Good but Depressing

Avi's Crispin books take place in England in the middle Ages. Unlike almost all other novels of this time and place her books can be depressing in that they focus on the poverty, voilence, and ignorance of the time. While the first Crispin novel seems to end up on a positive note this one takes over from that point and proves this assumption dead wrong.

Avi's books tell of the way things really were if you were not one of the fortunate. It is not fairty tale stuff and if you are looking for that look elsewhere. Also in many ways you can draw parallels with the downtrodden in todays world where poverty, war, and starvatation are still are the norm.

These are not happy-go-lucky books and can be frightening to its young adult adience. It can be a child's first glimpse of the sorrow, evil, and cruelty that most parents want to shelter them from. However they are also stories about life and the struggle we all face dealing with it.

The reader is awesome. I give it four stars instead of 5 because I would have liked to see a bit more light among the misery.

4 people found this helpful

Best book ever

I love this book and the one before it 🐬looooooooov it so great best ever

1 person found this helpful

Heartwarming Adventure!

Once again Avi has created a world that has uplifted my soul, despite the cruelty and challenges of the time and place inhabited by his characters. As grandmother of a child who was born with a cleft palate, my heart went out to Troth. I am grateful for the tender, heroic treatment that Avi gave to her. I highly recommend this book.

Another Winner!

This sequel to Crispin, Cross of Lead was as exciting, well-told and suspenseful as the first! Loved every minute of it and will go on to the third in the series!