Review Detail

Reader reviewed by artemis

This is the story of Crispin, a boy who lost his mother and has no idea who the father is. He's a serf in feudal England and is relentlessly tormented--by the townspeople and the steward of the manor, John Aycliffe. Crispin overhears a conversation between the steward and another man, but wishes he hadn't because he soon finds himself declared a wolf's head--meaning that anyone who sees him can kill him on sight. Crispin, frightened and confused, flees and runs into an ousted court jester. The jester basically treats him like a slave--forcing him to work for him and chaining him up at night so he won't escape. After a while, Crispin gains the jester's trust and together they set out to find Crispin's father and get vengeance on the evil steward. Crispin also figures out the meaning of the lead cross his mother gave him. The story is sad and the way Crispin is treated is just awful. It's good, but some scenes may be a bit graphic. It's good and deserved the awards it got.