By Katherine Marsh
What a fascinating story! I had never thought about what life would be like for someone with dwarfism at the turn of the 15th century, and now I can't stop thinking about it!
The author, Katherine Marsh, in part was inspired to write this novel after seeing old European paintings depicting "court dwarfs"; basically jesters, or clowns, forced to work for the amusement of royalty. Another inspiration was the history of eccentric astronomer and inventor Tycho Brahe. He lived in a castle off the coast of Denmark, and is famous for many things including wearing a brass nose (he lost his nose in a duel)!
In this remarkable story, a teenage boy--a dwarf--learns to trust himself more than the astrology chart that spells out his uncertain fate. With incredible determination, especially after enduring countless humiliations as a court dwarf, he finds love, community, education, and ultimately happiness on Tycho's island.
