Scan barcode
A review by user613
The Cross of Lead by Avi
3.0
Technically, this is a children’s book. Crispin’s just a child. There’s nothing outright mature here, either. However, after reading this book, it didn’t necessary feel like children’s read. There are many mature themes explored, including freedom, violence, and religion, and the identity of an illegitimate child, and they colored the entire read.
And, did I mention the religion? Religion is everything in this story. The start, middle and end of this book are Christianity. Crispin prays, speaks and even thinks in terms of Jesus, and Mary and anything Christian. To the point where I had a hard time knowing where the story ended, and the faith aspect began. I understand this might even be accurate for a 14th century peasant. However, some readers will find this read is too heavy on the Christian elements. (And, they, like me, will have to take full responsibility for picking up this book when it’s called “The Cross of Lead”.)
This book is a great, exciting, read. It gives a vivid picture of a peasant’s life during the 14th century. There are mysteries, secrets and danger. There’s are many real themes explored. And a character who’s exciting to follow (if a bit too impulsive). It just isn’t for everyone.
Alternatives:
[bc:City of Orphans|10059059|City of Orphans|Avi|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1350862321l/10059059._SY75_.jpg|14955231][bc:The Last|35887524|The Last (Endling, #1)|Katherine Applegate|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1517291088l/35887524._SY75_.jpg|26321709][bc:Island of the Blue Dolphins|41044096|Island of the Blue Dolphins|Scott O'Dell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1533405446l/41044096._SX50_.jpg|3215136][bc:A Long Walk to Remember|18717058|A Long Walk to Remember|Linda Sue Park|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1463035019l/18717058._SY75_.jpg|12409139][bc:A Drowned Maiden's Hair|199741|A Drowned Maiden's Hair|Laura Amy Schlitz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388342186l/199741._SX50_.jpg|193232][bc:The False Prince|12432220|The False Prince (Ascendance, #1)|Jennifer A. Nielsen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1585683740l/12432220._SX50_.jpg|16221764]
Content:
Religion: Christianity makes up the entire book. There are a least a few hundred instances in the story where Crispin is praying to saints, speaking about or swearing on the "true savior", "holy mother" and ghost. It got to a point where it felt preachy, though it was only Crispin’s thoughts. I’ve never read such a book where religion was literally the entire novel.
Violence: scary, violent scenes with dead people, a hanging man, a person with skinless bones and long hair, a man stabbed and many threats and moments of near peril.
Romance: a man who likes women has many illegitimate children.
And, did I mention the religion? Religion is everything in this story. The start, middle and end of this book are Christianity. Crispin prays, speaks and even thinks in terms of Jesus, and Mary and anything Christian. To the point where I had a hard time knowing where the story ended, and the faith aspect began. I understand this might even be accurate for a 14th century peasant. However, some readers will find this read is too heavy on the Christian elements. (And, they, like me, will have to take full responsibility for picking up this book when it’s called “The Cross of Lead”.)
This book is a great, exciting, read. It gives a vivid picture of a peasant’s life during the 14th century. There are mysteries, secrets and danger. There’s are many real themes explored. And a character who’s exciting to follow (if a bit too impulsive). It just isn’t for everyone.
Alternatives:
[bc:City of Orphans|10059059|City of Orphans|Avi|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1350862321l/10059059._SY75_.jpg|14955231][bc:The Last|35887524|The Last (Endling, #1)|Katherine Applegate|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1517291088l/35887524._SY75_.jpg|26321709][bc:Island of the Blue Dolphins|41044096|Island of the Blue Dolphins|Scott O'Dell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1533405446l/41044096._SX50_.jpg|3215136][bc:A Long Walk to Remember|18717058|A Long Walk to Remember|Linda Sue Park|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1463035019l/18717058._SY75_.jpg|12409139][bc:A Drowned Maiden's Hair|199741|A Drowned Maiden's Hair|Laura Amy Schlitz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388342186l/199741._SX50_.jpg|193232][bc:The False Prince|12432220|The False Prince (Ascendance, #1)|Jennifer A. Nielsen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1585683740l/12432220._SX50_.jpg|16221764]
Content:
Religion: Christianity makes up the entire book. There are a least a few hundred instances in the story where Crispin is praying to saints, speaking about or swearing on the "true savior", "holy mother" and ghost. It got to a point where it felt preachy, though it was only Crispin’s thoughts. I’ve never read such a book where religion was literally the entire novel.
Violence: scary, violent scenes with dead people, a hanging man, a person with skinless bones and long hair, a man stabbed and many threats and moments of near peril
Spoiler
in addition to Crispin himself being declared a wolf's head, meaning he's no better than an animal and should be killed on sight by anyone who sees himRomance: a man who likes women has many illegitimate children.