Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Catherine, Called Birdy summary
Brief summary
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman is a historical fiction novel set in medieval England. It follows the diary entries of Catherine, a spirited young girl, as she navigates the challenges of her unconventional life and seeks to carve out her own path.
Table of Contents
Catherine, Called Birdy
Summary of key ideas
Medieval Life Through a Young Girl's Eyes
In Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman, we are transported to medieval England through the eyes of Catherine, a spirited and unconventional fourteen-year-old girl. Written in the form of a diary, Catherine's entries provide a candid and often humorous account of her everyday life, her family, and the world around her.
At the heart of the story is Catherine's resistance to her father's plans to marry her off to a wealthy suitor. She nicknames him Shaggy Beard and detests the idea of being married off to someone she doesn't know or love. With a strong-willed and independent nature, she devises various schemes to avoid the marriage, including pretending to be mad, smearing dung on her face, and even running away.
Life in the Manor
Despite her disdain for the marriage, Catherine's life in the manor is not all unpleasant. She shares a close bond with her mother and her brother, and she finds solace in her friendships with the servants, especially Perkin, a kind and understanding young man who works in the stables. She also harbors a deep love for animals, particularly her pet falcon, Murgatroyd, whom she trains and cares for diligently.
Throughout the book, Catherine vividly describes the customs and rituals of medieval life, from the celebrations of feast days to the harsh realities of childbirth and the expectations placed on young women. She also provides a glimpse into the different roles and hierarchies within the manor, highlighting the stark contrast between the lives of the nobility and the common folk.
Seeking Independence
As the story progresses, Catherine's resistance to her fate intensifies, and she becomes increasingly determined to assert her independence. She continues her escapades and pranks, and her diary entries reveal her growing awareness of the limitations placed on women in her society. She longs for freedom, both from the oppressive expectations of her gender and from the constraints of her social status.
However, Catherine's journey towards independence is not without its setbacks. Her father's increasing pressure to marry her off, coupled with a series of failed escape attempts, leave her feeling despondent and trapped. Yet, she remains resilient, finding comfort in her friendships and her love for nature.
Embracing Change and Growth
As the year progresses, Catherine's perspective on her situation begins to shift. She matures and learns to appreciate the value of the relationships in her life, including her family and her unexpected friendship with Shaggy Beard. She also starts to recognize the power she holds within herself, and the potential for change, even within the confines of her medieval world.
In the end, Catherine, Called Birdy is not just a story of a young girl's rebellion against societal norms, but also a tale of growth, resilience, and the enduring spirit of youth. Catherine's journey, as captured in her spirited and engaging diary, offers a unique and insightful perspective on medieval life, and a timeless message about the power of self-discovery and independence.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Catherine, Called Birdy about?
Catherine, Called Birdy is a historical fiction novel by Karen Cushman. Set in medieval England, it follows the witty and rebellious protagonist, Catherine, as she navigates the challenges of her arranged marriage and strives for independence. Through her humorous and insightful diary entries, Catherine shares her unique perspective on love, family, and the societal expectations placed upon women during that time.
Catherine, Called Birdy Review
Catherine, Called Birdy (1994) is a delightful historical novel following the entertaining adventures of a young girl in medieval England. Here's why this book is a gem:
- Through humorous diary entries, readers experience the world through Catherine's eyes, bringing the medieval setting to life.
- The strong-willed protagonist challenges societal norms with her wit and determination, making her a captivating and relatable character.
- With its engaging storytelling and vivid descriptions of medieval life, the book effortlessly captures the reader's attention, ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Who should read Catherine, Called Birdy?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction set in medieval England
Young adults who are looking for a strong and relatable female protagonist
Those interested in coming-of-age stories with a blend of humor and depth
Categories with Catherine, Called Birdy
Book summaries like Catherine, Called Birdy
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Catherine, Called Birdy FAQs
What is the main message of Catherine, Called Birdy?
The main message of Catherine, Called Birdy is about self-discovery and finding one's voice amidst societal expectations.
How long does it take to read Catherine, Called Birdy?
The reading time for Catherine, Called Birdy varies depending on the reader's pace. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Catherine, Called Birdy a good book? Is it worth reading?
Catherine, Called Birdy is a captivating read that offers insight into medieval life and the journey of a young girl finding her place in the world.
Who is the author of Catherine, Called Birdy?
The author of Catherine, Called Birdy is Karen Cushman.
What to read after Catherine, Called Birdy?
If you're wondering what to read next after Catherine, Called Birdy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh