Jepp, Who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At first I did not want to read this book.  Katherine Marsh’s book The Night Tourist was just OK.  But,  I read a New York Times Review of it and when I realized that it was historical fiction I had to read it.
The book set in the 16th century is narrated by Jepp of Astraveld,  a dwarf—or little person, using today’s appropriate term.  As the reader is introduced to him he lives with his mother, an inn keeper and does not know who his father is.  He meets a man who convinces him to travel with him to a better life as a court dwarf.  Unfortunately, he finds out that this is not an opportunity, but rather an imprisonment, forcing him to be the entertainment for members of the royal palace.  He manages to escape captivity, only to be caught and once again kept against his will.  However, the story set in three parts, has an intricate plot with a satisfying ending.  It is basically a coming of age novel as Jepp learns to deal with his physical difference as well as his search for his real father.
Marsh has researched her subject well and the fictional characters blended with history make it a worthwhile read.  There is no wizardry or magic in the book, but readers who enjoy mythology and astronomy will find it fascinating.


View all my reviews