Healer and Witch

Healer and Witch
Nancy Werlin
Candlewick, 2022
292 pages
Grades 5-8
Historical Fiction/Fantasy

When Sylvie's healer Grandmother dies, a huge hole is left in the house. Sylvie's mother cannot leave her chair from grief and the budding healer uses her untamed gifts to remove the sadness plaguing her mother. The gesture backfires and Mother loses many of her personal memories: including who Sylvie is and their relationship. Now the young healer must leave her small medieval French village to find an experienced healer who can serve as Sylvie's mentor and teach her how to harness her magic and use the power for good. As she travels along the road Sylvie is joined by Martin, a boy from the village, who is insistent on accompanying her. At first a nuisance, eventually Martin becomes a comfort and almost like a younger brother. Eventual the pair reach a city where a suspicious inn keeper directs them to the home of a wise woman. This woman not only is a former friend of Grandmother's, but is willing to help Sylvie. Now she and Martin must travel through the countryside with an unlikable merchant to find a famous astrologer, who can help mentor Sylvie. As the journey continues, Sylvie learns who to trust and discovers on her own the best way to wield her gifts.

Teen author, Werlin, tries her hand at middle grade, as seems to be the trend these days. This story is a straightforward medieval quest with believable magic appearing only in the form of healing/brain control. In other words: no dragons or wizards. There are twists and turns in the linear plot and surprises along the way. Once the true villain is determined, the readers will happily boo them and root for Sylvie the underdog. There is a hint of romance, as seen in a marriage proposal (Sylvie is fifteen), but remains very innocent. Themes include staying true to yourself, the evils of greed, the unfairness of making snap judgements about people, family loyalty, perseverance, the importance of honesty and living a moralistic life. I liked the relationship between Sylvie and Martin and was satisfied at the revelation from Martin concerning his reasons for joining her-besides seeking adventure. More historical fiction than fantasy, this will attract both kinds of readers. The story reads quickly and is adventurous enough to hold reader's interests. A fun story that will attract a cross-section of tween and teens that feels like something different then the usual fare.