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, teach... read full description
Aslaug is an unusual young woman. Her mother has brought her up in near isolation, teach... read full description
reviews
Jan 30, 2012
Maja
rated it: 
Wow. When I started Madapple yesterday, I had no idea what I was signing up for. Had I known what was ahead of me, I don’t think I would have picked it up. You see, I expected it to be paranormal (although I’m not sure why), and it wasn’t. I never expected it to be about child abuse, kidnapping, drugs and incest, but it was. I certainly never thought it would delve so deep into the connections between paganism and Christianity. Finally, I expected it to be forgettable, but I doubt I’ll forget th
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23 comments
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(45 people liked it)
Apr 14, 2011
Jillian -always aspiring-
rated it: 
Love. Disgust. Conflict. Despair. Indecision.
I felt all those emotions while reading this book -- and, even though the story twisted and turned so very much that it was a bit frustrating, I have no doubt of one thing: Madapple was utterly haunting.
The main character of a novel can tell you a lot about its story and what you can hope to expect. Aslaug, the teenage heroine of Madapple, is a bit of a quandary just like the novel itself: she can best be described as Kn More...
I felt all those emotions while reading this book -- and, even though the story twisted and turned so very much that it was a bit frustrating, I have no doubt of one thing: Madapple was utterly haunting.
The main character of a novel can tell you a lot about its story and what you can hope to expect. Aslaug, the teenage heroine of Madapple, is a bit of a quandary just like the novel itself: she can best be described as Kn More...
7 comments
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(21 people liked it)
Oct 14, 2010
Tatiana
rated it: 
"Madapple" is definitely a fascinating and unconventional story. Part courtroom drama, part a dream-like narration of a sheltered and (maybe) delusional girl, it's certainly a book unlike anything I've read before.
Reading some of the book's reviews, I've noticed how hard it is to give an idea what this book is about. In a few words, the story comes down to this: Aslaug is on trial for the murder of her mother, aunt and cousin. As the trial progresses, more and more people ar More...
Reading some of the book's reviews, I've noticed how hard it is to give an idea what this book is about. In a few words, the story comes down to this: Aslaug is on trial for the murder of her mother, aunt and cousin. As the trial progresses, more and more people ar More...
10 comments
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(16 people liked it)
Jun 07, 2008
Heather
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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2 comments
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(6 people liked it)
Jun 13, 2011
Isamlq
rated it:
I knew this was going to be dark, but I wasn't expecting this: Aslaug's story is dark, twisted, confusing, sad and frustrating.. but through all of it, I was stuck. I wanted, no, needed, to know how it would all turn out.
Is this YA? I think not. She's young but her story takes things to a whole other level. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone anyone expecting a typical YA "dark" romance. Unless they want to think. Unless they want to be confused. Unless they want one hel More...
Is this YA? I think not. She's young but her story takes things to a whole other level. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone anyone expecting a typical YA "dark" romance. Unless they want to think. Unless they want to be confused. Unless they want one hel More...
4 comments
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(4 people liked it)
Jul 26, 2008
Jennifer
rated it:
Reviewed by Harmony for TeensReadToo.com
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 experienc More...
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 experienc More...
2 comments
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(16 people liked it)
May 22, 2008
Megan
rated it: 
Hmmmm....this book was recommended to me by a friend who loved this book and who's recommended great books before. This one I couldn't really get into. It was all over the place - death, abandonement, isolation, botany, poisoning, incest, rape (?), virgin births, murder. All these themes were touched upon but in a very muddied way. It all came together in the end but I found it creepy and weird and not in a good way. This is what I think of as a "special" book - it will have very
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Feb 07, 2009
Tahleen
rated it:
This is technically a teen book, though I think any adult can read it and still be swept away. Aslaug stand on trial for two counts of murder. With chapters alternating between a courtroom scene and young Aslaug's perspective, the story of the teenage girl unfolds with many unexpected twists and turns. There is what I saw as elements of the uncanny throughout; it is not clear until the very end what has happened. Yet Meldrum does a great job at tying up most of the loose ends by the last page. T
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3 comments
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(2 people liked it)
Apr 05, 2009
CD
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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0 comments
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(4 people liked it)
Feb 07, 2009
Cornmaven
rated it:
I was very disappointed with this book,and it got two stars not because the writing was bad, but because it was way too weird and jumbled in its thought process and unfolding of the tale. Plus, it got great, starred reviews and is marketed to young adults, but I really don't think too many teenagers would be able to plod through it, understand the points, and like it.
A lot of the time I couldn't figure out the author's point/purpose for spending enormous amounts of words and space More...
A lot of the time I couldn't figure out the author's point/purpose for spending enormous amounts of words and space More...
3 comments
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(4 people liked it)
Feb 06, 2009
Barky
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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0 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Jan 19, 2009
Wendy
rated it:
A disappointing read for me; it came so highly recommended. I was caught up briefly in the beginning, but soon started to think that this was maybe not so different from typical vaguely exploitative (but enjoyable) popular adult fiction--Oprah books, like White Oleander and Midwives. Then it started to get increasingly dry and repetitive; I lost any connection I'd had with the protagonist. I felt like I could see where the story was going, and I wanted to get on with it.
I wish a More...
I wish a More...
0 comments
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(2 people liked it)
Aug 29, 2008
Molly
rated it:
Writing about madness--or possible madness--is ambitious, to put it lightly. Add in all the other stuff that was in here--religion, obscure biology and plant lore, mystery, legal proceedings--and it's really impressive that she even conceived a story that could work this way. It's beautifully written and creepy-eerie in a way that only a good writer can pull off. And absolutely thought-provoking about the things it was exploring. But...it was more dense than I tend to find satisfying. And the en
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0 comments
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(2 people liked it)
Dec 04, 2010
Leah
rated it:
Hmm. Well, for the most part I thought this book was interesting and well-written, but then it was also disturbing and upsetting for approximately the first 99.9999% of the book, so I can't say I enjoyed reading it. There are lots of YA books out there with this tone these days, so I guess this is what the kids want....? I think I'd still have a hard time handing it to a teenager, though. I did like the descriptions of medicinal plants and such, I just wish the main character wasn't treated so p
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0 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Jan 06, 2009
AMAMAM
rated it:
This book is extra special. There are only a few books that I wish I had written. Madapple is one of them. Every page yields gorgeous details -- which somehow makes the prose light and not bogged-down. I appreciate the research that must have gone into such a novel and Meldrum's storytelling and plot pacing are spot-on. I highly recommend this book.
Jan 06, 2009
Ryan
rated it:
This is a tough book to review. On the one hand, its very well written and the story is compelling, the book is put together well. On the other...the material is distressing and disturbing. I would NOT recommend it to anyone I know and would discourage them from reading it.
I was disappointed in the end, until I thought about it more and realized it was a valid ending.
The book is about a lot of things. Perspective and reality - how hard it is to accept the realities of another More...
I was disappointed in the end, until I thought about it more and realized it was a valid ending.
The book is about a lot of things. Perspective and reality - how hard it is to accept the realities of another More...
Jul 31, 2011
Verlysia
rated it:
*sighed*
I wondered why i give it 5 stars. I didn't even understand the epilog. But this book hypnotized me.
One thing for sure, one thing that i would never realized until i read this.
Its hard to be a mature kid.
People wouldn't understand why i dare, cried, and loved this book*.
I love and hate this, I love Aslaug, and i hate every character from the book.
Such as Rune, i thought he was the 'kind' one, and would be a promising character. But, i More...
I wondered why i give it 5 stars. I didn't even understand the epilog. But this book hypnotized me.
One thing for sure, one thing that i would never realized until i read this.
Its hard to be a mature kid.
People wouldn't understand why i dare, cried, and loved this book*.
I love and hate this, I love Aslaug, and i hate every character from the book.
Such as Rune, i thought he was the 'kind' one, and would be a promising character. But, i More...
Apr 02, 2011
Paul
rated it:
Madapple by Christina Meldrum – Off the beaten path coming of age story involving an odd young woman and a trial involving multiple murders. Aslaug Hellig has been raised and home schooled in isolation by her Danish mother Maren. She grows remarkably knowledgeable about the natural world and literature. She has only the views of her mother about the outside world. Her mother dies of cancer. A neighbor witnesses Aslaug digging a grave for the body in her back yard and notifies the police. “They’v
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Mar 30, 2011
Dana
rated it:
This is the story of a woman named Aslaug, daughter of a Danish immigrant, who grows up isolated from the world. Her mother keeps her separate from neighbors, schools, people in town, and as much of modern culture as possible. They have no electricity or running water (though they do have a car) and Aslaug has no opportunities to meet other children. Her mother homeschools her in ancient languages, botany, and religious studies, and they use only what they need. Suddenly, Aslaug's mother dies of
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Nov 30, 2010
Savannah
rated it:
Madapple- Christina Meldrum
An addictive, shocking mystery novel, Madapple certainly keeps you on your toes. Every twist and turn is unexpected, and leaves you wanting more.
Aslaug Datter, daughter of Maren, has lived isolated her whole life. When tragedy strikes, she is met by her Aunt and cousins. She learns more and more about her past, her mothers past. The more the web untangles, the more confused Aslaug becomes. The book follows her journey from complete isolation to living i More...
An addictive, shocking mystery novel, Madapple certainly keeps you on your toes. Every twist and turn is unexpected, and leaves you wanting more.
Aslaug Datter, daughter of Maren, has lived isolated her whole life. When tragedy strikes, she is met by her Aunt and cousins. She learns more and more about her past, her mothers past. The more the web untangles, the more confused Aslaug becomes. The book follows her journey from complete isolation to living i More...
Oct 20, 2010
Sandra
rated it:
I really liked how it alternates between the court room scene and Aslaug's perspective, and I feel that each of the main characters has more depth than many other novels. However, I felt the ending was too abrupt. There weren't many main events in the story (appropriately so), and I felt the author has developed them rather well, so the ending came especially as a surprise to me.
Suddenly, someone appears and a simple solution which doesn't wrap up the all the previous events is present More...
Suddenly, someone appears and a simple solution which doesn't wrap up the all the previous events is present More...
Jul 03, 2010
Erin
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
May 18, 2010
Precious
rated it:
Meldrum takes readers into an unusual life injected with chunks of nature and mythology. As someone who loves reading about mythology, this was something that I thoroughly enjoyed. The unfolding of the story and of the truth with alternating chapters of Aslaug’s narration and of the court trial was extremely smooth and well-written.
Her relationship with her cousin Rune is a wild concoction of passion, connection and longing smeared onto the pages. Naturally sweet and talented, he gi More...
Her relationship with her cousin Rune is a wild concoction of passion, connection and longing smeared onto the pages. Naturally sweet and talented, he gi More...
Feb 20, 2010
santina
rated it:
I can't explain this book properly. It's part immigration story, part murder mystery, part botany lesson, and part religious text. The main character is a teenage girl who lives with her mother in isolation in rural Maine feeding on whatever they find in the forest. One of the first things we learn about these two is her mother's claim that the girl was conceived of a virgin birth. The first real contact this girl has with society is when her mother dies of a disease that's crippling her wit
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Jan 29, 2010
Maggie
rated it:
http://maggiesbookshelf.blogspot.com/201...
Aslaug’s mother may have taught about science and religion, plants and animals and the rest of the natural world—but what she’s never been taught about is life. Especially about her life, or who her father could be. But when Aslaug’s mother dies, and Aslaug is a suspect in her death, her world is torn to pieces. She escapes to the only tie to the outside world she’s ever known—a monastery turned church that houses her aunt, cousins and ter More...
Aslaug’s mother may have taught about science and religion, plants and animals and the rest of the natural world—but what she’s never been taught about is life. Especially about her life, or who her father could be. But when Aslaug’s mother dies, and Aslaug is a suspect in her death, her world is torn to pieces. She escapes to the only tie to the outside world she’s ever known—a monastery turned church that houses her aunt, cousins and ter More...
Nov 30, 2009
Tana
rated it:
Madapple by Christina Meldrum is a novel which focuses on the psychological aspects of things. It explores the slightly darker side of humans and how fantasy plays with reality. The reader follows the protagonist, Aslaug, as she becomes ensnared in the web of lies her mother and relatives weaved around her. As the story goes on, the truth is revealed bit by bit, both trapping her and freeing her.
This novel is an interesting read, even though the plot is unrealistic. The main story takes pl More...
This novel is an interesting read, even though the plot is unrealistic. The main story takes pl More...
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(1 person liked it)
Aug 29, 2009
Amanda
rated it:
I am shaking - really. The last 100 pages of this book are like a hurricane that refuses to quit slamming and pummeling and drenching you in confusion, fever, and chaos that muddles your brain until you can't help but cry out or fall out of your chair. I did.
But first things first; 'madapple', to be bluntly honest, scared the shit out of me. There are a lot of, I don't want to say 'grown up', but yes, 'grown up' and mature ideas surrounding this book, including the challenge of relig More...
But first things first; 'madapple', to be bluntly honest, scared the shit out of me. There are a lot of, I don't want to say 'grown up', but yes, 'grown up' and mature ideas surrounding this book, including the challenge of relig More...
Nov 25, 2009
Morgan
rated it:
The thing that originally attracted me to this book was the cover. Look at it! So dark and mysterious...and the description only added to the appeal. It seemed like an intriguing read.
And it was, but not exactly what I was expecting. From the way it sounded, I thought it would be further back in time, and possibly with some magic involved. Instead what I got was botany, incest, religion, philosophy, murder, and mythology. This story was very complex, with too parallel story lines real More...
And it was, but not exactly what I was expecting. From the way it sounded, I thought it would be further back in time, and possibly with some magic involved. Instead what I got was botany, incest, religion, philosophy, murder, and mythology. This story was very complex, with too parallel story lines real More...
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(2 people liked it)
Jul 26, 2008
Karlan
rated it:
16 year old Aslaug grew up alone with her mother, a Danish immigrant, in Maine. A brilliant girl who was homeschooled, she did not know where to turn when her mother died. Her story alternates with short chapters depicting her trial for murder.This is one of the most original stories I've read. It is longer than most novels for older teens but the story is so fascinating that the reader does not mind. It is a mature story which would appeal to many adult readers.
0 comments
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(1 person liked it)
May 02, 2009
Miriam
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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