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“THE SECRETS OF the past meet the shocks of the present. Aslaug is an unusual young woman. Her mother has brought her up in near isolation, teaching her about plants and nature and language—but not about life. Especially not how she came to have her own life, and who her father might be. When Aslaug’s mother dies unexpectedly, everything changes. For Aslaug is a suspect in her mother’s death. And the more her story unravels, the more questions unfold. About the nature of Aslaug’s birth. About what she should do next. About whether divine miracles have truly happened. And whether, when all other explanations are impossible, they might still happen this very day.”
Nisareen - So Much To Read So Little Time wrote this review Thursday, November 19 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“It was hard to get into the story and the characters. Has potential but something was off for me. Could be a great discussion starter for nature, science, religion, and mythology and their correlations.”
Sydney wrote this review Wednesday, August 5 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“ Reviewed by Harmony for TeensReadToo.com
TeensReadToo.com wrote this review Tuesday, July 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I finished reading MADAPPLE last night and, for the first time ever, I sat staring at the book in shock. For fifteen minutes. I was ready to laugh, to cry, and to scream in frustration. Never before have I read a book that left me feeling that way after finishing it. Sure, there have been books where I've laughed, cried, and been frustrated at different points as I read it (HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS comes to mind) -- but to experience them all at once at the end of a book? Never.
Once the shock wore off, I began wondering how I was ever going to write a review of this book. Because a book that can cause emotions like that definitely can NOT be summed up in one paragraph, no matter how long. I could say that MADAPPLE was about flowers and plants. I could also say that it's about a girl who's a prisoner in her own life. I could also say that it challenges the religion of Christianity. I could say all of those things and so many more, but none of them would be correct. Yes, MADAPPLE is about flowers and plants. It's also about being a prisoner in your own life and it's even about Christianity. But it's also about so much more than that. More than even my mind can comprehend.
But I must warn you - MADAPPLE is NOT for everyone
Told in alternating chapters of the present and of testimonies being held at Aslaug's trial, MADAPPLE challenges the reader. It informs the reader. I, myself, though not a strong Christian, know by now that most Christians are offended when their religion is challenged. MADAPPLE does that. But I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing, for it never states that Christianity is wrong, and every single character has their own opinion on it. Heck, one of them even runs a church. But what it does do is explain how the birth and story of Jesus that the Christians follow is not the first in history. I'm not going to say more on that subject in fear of giving too much away, but I'll say this - if you're a Christian who is easily offended, I wouldn't read this. If you're a Christian who can handle a reasonable amount of things, pick up the book.
My feelings about MADAPPLE changed throughout the entire book. At first, I was intrigued, then confused, and then bored. Actually, I think I was confused up until the last page and then some. Even at this moment, I can't say whether I love or hate MADAPPLE. But I'm going to say that I love it because it's left me speechless, and the only other books to have done that are my favorites. The one thing, however, this book didn't do was make my stomach hurt. The character emotions just weren't there to make my heart break. All other aspects, besides that, which I love in books were there.
So do I recommend MADAPPLE? Definitely yes! But only if you're up for a challenging read. Only if you're mature enough to handle speculations about virgin and premarital birth. Only if you're ready to be blown away, because you will be, whether it's in a good or bad way. Only you can make that decision.”
“Was hard to read with the alternating court and flashbacks chapters. Too much description on the various plants.”
Teresa P wrote this review Thursday, June 18 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“From an isolated childhood, the main character is thrust into the world at the death of her mother”
Sally R wrote this review Thursday, May 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This story involves a teen girl believed to be the result of a virgin birth. The story alternates between a modern day trial and the teen's story. The mother/daughter relationship is claustrophobic as they live separated from society. Plants and their uses are interwoven throughout the story and play a part in the teen's court trial. History seems to repeat itself as the girl finds herself pregnant. Though beautifully written, I could not give this book a higher rating, because I found it too strange and unbelievable.”
noreen s wrote this review Friday, April 17 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is a good book about a teen's (Aslaug) inner soul. She was almost cut out of the world only able to read what her mother let her, only going where her mother said, having her mother ruling. She always was curious about who her father was and why she knows nothing about her family. In fact, Aslaug has never seen what she looks like or talked to a boy or has she ever been to school. She just learns from her mother. But when she awakes to find her mother dead, her noisey neighbor Mr. Grumset, calls the police. Aslaug is then accused of killing her mother. In the later chapters, her life unfolds before. So much happen that confuses her and surprises everyone. You'll never know what's on the next page. ”
Claire C wrote this review Friday, April 10 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Great plot with interesting characters. I wasn't all that taken with the detailed descriptions of the roots and herbs that Aslung and her mother routinely collected, but they weren't totally extranious to the story so no harm done. Young Aslung is accused of killing her mother, aunt and cousin using her significant knowledge of natures virtues and vices to complete the acts. On trial for her life, her story slowly unfolds. Will the truth be like her beloved windflower and set her free? Or will the jury believe her stange behaviour is a definate sign of guilt? ”
Carolyn B wrote this review Tuesday, April 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Strange but intriguing story.”
Amy wrote this review Wednesday, April 1 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I bought this book because it promised me a unique take on the relationship between science and faith. I’m not sure it delivers, although I've always been fascinated by botany; I like plants, and the descriptions of what they all do reminded me a lot of my mom. Let it be known that that is where the similarity between the mother in this novel and my own ends
Jeanette H wrote this review Monday, February 16 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Madapple revolves around Aslaug Hellig’s first-person narration (diary style, but with a purpose) and her murder trial; the chapters deal with each in turns. Aslaug’s mother is convinced that Aslaug is the product of a divine conception, a virgin birth; this concept becomes very important to Aslaug and her story later in the narrative. Aslaug is sheltered to the extreme, and when her mother dies, she moves in with her aunt and cousins. Her aunt pastors a Pentecostal church; I will leave her cousins to others to figure out during their own reading, should they so choose. Having firsthand experience with the Pentecostals, this aspect of the story also drew me in.
The title refers to jimsonweed, a plant with hallucinogenic properties often used for that purpose, but which is also lethal in high quantities. This plant in particular becomes very important to the narrative and its botanic bent.
In places, the novel warrants a V. C. Andrews comparison; others make me think it should be shelved with adult novels. Madapple is not exactly action-packed, but Aslaug is an intelligent narrator and the mysterious elements kept me intrigued; still, it was the outright weirdness that kept me turning the pages.”
