Jepp, Who Defied the Stars

Oct 03, 2012 Lyda Phillips rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya

I am perhaps too close to this wonderful novel to judge it impartially since the author is my critique partner and I have read Jepp through many iterations. But I can truly say Jepp, Who Defied the Stars is a unique tale told straight from the author's heart.

Jepp, a young dwarf born at the dawn of the 17th century, is taken from his comfortable, loving home to become a pampered, but imprisoned, court dwarf in the household of the Spanish Infanta in the Spanish Netherlands. There Jepp is humiliat...more

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 10, 2013 Joan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: european-or-asian-history, fiction, historical-fiction, ya-books

I forgot who suggested this book. I think it was more that it was getting a lot of press, than a specific person suggesting it. This came very close to ending up in my "books that I can't finish" category. I enjoyed the historical fiction, especially about Tycho Brahe. The historical part about dwarves was interesting as well.

However, I did not enjoy the first part of the book at all. Jepp is quite the whiner. Yes, he has a lot to cope with but the unrelenting self pity was really too much. I d...more I forgot who suggested this book. I think it was more that it was getting a lot of press, than a specific person suggesting it. This came very close to ending up in my "books that I can't finish" category. I enjoyed the historical fiction, especially about Tycho Brahe. The historical part about dwarves was interesting as well.

However, I did not enjoy the first part of the book at all. Jepp is quite the whiner. Yes, he has a lot to cope with but the unrelenting self pity was really too much. I didn't find any of the characters all that attractive. Robert came closest I suppose but you have to wonder why he never uses his size to his advantage. Being gentle is all very good and well but not at the person's own expense. The book got much better when it went to the focus of the historical, fiction, Brahe. While Jepp's self pity was still fairly overwhelming, for the first time, he started to take some effort to actively help himself. Madeleine and Liv are both attractive personalities as are the various scholars that work for and under Brahe. I appreciated the subtly of having the one scholar who was consistently kind to Jepp turn out to be a traitor. And I appreciated Jepp's decision on what to do about that person. Brahe himself, while not a particularly attractive personality, still feels more three dimensional and much more interesting than the characters in the first part. I found the ongoing discussion between Jepp and Madeleine as to whether fate rules your life, or you shape your fate, to be interesting for that age group but not all that interesting to me. I'm glad that there was a happy ending and that Jepp finally stopped his futile quest to know his parents. I have to say as an adult, I found the means to get to the ending questionable. Jepp gets some of his inheritance illegally through another person's theft, and then finds his love and clearly going to live happily ever after. Brahe's concern and demand was that Jepp increase the amount of money Brache gave him...perhaps loaned might be a better word?...by his efforts. Basically, Brahe wanted reassurance that Jepp would be able to support his daughter in their life together. I don't see how receiving stolen goods even if it is goods that can be possibly considered morally Jepp's, is a solution to Brahe's concerns. I do realize that to a large extent, the couple made Brahe's demand irrelevant. But as another adult, I think that avoiding the demand does not change the nature of the issue. How is Jepp going to support Madeleine after the money runs out? It feels as though there is a potential sequel that could be coming. If so, it is going to take a lot of talk to get me to read it. (less)

1 like · like · see review

May 27, 2013 Samantha Boyette rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

So, sometimes I judge books by their covers. I'm not ashamed to say it. It's led to me finding some of my favorite books. This is one of those such books. I had no idea what this was about, but the cover intrigued me.

While this book is historical fiction, I kept having to remind myself I wasn't reading a fantasy novel. It has all the adventure and magical feeling of some of the best fantasies. Jepp is an amazingly rounded character and the author never lets you forget that he is a dwarf. Nor do...more

like · see review

May 20, 2013 Margo Tanenbaum rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 16th-century, young-adult

I'm fascinated by the character of Tyrion Lannister, the cunning dwarf in Game of Thrones. You don't find a lot of literature with a dwarf as one of the heroes (or perhaps in Tyrion's case, an anti-hero). Perhaps my interest in Tyrion is why I picked up this book by Katherine Marsh about a teen-aged dwarf in 16th century Europe, but Jepp's story quickly engaged me on its own terms.

Jepp is living a relatively happy and protected life at his mother's inn in the countryside, until a wealthy courti...more I'm fascinated by the character of Tyrion Lannister, the cunning dwarf in Game of Thrones. You don't find a lot of literature with a dwarf as one of the heroes (or perhaps in Tyrion's case, an anti-hero). Perhaps my interest in Tyrion is why I picked up this book by Katherine Marsh about a teen-aged dwarf in 16th century Europe, but Jepp's story quickly engaged me on its own terms.

Jepp is living a relatively happy and protected life at his mother's inn in the countryside, until a wealthy courtier appears and invites him to a life of luxury Coudenberg Palace, the home of the Spanish Infanta. There he joins a small group of court dwarves, and Jepp is shocked when he realizes that he is to be a pampered pet, fed morsels at the dinner table and popping out of pies. Jepp plots a daring escape for himself and his dwarf friend, Lia, but is soon recaptured and sent away to another court, that of a Danish nobleman, Tycho Brahe. His new master is fascinated by the science of the stars, including astrology. Despite his dwarf size, Jepp is no fool, and would like to be part of the learned world of the scholars. Can Jepp change his own destiny or is he fated to always be controlled by others? How will he find his way in what often is a cruel world?

The author states that she was inspired to write this novel through her fascination with the famous paintings of court dwarfs by Spanish painter Diego Velasquez. As she explains in an author's note, Jepp was an actual dwarf who served as court jester at the court of Tycho Brahe, but very little is known about him. Although his story is largely invented, the life of court dwarfs was carefully researched by the author and seems to be accurately portrayed. Marsh was also inspired by her mother's passion for astrology, which plays a central role in this story.

If you're tired of dystopian and fantasy YA novels, I highly recommend this book! Marsh's book was honored as a New York Times Notable Children's Book of 2012 and also by The Wall Street Journal's Best Children's Books of 2012. It definitely stands out among the crowd of books that all seem to look the same these days. Even the handsome cover and design of this book are unique, with the end papers decorated with a beautiful astronomical chart that depicts, instead of constellations, various elements of the story. It's a unique coming of age story, with a beautifully rendered and written story, which transports us to another time and place in the way which good historical fiction can do just as well as fantasy. Being a YA novel, there's even a bit of romance involved.

In addition to the above-mentioned Author's Note, back matter includes an interview with the author.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 09, 2013 Barb Middleton rated it 3 of 5 stars

Thunderstorms of flashbacks have been pummeling me this month. Done well, I don't really notice them. Done not so well, and they make cumulonimbus clouds build inside me. I prefer an author using flashbacks in the present and working them into the plot; this way a sense of urgency remains and the pacing doesn't slow down. Alas, while I enjoy Marsh's writing and character development, I didn't care for her flashbacks and parts of the plot.

Jepp is a dwarf in the 1600's who lives happily in a villa...more Thunderstorms of flashbacks have been pummeling me this month. Done well, I don't really notice them. Done not so well, and they make cumulonimbus clouds build inside me. I prefer an author using flashbacks in the present and working them into the plot; this way a sense of urgency remains and the pacing doesn't slow down. Alas, while I enjoy Marsh's writing and character development, I didn't care for her flashbacks and parts of the plot.

Jepp is a dwarf in the 1600's who lives happily in a village working the inn with his mother. When a man comes and offers to take him to court, Jepp is curious to see the world. His mother reluctantly agrees and Jepp learns the prejudices others show to those who are different. He meets three other dwarves at the court and learns humiliating routines to entertain the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia. His experience at court is to learn that the rich and wealthy view dwarves as their playthings and not as human beings. While Jepp enjoys meeting other dwarves a terrible abuse happens to Lia, a dwarf he loves. Disillusioned, they flee the castle; thus ending Book I.

Marsh divides her book into three sections with Book I being told in a flashback as the protagonist, Jepp, is being taken north as a prisoner. At first, it appears that Jepp's life is at stake and this urgency creates tension making a good setup for the flashback, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that the man dragging Jepp north has no intention of killing him, and flashback boredom settles in my bones like arthritis. Luckily Book II drops the flashback and I immediately got into the story of the quirky court of Tycho Brahe, who wears a prosthetic nose that keeps falling off and parades a moose in the dining area as entertainment to scholars and guests. I actually would have liked the story better if it had started in Book II with a few flashbacks worked into the action as Jepp travels north. When Jepp hears the birds he can flashback to Lia in her gilded cage. When he talks to Magdalene he can describe his past. But I've never written a book so maybe I'm being presumptious.

Book III involves Jepp finding answers to his questions. It contains more inner monologue and less action. Letters back and forth put more emphasis on the romantic aspect of the plot and less on the historical aspects given in Book I & II. The ending with the money didn't make sense to me. Would the laws allow Don to do that? It also seemed that Jepp should have returned to the island. I would not think Magdalene would do something that would be considered improper. I needed some explanation about her father's consent or lack of it, but it isn't given.

Marsh does a nice job developing her characters. This is one of those books where I would have liked it to be in third person. The villains are one-dimensional. We don't have any understanding as to why they mistreat others except that they are just nasty people. Jepp's voice is formal and highly educated. He's smart but I don't think he would have sounded like that running a tavern, although the author explains that everyone in their village learns to read. The astrology scenes are fascinating and were some of my favorite parts of the book and I'm not even interested in astrology. That is where I thought the story took flight and when the spotlight moved to other areas of the plot, I felt it dimmed in comparison.

Just an FYI, while it happens off the page and there is no graphic description, there is a rape in this story. It is a young adult book and while some young adult novels are okay for elementary I can't see this novel appealing to most of my high readers. I plan on giving it to the middle school library where it will have a larger audience and be more appreciated. (less)

like · see review

Mar 22, 2013 Cook Memorial Public Library rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, young-adult

When his beloved mother urges her teenage son Jepp to accept the offer to join the court of a royal Spanish palace because as an innkeeper, she has nothing to offer him for his future, he reluctantly leaves home. Jepp becomes a court dwarf whose life is physically more comfortable (he finally has enough to eat), yet providing entertainment by jumping out of pies and his virtual imprisonment become increasingly distasteful to Jepp.

He is urged not to complain by the other dwarves in the court, ye...more

like · see review

Feb 12, 2013 Emelyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-books

Let me start off by saying that if 1 teenage girl read this for every 10 that read Twilight, the world would be a much better place.

I'm not just mindlessly bashing Twilight. It's a perfectly good romance. But the inspiration and empowerment you get from this book is one I have never read before. It honestly makes you feel as if you could defy the stars.

One of the biggest reasons why this book is so amazing is that Jepp, the main character, feels like a very real person. Not real in a "leaping ou...more Let me start off by saying that if 1 teenage girl read this for every 10 that read Twilight, the world would be a much better place.

I'm not just mindlessly bashing Twilight. It's a perfectly good romance. But the inspiration and empowerment you get from this book is one I have never read before. It honestly makes you feel as if you could defy the stars.

One of the biggest reasons why this book is so amazing is that Jepp, the main character, feels like a very real person. Not real in a "leaping out of the pages of the book" sense. Real in a "echoes of history" sense. As if he has lived, has died, and will continue to forever within the pages of this book. He is real, but not alive. I've read my fair share of historical fiction, and this is a very good one.

The second is that, like I said, it is inspiring. But not in a stupid way, or a cheesy way, or in any other way that I've experienced before. I may only be 14, but seriously. Amazing things. The morals and values portrayed are put together in a ver effective way. He experiences love, and has it ripped away from him, and he's only as old as I am. He is banished from his prison, only to be confined to another one. And, despite all of this, he crafts for himself a life better than most. He makes up for his stature, and he defies the fate layed for him in the star. But not without a lot of worry and self discovery, first.

I'm doing a very terrible job at explaining this. Really. This is why I shouldn't be a book critic. I'm making this book out to be terribly cheesy and cliched. But I swear, I have never, ever read a book like this. Never before has life been pictured so accurately, never has it been so frightening and yet so enchanting at the same time. You don't feel Jepp's losses because they feel like yours; you feel them because you feel bad for him, and you see his worth even when he doesn't. And his triumphs make you take a good, long look at yourself. And realize that you can do the same thing. No matter what your life is like, you have no excuses. If there is anything, anything in this world that is wrong, you can change it. And all it takes is intelligence, and will.(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 11, 2013 Mary Louise Sanchez rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Jepp, a dwarf, lives in the town of Astraveld, part of the Spanish Netherlands in the 16th century. He works in his mother's inn and meets many people, hoping one of them could be his unknown father.One day a Spanish nobleman with the title, Don,comes to the inn and invites Jepp to return with him to the court of the Spanish Infanta where Jepp will be an entertainer. Little does Jepp realize being a dwarf entertainer consists of jumping out of pies and other indignities. He tries to escape this...more

like · see review

Dec 30, 2012 Hilary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: grades-7-8, historical-fiction

Jepp, a dwarf living in the late 1500's, has enjoyed his provincial life at an inn that inhabits with his mother. The only desires he's ever really had is to know who his father is, a questions his mother always skillfully avoids. Then, one day, a mysterious man from the court of the Infanta in Brussels visits the inn and convinces Jepp that life as a court dwarf would be an exciting departure from the quiet life he's know so far. With a bit of encouragement from his mother, Jepp agrees, and set...more

like · see review

Dec 28, 2012 Mrs.Price: Your Virtual Librarian on YA Reads rated it 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, then 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...more

like · see review

Oct 14, 2012 Bookandahug rated it 5 of 5 stars

Imagine for a moment that you are standing in an old stone castle somewhere in Europe and that hanging on the wall before you is an enormous tapestry woven painstakingly and elegantly with artistry and expertise. In your mind's eye you admire the careful stitching, the choice of subject, and the brilliant colors and threads that create a masterful work of art. This book holds the magnificence of just such a tapestry.

Katherine Marsh has a rare ability with words. She clearly sees Jepp's world in...more Imagine for a moment that you are standing in an old stone castle somewhere in Europe and that hanging on the wall before you is an enormous tapestry woven painstakingly and elegantly with artistry and expertise. In your mind's eye you admire the careful stitching, the choice of subject, and the brilliant colors and threads that create a masterful work of art. This book holds the magnificence of just such a tapestry.

Katherine Marsh has a rare ability with words. She clearly sees Jepp's world in its entirety and with that vision, she pairs a gift for crafting beautiful language. Listen to this line: "I am but the dream of a dawn moment...." Her rich vocabulary, poetic descriptions, romance, and above all, the searching journey of Jepp, blend to deliver a sophisticated adventure of heart and mind.

This book is written for readers who want to savor a sentence and consider the main character's challenges for themselves. This book is written for readers who cherish storytelling and language.

Fifteen-year old Jepp is bumping along "bone-rattling roads" in a wagon, bathed in bruises and with his hands bound behind him. It is the year 1599 and the place is land claimed by both the Spanish Netherlands and the Protestant North. As the wagon rolls forward, Jepp is looking back at the circumstances that led him to this moment. Is this his fate as determined by the stars or does he hold his future in his own hands as a product of his choices and determination?

Standing three feet and one inch high, Jepp is decreed a dwarf. His life up to now has been spent in an inn just outside Utrecht with his mother. There amidst the tasks demanded to keep the customers satisfied, Jepp learns Latin and Greek. Then, the fates step in, and a Spanish nobleman, known as Don, happens to visit the inn and invites Jepp to the Coudenberg Palace in Brussels where he will serve the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia.

Jepp is delivered to the palace with all of its sumptuousness and intrigue. At first the life is alluring with all of its riches but it quickly shifts for Jepp into the feeling of being caged and trapped in elaborate plots he cannot read. Jepp falls in love with another dwarf named Lia and finds himself running for his life and trying desperately to save hers. But the net of the palace intrigue reaches wide and deep and Jepp is captured and sent north to an entirely new existence in the company of a learned man whose name we'll save for you to discover on your own.

Jepp is searching to discover his identity as the fates toss him about. He seeks the name of his father and he seeks to understand how he will make a place to stand in this world of fully grown men and women who see him as a plaything.

So, there's the basic plotline for you. The journey is also to uncover the power of the fates versus our own ability to control and create our destinies. Now, I'm going to open the lid of this treasure chest and tell you that this is not mere storytelling... not mere entertaining rise and fall and adventure. We are looking at a book that has been crafted. I believe Crispin (Avi) has a friend in the making here. Brilliant.

Ages 12-15 376 pages 9781423135005
(less)

like · see review

Oct 09, 2012 Sam rated it 5 of 5 stars

Rarely do I read a book that is written with such advanced skill as to evoke images of great poetry, while at the same time possessing a level of ease allowing even the most reluctant of reader to be swept into the story.

All of this leaves only one word to describe Jepp, Who Defied the Stars.

Magical.

Now because you probably want more from a review than just one word I’ll say a bit more about the book. Jepp, Who Defied the Stars is one of the best written books I’ve read in a long while. It is fu...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 06, 2012 Liviania rated it 4 of 5 stars

I think I would read more historical fiction if more of it was like JEPP, WHO DEFIED THE STARS. But part of JEPP, WHO DEFIED THE STARS charm is that it is an unusual story, charming in its lack of concern with the commercial. Katherine Marsh has written an appealing bildungsroman that will stand out.

Jepp is a dwarf living happily in his mother's inn, when a nobleman comes through and entices him to go and become a court dwarf for the Infanta. (Yes, I did have The Decemberists' "The Infanta" stuc...more I think I would read more historical fiction if more of it was like JEPP, WHO DEFIED THE STARS. But part of JEPP, WHO DEFIED THE STARS charm is that it is an unusual story, charming in its lack of concern with the commercial. Katherine Marsh has written an appealing bildungsroman that will stand out.

Jepp is a dwarf living happily in his mother's inn, when a nobleman comes through and entices him to go and become a court dwarf for the Infanta. (Yes, I did have The Decemberists' "The Infanta" stuck in my head for the entire first half of the book.) At first I had trouble getting into the court scenes - they seemed like something from a bawdy farce without any bawdiness. Then I realized there was plenty of sex going on but it wasn't outright stated because the book is in young and sheltered Jepp's point of view. The second half of the book brings in the astrology (and astronomy) mentioned in the title as Jepp moves on to the court of Tycho Brahe. In this half of the novel Jepp is more worldly, but still not the best at reading people.

The historical detail of JEPP, WHO DEFIED THE STARS is fascinating. The novel moves from late-sixteenth century Holland to Spain to Denmark and features a wide range of real people. As the historical note at the end reveals, even Jepp was a real person. (Although very little is known about the real Jepp and Marsh's novel is obviously entirely fictional.) It's definitely a setting less explored than Elizabethan England or the Wild West.

The novel rests on Jepp's shoulders and they are able to handle the burden. He suffers various indignities - less than many dwarves of the time - but he always knows that he deserves to be treated as an equal. He longs to understand his past and control his future, unwilling to let his fate be a decided by the stars rather than himself. Jepp is not one to be content.

I'm having real trouble writing this review. It's not an easy novel for me to deconstruct. But I'm glad I pushed myself out of my reading comfort zone and gave JEPP, WHO DEFIED THE STARS a chance. I liked spending time in the world Marsh developed and thrilled when Jepp finally got his happy ending. It's a strange book, but I think it will find an audience. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Sep 03, 2012 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jepp is a boy who was raised by his single Mom and brought up in a tavern/rooming house that she runs in the small (fictional) town of Astraveld in Holland. He is relatively content, is pretty smart having learned to read and write and is much loved by the few locals who depend on the inn for their livelihood. He is also a dwarf. Something he doesn't really dwell on... unless travelers to the inn happen to point it out.

He has never known his father, something that does bother him, but has not ma...more Jepp is a boy who was raised by his single Mom and brought up in a tavern/rooming house that she runs in the small (fictional) town of Astraveld in Holland. He is relatively content, is pretty smart having learned to read and write and is much loved by the few locals who depend on the inn for their livelihood. He is also a dwarf. Something he doesn't really dwell on... unless travelers to the inn happen to point it out.

He has never known his father, something that does bother him, but has not made an issue of finding out his identity. One day a stranger arrives at the inn. He is worldly with a long title but called "Don" for short. He has a proposition for Jepp. How would he like to live a grand life as a member of Coudenberg, the court of the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia and her husband Archduke Albert of Austria. As a court Dwarf.
Surely his mother wouldn't want to part with him? But she wants him to succeed and advance himself and this seems like a perfect entrance into a better way of life. Is it? We shall see. So begins this intriguing story set in the late 1500s with a truly unique protagonist that we care about and root for from the opening page.
"It is lucky you found me" Jepp says to Don on their coach trip to Coudenberg. "There is no luck", Don confides, "Only the stars. That is where our fortune or lack of it resides". Puzzling words. The stars play a role throughout Jepp's life. It is a time of great belief in astrology.

Jepp arrives in Coudenberg and all that Don describes is true! A luxury apartment, fine clothes, exotic and tasty food, and, oh yes, there are 3 other dwarves who reside there. It takes a bit of the spotlight away, but one of them is an attractive young woman. Things are looking good! Or are they? And, Don never mentioned anything about a pie. A rather large one.

This is just the beginning of Jepp's journey, a journey which will open his eyes to the intrigues and whims of those in charge of his destiny. He will learn to keep some things secret and who can be trusted... and who can't. And we will learn with him (plus what the title means). This book will be released in October so put in your pre-order request and find out just where Jepp's journey, and those stars, will take him. This is the first book the Recommender has read by Katherine Marsh and I will definitely look forward to reading anything else she's written!

http://militantrecommender.blogspot.com/(less)

like · see review

Aug 25, 2012 Jenifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, historical, fiction

While there isn't a very strong fantasy element in Jepp, it definitely has the feel of a fairy tale, with royalty, captives, orphans, villians, star-crossed lovers, a giant and and even automatons abounding. Set in the Spanish Netherlands and Denmark in the late 16th century, the novel follows Jepp of Astraveld, a dwarf, through his teen years, as he leaves the village inn he was raised in to become an entertainer in the court of the Spanish Infanta and later a jester for the eccentric astronome...more

like · see review

Mar 21, 2013 Ellen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: coming-of-age, ya, historical-fiction

When his beloved mother urges her teenage son Jepp to accept the offer to join the court of a royal Spanish palace because as an innkeeper, she has nothing to offer him for his future, he reluctantly leaves home. Jepp becomes a court dwarf whose life is physically more comfortable (he finally has enough to eat), yet providing entertainment by jumping out of pies and his virtual imprisonment become increasingly distasteful to Jepp. He is urged not to complain by the other dwarves in the court, ye...more

like · see review

Feb 11, 2013 Teresa Bateman rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm not usually a big fan of historical fiction, especially that taking place in the 16th century, but I got a copy of this book at the ALA midwinter convention and it intrigued me. Jepp is a young dwarf who finds himself in the Infanta's--court well-fed and cared for, but demeaned by jumping out of pies, and with no personal freedom. The others in a similar position have all found their way to accept their fates, for the what the stars decree must come to be. Jepp, however, has dreams. When he...more

like · see review

Mar 31, 2013 MrsB rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is intriguing historical fiction with really unusual characters (court dwarf, a giant, a man with a metallic nose, a beer-drinking moose) that it almost seems like a fantasy quest rather than an accurate portrayal of life in the late 16th century. However, I recognized the name Tycho Brahe as I was reading and a wikipedia search found his peculiarities to be real (as is later revealed in the author's note at the end as well). This is a good coming of age story centered on a search for ident...more

like · see review

Mar 04, 2013 Abbie rated it 4 of 5 stars

The best thing about this book, for me, is how "capable" it is. I'm sorry that's such a strange word to use, but I can't think of a better one. Unlike with most fantasies - which this isn't quite, even - or "epic" stories, where the plot feels muddy and windy and irritating to follow, this story is very in charge of itself.

Jepp, although not the most inspiring hero on the planet (don't get me wrong, he's a good storyteller and very likable, but not special or anything) narrates the story well,...more

like · see review

May 19, 2013 Hilary Moon Murphy rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was an excellent, original historical. I loved the pictures that it painted of life at court in Brussels, at the scholars utopia of Tycho Brahe's Uraniburg, and of the world of 16th century Amsterdam. There were some aspects of the telling that I am not certain worked for me -- in particular the shifting from flashback to the imprisoned carriage ride at the start of the novel -- but the wealth of historical detail and the liveliness of the characters more than made up for it. I thought that...more

like · see review

Feb 05, 2013 Brandy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, mock-newbery-contenders, young-adult

This was a fun read because it was different that what I feel has become 'popular' in YA/children's literature.

This book is classified as historical fiction, but after reading the authors notes at the end, it is a little more fiction and a little less historical for me personally to give it much merit as an historical book. But still, it is interesting to learn about that time period, a period that doesn't typically get written about.

The book is set in 1597 and spans many places across Europe. T...more This was a fun read because it was different that what I feel has become 'popular' in YA/children's literature.

This book is classified as historical fiction, but after reading the authors notes at the end, it is a little more fiction and a little less historical for me personally to give it much merit as an historical book. But still, it is interesting to learn about that time period, a period that doesn't typically get written about.

The book is set in 1597 and spans many places across Europe. The thing that is so lovely about the book is that even though it is set over 400 years ago, there are so many parallels to our day.

The book is filled with great wisdom. A couple of my favorite lines are:

"I think that from God's view, up in the heavens, all men are small. It is the spirit He has given us that makes us giants, if only we choose to be."

"Is it not our imperfections that forge our characters?"

As Jepp is taken off to his first grand adventure, he soon learns that the world we live in is not always what we dream and hope it will be. It can be cruel and unforgiving. Jepp however, does not let that defeat him. And though he goes through his down moments he eventually rises above them to become master of his own fate.

Although I felt that at times this book was a little too wordy and I had to resist the urge to skim, that was only a small fraction of the story. For the most part, I felt it was beautifully written and I really loved that I was able to get into the heart and mind of Jepp. He is so relate-able. We all have the same feelings of doubt and insecurity that he does and it is wonderful to read how he overcomes that.

This book to me had a very similar feel to Splendors and Glooms, which I felt was also amazingly well written. This one however fell just shy of that level and I can see why this one did not get an award while that one did. Don't let that deter you from reading this book. Not every great story will get an award. And you may just disagree and feel that it should have won.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 26, 2012 Newengland rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished-in-2012, ya

This book is historical fiction -- a rare genre for me -- but doesn't traffic in the minutiae of history in any big way. Its protagonist is a teenage dwarf, Jepp, who is sent to a royal court in 17th-century Netherlands. It's a status thing, I guess, like chihuahuas these days in Southern Cal, poking out of the handbags of rich Valley Girls.

OK, so we see matters from an unusual vantage point. Lower than usual, that is. Part I focuses on Jepp's stay at the court of the Spanish Infanta, Coudenber...more

like · see review

Nov 19, 2012 Jan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, teenbooks

I was very impressed with this fascinating historical novel about a dwarf named Jepp who is lured from his home to become a "court dwarf." Set in the sixteenth century, Jepp leaves home to join the court of the Spanish Infanta. He hopes to better himself, but soon learns that he is no more than an entertainment to the Princess and her court. He falls in love with another dwarf, Lia, but that ends tragically and Jepp is expelled from the court and sent to the home of Tycho Brahe, the famed astron...more

like · see review

Nov 16, 2012 Ryan rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Katherine

There are a number of good historical fiction books based on real characters about whom we know almost nothing. They appear as a phrase in a history (Alexander's Persian boy) or an image in a painting (Juan de Pareja) but there are no histories about these people themselves, just about those they served. Jepp is also a footnote in history and perhaps because I am too, I like this approach to stories - and liked this book.

Jepp is a dwarf, raised by a loving mother, who is recruited to serve in th...more

like · see review

Feb 15, 2013 Brandy Painter rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, favorites, young-adult

Originally posted at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.

Jepp, Who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh would not have been a high priority read for me were it not chosen to compete in this year's SLJ Battle of the Books. The premise intrigued me, but I probably would have waited until my library received a copy. BoBs prompted me to buy it and push it to the top of my TBR. I'm grateful for this because I LOVED it. (BoB, this more than makes up for making me buy Life: an Exploded Diagram last year.)

Hi...more Originally posted at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.

Jepp, Who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh would not have been a high priority read for me were it not chosen to compete in this year's SLJ Battle of the Books. The premise intrigued me, but I probably would have waited until my library received a copy. BoBs prompted me to buy it and push it to the top of my TBR. I'm grateful for this because I LOVED it. (BoB, this more than makes up for making me buy Life: an Exploded Diagram last year.)

Historical fiction. It attracts and repels me. I love it when it's done well, but it is so often done wrong that I am more than a little afraid to read it anymore. Jepp, Who Defied the Stars is done right. Marsh brings 16th century Netherlands to vivid life in this story. The lives of the commoners, the court, academics, the pull between superstition and science, a world clinging to the past while on the brink of a new era is all wonderfully rendered. And at the center of this marvelous world is a dwarf by the name of Jepp.

Jepp's voice and character is the strongest factor of a novel that is full of strengths. As a reader I could relate to his plight even though I've never experienced anything like it. I felt sympathy for him. Most of all I wanted to see him succeed and find happiness. I wanted him to break free of his chains and live the life he could. Marsh truly makes him a real person, one you can feel for and love. As a result his story is a gripping one that I couldn't put it down even in its slower moments. (I read the whole thing in one glorious sitting.) The other characters have just as much life and depth as Jepp. Both antagonists were a little flat and predictable, but they serve their functions well.

I enjoyed how Marsh presented the pull between fate and free will. She brings up questions everyone struggles with at some point and arrives at the inevitable conclusion. Jepp's journey to this is one that will fascinate readers and that they can also identify with.

This is one of those books that doesn't fit nicely into any age classification. The bookstore I purchased it from had it shelved with the MG books. The protagonist is in his mid-late teens like most YA. The story is one I can see appealing to adult readers, even ones who don't normally enjoy "children's books". It is a great story whatever the age of the interested party who picks it up. (less)

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 26, 2012 Amber rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

Jepp is a teenage dwarf living in the 1500's. His early childhood is spent in a small village but he soon finds himself entertaining in a royal court and discovers that life can be very cruel. Through all of his struggles he misses his mother and wishes he knew the identity of his father. This quest eventually sends him all over Europe. Jepp spends much of his time trying to decide if our fate is predetermined by the stars or if we can decide our own destiny.

Jepp is a very likeable character and...more

like · see review

Nov 28, 2012 Ms. Rosas rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 112-in-2012

*Copy provided by Net Galley*

My copy expired before I could finish but I'm marking it as read and reviewing based on what I have already read. (I only had 100 pages left.) I will definitely finish at some point because it was just that good but I wanted to get a review out there. When I started this book I wasn't really sure what to expect. I wasn't entirely sold on the premise and I wasn't sure how I was going to like a book about a court dwarf in the 16th century.

I am happy to report that I wa...more

like · see review

Jun 07, 2013 Adam Housley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: pleasure

Loosely historical, I found book was enjoyable after a semi-slow start and despite, what I would describe as an odd/interesting ending, without spoiling anything I'll leave it at that. What I loved about this book as an English teacher in a Christian setting, is the fact the central questions are best answered with one's worldview. Given the history, characters wrestle from the mostly deistic worldview common to America's founders. This point of view would provide fantastic fodder for classroom...more

like · see review

Apr 06, 2013 ELK rated it 4 of 5 stars

A unique, thoughtful YA book. Jepp's journey from childhood to maturity brings him face to face with the central theme of the book: are our lives fated or chosen? Marsh cleverly weaves in uncertainties and surprises in Jepp's story that take the potential triteness out of this worn out motif.

Many YA authors fall into the trap of making their young characters' lives improbably heroic or meaningful. Marsh reigns herself in from this by placing her characters in colorful surroundings but focusing...more

like · see review

Jan 21, 2013 Maria rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: audio, historical-fiction, ya, rec-d-by-library-user-or-staff

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Absolutely delightful mashup of coming of age story, historical fiction, and a story about a dwarf much more likeable than the one in Geek Love, which was my first literary dwarf and the one against which I compare all others.

Plus, this novel featured one of my favorite historical figures, Tycho Brahe, who appears throughout the second act of this story. I had actually picked it up because I heard it had Brahe in it, and since my college astronomy class I've been wondering why no one has written...more Absolutely delightful mashup of coming of age story, historical fiction, and a story about a dwarf much more likeable than the one in Geek Love, which was my first literary dwarf and the one against which I compare all others.

Plus, this novel featured one of my favorite historical figures, Tycho Brahe, who appears throughout the second act of this story. I had actually picked it up because I heard it had Brahe in it, and since my college astronomy class I've been wondering why no one has written any good historical fiction about this guy. He lost his nose in a duel and wore a copper one which may have poisoned him, he died of a bladder explosion (so it is said), he kept his pet elks drunk on ale and one died by falling down the staircase, he was a nobleman who lived on a castle on an island off the coast of Denmark, and though his morganistic marriage to a commoner he assured that the island and castle would revert back to the king upon his death. Spies infiltrated his island to steal his star charts. And oh yeah, he made some pretty amazing astronomical breakthroughs. Obviously one of the most fascinating people ever.

I was a little disappointed by how little Tycho was actually in this story, but the descriptions of his eerie island home and the work that went on there were enough, and by that point I was thoroughly engaged in Jepp's story anyways.

The various love stories were, for lack of a better word, lovely. At first I thought that Robert the Giant and Lia the dwarf made a ridiculous pair that was just thrown in for variety, but their unfulfilled love turned out to be incredibly realistic and tragic.

The book has one problem. It is too lengthy for what it is, which is a YA book with depth and philosophy. It is too rich to be a page turner, and teens (and some adults) may be turned off by how long it takes to read compared to most books of the genre, since it seems that most "serious" YA is fairly short and the longer books are the genre ones that you read in a few big gulps. (less)

like · see review

title link	preview: Jepp, Who Defied the Stars
avg rating	preview: Jepp, Who Defied the Stars Goodreads rating: 3.70 (498 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13455511-jepp-who-defied-the-stars?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335195599l/13455511.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13455511-jepp-who-defied-the-stars?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Jepp, Who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh[/url]

Jepp, Who Defied the Stars

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (9)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Katherine Marsh

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Jepp, Who Defied ...

Quotes from Jepp, Who Defied the S...