The Minstrel's Tale

By Berit Haahr

A rollicking adventure set in medieval England about a heroine who refuses to live by other people's rules. Judith of Nesscliffe is 13 years old and her stepfather thinks it's time she married. Her... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385327137
• ISBN13: 9780385327138
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
• Length: 247 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.8" x 5.8"
• Age Range: 12 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 12

Customer Reviews

A Great and Refreshingly Different Story

First of all, I loved this book and have read it at least three times. It's a great book, with carefully depicted characters and a wonderful plot. I read it straight through each time, I was so caught up in the story.Main Character: Judith a.k.a. Jude a.k.a. Stephen: a girl engaged to marry a disgusting and revolting man (this is set in almost medeivel times), she loves music and wants to become one of the Kings Minstrel's, she is strong-willed and brave.Other Character: Robin: a King's Minstrel who meets Judith and goads her on with her plan of running away...Plot: 1.Judith runs away to escape her stepfather and disgusting betrothed, disguising herself as a boy2.Judith a.k.a Stephen is robbed by a bandit, and finds her way to an old friend's house, where a young lady falls in love with "Stephen, Judith's brother"3.Judith makes a daring escape from an abbey, where she spots the bandit again4. Judith, now "Jude" enters the minstrel's training school, where she is terrorized by the other boys, yet she must still find a way to survive with out anyone finding out her secretAll in all, it's a terrific book for young adults.And if you like this book, I suggest you read Tamora Pierce's Song of the Lioness Quartet, Seven Daughters and Seven Sons, Samantha and the Cowboy (which is a romance), which all have a girl disguising herself as a boy. Or if you just liked the journey part, I suggest you read The Ramsey Scallop, which is sorta like it.Anyway, if you get anything from this review I hope its this:READ THIS BOOK!!!

From the mom of an avid young reader

This wonderful book came highly recommended, and my daughter and I were thoroughly absorbed the entire read. It has all the elements of a story I remember loving as a youngster: limited danger that the heroine overcomes, connection to nature, historical accuracy, friendship, and even romance. I was particularly impressed that the romantic story concluded only after Judith knew she was willing to continue her adventure on her own. A satisfying, entertaining story about being true to one's dreams.

Good, but with loose ends

This was a very well-written story about a young girl who dresses as a boy to escape her marriage to a beastly old man, and to realize her dream of becoming a King's Minstrel. Although this story was very enjoyable, it seemed like it needed a sequel. Such loose ends as Lady Christine and her plots were left hanging. Another book about Judith, though, is not a terrible prospect. I can only hope the sequel (if there is one) comes quickly and is as well-written. If you liked The Minstrel's Tale, I am almost positive that you would enjoy The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce. It is another sereis about a girl that disguises herself as a boy to do the thing she loves (in this case becoming a knight). Overall, this was a very good book and a wonderful read for teen and pre-teen girls.

A Medieval girl struggles to control her own life.

Born into a noble family in 14th century England, Judith was sent to be educated at a convent after the death of her father and her mother's remarriage. Now thirteen, Judith has been summoned home by her stepfather becuase he feels it is time she got married. He arranges a marriage for her to an repulsive old widower with five daughters, some of whom are older than Judith. She has always longed to use her musical talent. So she cuts of her long hair, dresses in some of her dead brother's clothes, and assumes of the name of "Jude." Her destination: Eltham Palace, where she hopes to become one of the King's Minstrels. Along the way, she faces many dangers, including persuit by her stepfather, thieves, and the danger of discovery. But if she survives and completes her journey, the potential rewards could be greater than the perils. This was an exciting adventure story filled with details of life in Medeival England and featuring as its heroine a brave, resourceful girl determined to shape her own future.

Minstrel's Tale

This is a good book! It's a story about a girl who loves music Rafi, age 9