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Historical Fiction: Alchemy and Meggy Swann (audio book)



Cushman, Karen. Alchemy and Meggy Swann. Read by Katherine Kellgren.
Listening Library, 2010. ASIN B003H2O8S8


Plot summary/ critical analysis/ audiobook elements

Stubborn and clever, Meggy Swann is sent from the country to the city of London in 1573
to live and work with her alchemist father.She arrives in a bad temper that is matched by
her distant father, and she struggles to find food, and kindness. As the story progresses,
Meggy begins to change, to find her place amongst the filthy city in a time of progress and
invention. She works to stop a murder plot by using her wits and new found printing press
friend to create a ballad to warn the target of the scheme. By the end, Meggy has found
friendship in a group of players, learned to work a printing press, and to speak up for herself
and for others. She grows and changes in the way her father hoped his base metals would
turn into gold.
This work is accurate to the era, using language and grammar of the Elizabethan age,
describing the living conditions in the city, and reflects the attitudes toward people with
disabilities of the time (Meggy uses crutches to walk because of hip dysplasia).
The digital audiobook is read by Katherine Kellgren who does an excellent job portraying the
accent of the time, and the tone of a stubborn young woman. She even sings beautifully
when the text calls for singing ballads. Each character gets a slightly different accent or
tone to help listeners keep track of who is speaking, and children interested in this time
period will love the language usage. I found the story and the reading to be slow to start,
which turned me off the story. It ends up being very interesting, but i became reluctant to
continue.
The reading includes the author’s notes on the historical setting, explanations of alchemy,
facts about Elizabethan theatre, and notes on language. The only thing the print book has
over the audio is a map of London and the places that Meggy visits.
Awards and Review Excerpts-
YALSA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults
NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books
NCTE/CLA Notable Children's Book in the English Language Arts
“Writing with admirable economy and a lively ability to recreate the past believably,
Cushman creates a memorable portrayal of a troubled, rather mulish girl who begins to use
her strong will in positive ways.”--Phelan, Carolyn Book List 2010
“Cushman has the uncanny ability to take a time and place so remote and make it live.
Readers can hear and see and smell it all as if they are right beside Meggy. She employs
the syntax and vocabulary of the period so easily that it is understood as if it's the most
contemporary modern slang.”--Kirkus Reviews 2010
Connections-
Other Karen Cushman novels:
Matilda Bone

Catherine, Called Birdy

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