The Rat-Catcher's Apprentice
Maggie Jankuloska
The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice
Maggie Jankuloska
It’s 1665. Rats have infested homes and alleys in Marie Perrin’s provincial French town. Twelve-year-old Marie is set to become a maid, although she hungers for adventure. However, one mistake alters her fate and as punishment she is forced to apprentice for an intimidating rat-catcher.
Away from her parents and twin brother, and handling gnarly rat traps under Gustave Renard’s unusual mentorship, Marie must overcome a new set of challenges which come after a plague enters her town.
Are rats responsible for the spread of the illness? Can Marie find a way out of the bubbling danger around her?
The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice depicts non-traditional families, belonging and female bravery in an atmospheric historical setting.
‘An intrepid heroine, a perilous time in plague-ridden France, a society cleaved by class division. The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice is full of heart and hope with a young girl who dares to dream of a life unrestrained by her gender. A compelling and rollicking MG novel.’ - Amra Pajalic
‘A gripping, historical adventure story of bravery and belonging.’ - Judith Rossell
‘An exceptional novel, full of twists and turns and intrigue, with a heart that is brave and kind and true. I adored this timeless story.’ - Kate Gordon
Review
Dani Solomon
Twelve-year-old Marie is not looking forward to her life as maid to the haughty Josette. It is a highly sought-after position, and Marie is lucky her mother, the Duke’s seamstress, was able to arrange it. But as much as she did not want to be a maid, Marie does not want to be a rat-catcher’s apprentice even more. And unfortunately, this is the fate that awaits her after she accidentally ruins a wedding dress her mother is working on and her family falls into debt.
However, Marie finds that becoming a rat-catcher’s apprentice isn’t so bad after all. As she learns the skills of the trade, Marie’s life is actually good, until the fingers of the plague slowly reach across her town.
The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice is set in 1665, when fear of witches (women who spoke their minds), the plague and poverty ruled the lives of all. It’s a fantastic and sadly still very relevant book for kids ages 11+.
Dani solomon is the manager of Readings Kids.
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