Meldrum, C. (2008). Madapple. NY: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN: 9780375851766.
Plot Summary: Aslaug sits accused in a courtroom. She didn't kill her mother. She didn't kill her aunt or her cousin, either. Aslaug wasn't born to a virgin. She wasn't a virgin when she gave birth to her own daughter. Yet it's hard for Aslaug to know what is real and what is not. She must start from the beginning to reveal the truth among the weeds and lies of her world. She seeks out relatives who can help her define who she is. She must pull out facts from among the questions of nature, science and religion. Her mother put her faith in nature and science and always instructed Aslaug to do the same. Yet her mother searched for answers in religious writings until her death and Aslaug, as she becomes more adrift in the world of the Charisma Pentecostal Church, also turns to the books, the writings of prophets and holy ones. By the end of the book, Aslaug finds her own sense of faith, things she can believe in and worship, even if they're not to be found in any book.
Critical Evaluation: This is a dreamy, strange and atmospheric novel that really transports readers to another place. It’s difficult to tell if these characters are crazy or if they just have special powers that are misunderstood. This oddness becomes intriguing to readers as Aslaug moves toward discovering who her family really is. Despite all the scientific and spiritual references, this book has a unique tone and level of complexity that challenges readers to think and see differently.
Reader’s Annotation:
Aslaug Hellig isn't sure about much of her past and is uncertain about her future. Her father is an unknown mystery her mother refused to solve. After her mother's death, Aslaug learns she has relatives that may hold the secret to her origins. Could she be more divine than human?
Information About the Author:
Christina Meldrum's debut novel, Madapple, is a literary novel, a psychological thriller, a novel of suspense and an intellectual puzzle all at once. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies and political science from the University of Michigan. After working for grassroots organizations in Africa, she earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. She has worked for the International Commission of Jurists in Geneva, Switzerland, and as a litigator at the law firm of Shearman & Sterling. She currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family and is on the advisory board of Women of the World Investments.
Genre:
Teen Issues: Crime and Criminals, Outsiders
Contemporary Life: Coming of Age
Mystery: Suspense, Paranormal mysteries
Fantasy: Mythic Reality
Curriculum Ties: English class, Humanities class, Psychology class, Religion class, Book clubs
Booktalking Ideas:
• The role of homeopathic and herbal medicine
• The portrayal of different religious beliefs
• Aslaug’s isolated upbringing and the assumption of witchcraft by others
• Science versus religion and how this solves the mystery
• How the trial structures the novel's content and keeps the reader in suspense
Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 16-25
Challenge Issues/Defenses:
Potential Challenges:
• Depiction of sexual behavior
• Portrayal of differing religious beliefs
• Inclusion of plants for medicinal use
• Content includes violence
Defense Strategy:
• Provide our Collection Development Policy (which includes Young Adult scope): http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/library/collection.asp
• Refer to awards won by this book from reputable organizations:
http://www.christinameldrum.com/news.php
• Provide book reviews by literary journals and media publications:
http://www.christinameldrum.com/madapple.php
• Provide book reviews by actual readers on a publicly accessible website:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Madapple/Christina-Meldrum/e/9780375851766
• Provide advisory reviews for parents about this book’s content and age appropriateness:
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/Madapple.html
Why This Book Was Included: I read a review of this book awhile ago and it sounded interesting. I didn’t expect it to include so much about taboo topics and religion, but it’s an intelligent book for teens that like moody (almost creepy) tales. It will take them to an otherworldly place and make them reconsider their own world views.
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