman

A sheltered girl faces the chaos of Blood and Bone Alley, learning life's true lessons beyond books.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 3,689 ratings

192 pages

$7.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Matilda, raised in seclusion for prayer and study, is thrust into the bustling world of Blood and Bone Alley. As assistant to Red Peg the Bonesetter, she confronts the gritty realities of life, far removed from her Latin texts. Amidst the chaos, Matilda must navigate her disdain for worldly tasks like mixing poultices and treating patients. Her sharp-tongued saints offer little guidance, leaving her to find wisdom in unexpected places. Will Matilda embrace the messy, vibrant life around her, discovering that laughter and love might be the true remedies she needs?

From the publisher

Into the fascinating, pungent setting of Blood and Bone Alley, home of leech, barber-surgeon, and apothecary, comes Matilda, raised by a priest to disdain worldly affairs and spend all her time in study and prayer. To Matilda’s dismay, her new occupation will not involve Latin or writing, but practical tasks: lighting the fire, going to market, mixing plasters and poultices, and helping Red Peg the Bonesetter treat patients. She is appalled by the worldliness of her new surroundings, and the sharp-tongued saints she turns to for advice are no help at all.

Filled with witty dialogue and richly authentic detail, Matilda Bone is a compelling comic novel about a girl who learns to see herself and others clearly, to laugh, and to live contentedly in this world.

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