Description:

The daughter of an apothecary and the owner of a secret book of healing arts, Ursula is determined to become a great healer, but her ambition makes her an outsider in the Holy Roman Empire. When she is accused of witchcraft and sentenced to burn at the stake, she is given one chance to save herself: she must march in the People's Crusade to the holy city of Jerusalem. ### From Publishers Weekly Accused of being a witch, Ursula joins the People's Crusade to Jerusalem in 1096 to escape burning at the stake. "Focusing on the Crusaders' slaughter of Rhineland Jews, [Bradford] demonstrates that intolerance and savagery toward 'outsiders' was as unconscionable then as it is now," said PW. Ages 12-up.-- demonstrates that intolerance and savagery toward 'outsiders' was as unconscionable then as it is now," said PW. Ages 12-up. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. ### From School Library Journal Grade 6-8?Set in 1096, this light historical novel follows the adventures of Ursula, an apothecary's daughter from Cologne, into, through, and out of the People's Crusade led by Peter the Hermit. Ursula has thoroughly modern sensibilities. She reads, practices healing, saves animals, bathes frequently, talks openly to strange young men, talks back to her father's customers, opposes the aristocracy, and openly supports Jewish families. It is therefore no wonder that she is accused of witchcraft; sent on the Crusade; takes on the medical care of the haughty Count Emil; comes to the aid of an abused mother and her child; "adopts" the child upon the death of her mother; and, with the help of her friend Bruno, gets safely back to Cologne where she reopens the apothecary and marries Bruno. While there is plenty of action, there is little supporting detail. Bradford presents her characters, setting, and historical events by means of direct statements. This moves the story along quickly but gives readers no strong sense of place, time, or emotion. The author's narrative style also contributes to the fast pace of the plot. Sentences tend to be short, dialogue limited and terse, and descriptive passages few and simple. Characters are drawn very sketchily. Mad Peter the Hermit, for instance, is portrayed only as a distant figure who has no real impact on the plot. Ursula, herself, although not entirely believable, is a likable character and will appeal to readers who are content with a surface look at a girl growing to womanhood during this period.?Wendy D. Caldiero, New York Public Library Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.