An historical fictional story which draws some parallels to the world we live in at the moment, giving us hope that everything will be OK.
The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice is a story of family: the family that we are born into, and the family we make with people who we love and care for. It is a story of resilience and kindness where we least expect it. It is set in 1665, France, during a rat plague and is the first novel of Macedonian-born author Maggie Jankuloska, who now lives in Melbourne.
Twelve-year-old Marie Perrin lives in a small French town. She is due to begin her life as a maid for the new wife of the local Count Dumont. Her mother is the Count’s seamstress and her father is his baker. Marie has a twin brother Henri, who is due to be apprenticed to a shoemaker in a neighbouring town. In this society, nobody has the right to think above their station and parents decide the fate of their children.
Life is not easy as there is a huge class divide in 17th-century France. Those with money look down on those who don’t have it, and the expectations of those who work for a pittance are high. Bringing up a child in these times is very different from now; children are disciplined with sticks and expected to show respect at all times. It is also a time when people fear witches and women are being burned alive.
Just before the wedding of the count to his new bride, Marie makes a terrible mistake and the repercussions are disastrous for the whole family. And so begins her journey of finding her own place in the world, discovering who she can truly trust, and what lies beyond her small town.
This is a worthy first novel, and although some of the themes may seem quite heavy, they are set in a time when life was very different. It has a realism to it and will give children a real sense of this time and place in history.
There are a few places where the text does not flow quite as well and the sentences are a bit clumsy and stilted. It could maybe do with a bit more editing, but nonetheless, this does not take away from the power of the story. Jankuloska has managed to create a tale which does not slow down and keeps the reader’s attention as things are continually revealed.
Many middle years children may not have heard of the plague which tore through Europe. They are, however, familiar with our present pandemic situation. Even though some of the situations are harsh it may give children a sense that there will be an end to our present situation and make them feel less afraid.
This story has a satisfactory ending, but there is plenty of scope for a sequel. Where does Marie go next, with whom, and what happens with her stories? The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice is a novel perfect for the middle years, especially those who enjoy learning about history.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
This review is the opinion of the reviewer and not Glam Adelaide.
Distributed by: NewSouth Books
Released: March 2022
RRP: $17.99
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