Crispin the Lead Cross – Book Review

Winner of the 2003 Newbery Medal, Crispin The Cross of Lead is an action-packed historical novel set in the 1380s of England’s Peasant Revolt. The protagonist is a thirteen-year-old peasant boy known only as “Son of Asta” (Asta is the child’s mother) because he has never been called by his own name. In fact, he doesn’t know he has a name until his mother dies. The village priest reveals that he baptized him and gave him the Christian name Crispin.

Furthermore, after the death of Crispin’s mother, the only home he has ever known burned to the ground. Crispin is forced to start life as a fugitive for robbery and murder. He is declared a “wolf’s head” by corrupt administrator John Aycliffe, for crimes he did not commit. This means that anyone can kill it like a common animal and receive a considerable reward.

Feudalism is the way of life for many in 14th century England. There are innumerable taxes that humble peasants must pay and constant violence. The people were very poor or very rich. The common people had no voice over their destiny. The church cannot protect the parishioners and is subject to many cruelties.

“Time was the great millstone, which reduced us to dust like husked wheat. The Holy Church told us where we were in the disturbances of the day, the year and in our daily work. Only birth and death distinguish our lives, as we made the journey through the darkness from where we had come to the darkness where we were destined to await the Day of Judgment. “

There are many chase scenes, as well as undisclosed plans shrouded in mystery. Avi develops a couple of compelling characters, but Bear, a traveling juggler, will become Crispin’s liberation from the bounty hunters who follow them everywhere. The relationship between the juggler and the peasant becomes the heart of the story.