Girl in a Cage

Stuart Quartet #2

by Jane Yolen, Robert Harris

When her father, Robert the Bruce, becomes King of Scotland, Marjorie Bruce becomes a princess. But Edward Longshanks, the ruthless King of England, has set his sights on Robert and his family. Marjorie is captured and imprisoned in a wooden cage in the center of a town square, exposed to wind, rain, the taunts of the townspeople, and the scorn of Longshanks himself. Marjorie knows that despite her suffering and pain, she is the daughter of noble Robert the Bruce and she will make her father, and her country, proud. For a true princess is a princess, whether in a castle or in a cage.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Fiction, Middle Grade, Scotland, Childrens

234 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!
The story is split between Marjorie's time in the cage as a prisoner and the time before she was imprisoned that she spent leading up to the cage. This enabled the story to give us both the historical background information and war strategy that was discussed amongst the Scottish characters, and the struggle and tormenters Marjorie faced as she was imprisoned in England.

In the pre-cage narrative we meet two major female characters: Marjorie's stepmother, now Queen Elizabeth, and Isabel, Countess of Buchan. I found both characters to be fine examples of strong female characters, but each in a different way. Elizabeth showed intellectual strength, holding her own and contributing valuable insight during war planning meetings and talks with her husband the king, exhibiting a cool and collected manner even when confronting difficulties or enemies. Isabel showed physical strength, she was the warrior type that took control and was ready to enter the fray of war itself.

Marjorie herself was also a strong female lead. She displayed boldness and courage both when confronting her elders about wanting to be included, brought along, allowed to help with this or that, and when facing her enemy, English King Edward. I found her character to be very well written and compelling in this book.

Although geared towards middle school aged readers and narrated by an 11 year old, the dialogue in the book was not "watered down" for the sake of younger readers. Just as Marjorie may have been confused by much of what she heard, so may a younger reader. The experience can be shared with the young voice of the narrator, or enhanced for an older reader who enjoys delving deeper into the story and strategy that went on in the discussions of war.

The imagery in the book was beautiful, but also not in excess. There were several good utilizations of metaphor/simile that made reappearances to bring back full circle the ideas they were enhancing.

I would definitely consider this book extremely well written, a fine piece of literature that does not limit itself to the target age group.

My only negative thoughts: with the large amount of historical context in the book, the many different friends/enemies/allies were hard to distinguish and tell apart, I had a hard time keeping track of who was friend and who was foe when I would take breaks in reading this book and come back to it. Also, Marjorie was placed in one scene at Dumfries in the book where she was not likely present in the real account of her life, and that scene stood out to me as awkward and unusual in regards to her presence in it.

Overall, an excellent book and darn good historical fiction! Would definitely recommend this, can't believe I waited so long to read it myself after having it for so many years.

[Mark Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1306, Marjorie, the daughter of Robert the Bruce of Scotland, was captured and incarcerated by King Edward I for England, known as Longshanks. Yolen and Harris imaginatively recreate the battle of wills between Longshanks and Marjorie during her first twenty days in captivity, held in a open-air cage in Berwick. At the same time, in a series of flashbacks, Yolen and Harris recreate the events of the months leading up to Marjorie’s capture, on the run from Longshanks, with her uncles, aunts, and step-mother.

Though the double time structure may pose some challenges for some readers, Yolen and Harris distinguish the two narrative threads carefully, through tone and language, as well as clear chapter headings with the month and year of the chapter’s events. And for those readers able to handle it, the device works beautifully, gradually unfolding Marjorie’s development as a character and her relationships between characters, especially her at-times strained relationship with her step-mother. Marjorie’s isolation, her tense conversations with Longshanks, and resultant developing resolve are nicely balanced by the glimpses of her family life in flashback. An exciting story, rich in Medieval period details, with a strong female protagonist: this novel should please readers of many different tastes.

[Jocey]

Girl in a Cage, is a book about a girl who gets put in a cage for something her father has done. The main character is Marjorie. She is 12 years old and is a princess. The book takes place in two places, it takes place in Scotland but also Lanercost,England. Marjorie internal struggle is that she really misses her family. Her external struggle is with the king of England, who is the one who put her in the cage.
During my time readingthis book, I made a text-to-self connection. there was a part in the book where Marjorie doesn't want to show her emotion in front of the "enemy" (the king of England) because she didn't want to seem weak. This reminded me of myself because often times i hide my emotion in front of people because i don't want them to know something. Even though we both do this we find a way to show someone our emotion. We learn that we shouldn't keep to ourselves.
I would give this book 4 stars because i was able to really connect with the characters. I liked how there was a lot of information. I didn't give the book 5 stars is because there were times where I felt like there was something missing. I would recommend this book to someone who likes history. Or to someone who really likes to connect with the charcters.

[Luann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Jane Yolen brings history to life. In the year 1306, Marjorie Bruce, the only heir to the Scottish king Robert Bruce, is captured by the English king and held in a cage with nothing more than a curtain in the corner to conceal a bucket for her privy. Her cage is on a road so that all who pass by can see her, mock her, and even throw rotten food, rocks, and other things. Marjorie Bruce is eleven years old.

With the use of flashbacks for some of the chapters, we get to see the events that led up to Marjorie's capture. Also throughout the flashbacks, we get to see the development of Marjorie's character from a young girl who wants to be a princess for the pretty dresses to an amazing young lady who is willing to give all to support her father the King in his cause to free Scotland.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot of courage in this book, but it was not particularly happy. I still liked it though. It was pretty intriguing. What people will do in war......

[Summer Meyers · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. I was intrigued by the premise, but the way it was written frustrated me. The constant flashbacks did not hold my attention, and the final wrap up wasn't much of a conclusion. Nothing satisfying to this, and I'm okay not reading Yolen's other Scottish books.

[bird · Rating 2 out of 5]

this wasn’t as good as i remembered it being when i was ten but then who doesn’t love a whole monk house full of monks refusing before the king to starve a scottish child for their greatest oath is to the LORD or, alternatively, a stern stepmother with brave bones in her harrowed face

[Heather O'Neill · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about Robert Bruce's, the exiled King of Scotland in 1305, daughter Marjorie. It is a historical fiction book that speculates how Marjorie lived being a prisoner of King Edward Longshanks. The book goes back and forth between the past when Marjorie's father becomes King and they all escape because of the fighting between the Scottish and the English to Marjorie being locked up in a cage.

We were reading this book as part of our homeschool curriculum for my third grader. Both of my boys (8 & 6) enjoyed me reading the novel, but they were never asking me to keep reading it or requesting me to read it when we were finished with it. My boys liked the fighting involved, but found the rest boring. It was much of the same thing all of the time. When we would review the book the next day all of us had a hard time remembering what we were reading. I also found myself spacing out while I was reading, which is not a great sign!

The book did give a good overview of what the times were like then, but I found it very dry and not a great historical fiction book that was riveting and kept your attention.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Move over, Catherine, a.k.a. Birdy. I have found a girl of your era who was even more caged than you--and younger than you--yet triumphed! Marjorie, twelve year old daughter of the king of Scotland, Robert Bruce, was captured by the English King Edward, and prisoned, literally, in an outdoor cage!
At first I was afraid it was going to be one of those tedious "child observes history with the purpose of making it more interesting to other children" books. But Jane Yolen's development of the character of the young princess is her own brilliant twist. Observing, as role models, her father, her step-mother the queen, and others in the royal family, Marjorie deduces how to behave in a noble and just manner.
Marjorie's story will never be as appealing to young people as Birdy's story, but it was well thought out, and even brought a tear to my eye at the moment Marjorie bravely withstood torture to protect her father the king.
And yes, I do want to learn more about that historical period as a result!

[Cherylann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Yolen is a masterful story teller, and partnering with Robert Harris enhances her storytelling. The novel tells the story of Marjorie, daughter and heir to Robert Bruce. After Robert the Bruce is crowned King of Scotland, King Edward I and some of Robert Bruce's fellow countrymen wage war against him. Marjorie is captured by Edward's men and held captive in a cage in the middle of a priory's courtyard in England. The novel is told in chapters that juxtapose time from before Marjorie was captured with her time in captivity. I found Marjorie a strong female character, and this character as well as the plot points compelled me to keep reading. Additionally, I was impressed with how seamless the writing is. Unlike other books I have read with co-authors, I couldn't tell which author wrote which section, chapter, or paragraph.

[Greg S · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s too simple.

There’s two problems and we only know what happens in one.

One, there’s a girl in cage.
Two, there’s are flashbacks about the rebellion but already know what happens because she’s in a cage.

Bad guy pontificates the entire book like Bond villain.

So you have one plotline where it’s the Bad Guy talking.
Then you have the second plotline which is irrelevant.

Maybe it would’ve worked better as a short story.

Also, it’s a little strange why the rebellious Scots didn’t speak in Gaelic or Scots.

Edit:

The book also has that fancy where a character will be suffering enormous pain but still is able to think rationally, like the author has never stubbed her toe before.

[Rykki · Rating 3 out of 5]

On background alone, I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. I had heard of Longshanks before, but I hadn't heard much about this particular Scottish rebellion. However, this book did bring to light a new struggle for Scottish freedom, something I seem to be learning quite a bit about through historical fiction.

The story itself focuses on the main character Marjorie Bruce. When the story takes place she's estimated to be all of 11 or 12 years old, however, as I was reading I kept thinking that she should really be a good bit younger. Her actions and mentality seem better suited to a kid of around 7 or 8 in a modern age, possibly younger, so one would expect she would behave in a more grownup fashion for the day and age. For example, she gets quite giddy at the idea of becoming a princess and is overjoyed at the thought of living in a castle, however she has no understanding of the political climate in which she lives. There is also a lot of reference to her just being a child, but in that day and age she would have been on the verge of womanhood, and from my understanding she would be expected to compose herself more as an adult would than a child. I felt like the story lost a lot of credibility with the way she was written being so naive about the world, especially when holding her in comparison to my own kid about that age. She would have had to have lived a very sheltered, limited life to have such a vague understanding of the world around her, especially when you come to later understand that she knows of concepts like "drawn and quartered" and the fate of William Wallace.

That being said, the book did a beautiful job describing much of what Scotland must have been like during that era. There is a glance at the brutality of warfare, without being far too graphic for a children's book. The concept of being drawn and quartered is addressed. While that is graphic in itself, it isn't a concept that gets lingered on. Even practical aspects of life, like bathing, and the use of a privy are shown, giving more of a feel of what life may have been like, giving more detail to the story, which brings a level of realism.

While this story is clearly a work of fiction (as there was no evidence that Marjorie was ever actually put in a cage and not just imprisoned) it does give a view of this particular Scottish rebellion without becoming a graphic account of following around the armies. The stories of war, all it's glories and atrocities are filtered through secondhand accounts, still passing on the details without having to expose gory details. So while the story of a girl kept in a cage may not have been historically accurate, it made for a great device to deliver the aspects of the story, making it particularly memorable. It also continues with the shocking reality that people were actually imprisoned in cages in this fashion, even if it wasn't Marjorie, and what the harsh reality of that imprisonment may have been like for them.

As a final note, I did particularly enjoy the end-cap of the book, where it discussed the truth and fiction in the story. It was incredibly informative, and did bring up interesting ideas. There was discussion as to why certain choices were made, and what elements of the story were taken from the legends of the era and woven into the story of Marjorie's life and imprisonment. It also points out that some of these "facts" were impossible to verify, given the history of legends and heroes in Scotland at the time.

I'm definitely looking forward to using this book in our homeschooling this year. I'm even going to be suggesting my older son (who is going to be missing out on this book) reads it because it's an interesting story. I will admit that some of it is a bit dry, and I don't love the way Marjorie is portrayed (again, I kept wanting to think she was much younger than she actually was), but I think it opens up good points of discussion and the potential for further research on that period in history. However, the details (like being occasionally dry and Marjorie's childishness) are the reason I'm not able to bump this up to a 4 star review, as much as I enjoyed the read. And I did enjoy it enough to finish in one day, so that says something.

[Brenda-Jean Shephard · Rating 4 out of 5]

(2002) Prior to reading this haunting novel, I knew next to nothing about the history of Scotland, but now I feel compelled to explore and find out more. Back at the turn of the 14th century (!), the island housing England, Wales, and Scotland was apparently a dangerous place to live. All was good and well if you were a member of the right family and among your own people, but perilous otherwise.
Girl in a Cage tells in great detail the fictionalized experiences of Marjorie Bruce, the 12-year-old daughter of Robert Bruce, while captured and imprisoned by the English. The authors (Robert J Harris is credited as co-author) describe the thoughts, feelings, character, and choices of this young girl whose father led Scots in the fight against England for the independence of Scotland, after the defeat and execution of William Wallace. The story focuses on the (imagined) battle of wills between the captured girl and her captor, King Edward "Longshanks," who was himself on death's door. Drawing courage from the examples of bravery she remembered from her father, stepmother, aunts and uncles, Marjorie refused to accede defeat, even in the face of being starved to death. The story was told so engagingly, I wondered right up to the end if she would survive.
The theme is a mature one, but the language of the text is uncomplicated. It even alludes to the very modern concept of identifying fake news when Marjorie asks herself how much she can believe the king's claims to have defeated her kinsmen. In the epilogue, the authors not only fill us in on the rest of the (documented parts of the) story, but also comment on the roles of writers of historical fiction. Target audience: 6th-9th grade

[TPK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marjorie, the eleven-year-old daughter of Scottish king Robert the Bruce, has hardly had time to learn how to be a princess when she is captured, dragged out of Scotland and thrown into a public cage in an English border town, where the villagers can gawk at her, mock her, even throw rotten food and dung at her. But she is determined not to give in to the cruelty of the people, nor to the demands of her captor, Edward Longshanks of England. She is a princess of Scotland, and a princess she will remain, whether in a castle or in a cage.

This middle-grade novel is an engaging read, the chapters shifting back and forth between the indignities of Marjorie's captivity and the time before she was captured. There's some mostly-implied gore and death which may bother sensitive readers, I noted a few problems with the way historical exposition is handled in the narrative (on several occasions, characters tell other characters things they already know, primarily for the reader's sake) and the authors have taken liberties with history when few records survive to show what actually happened, but overall this is a brisk, engaging, thoughtful read about love, loyalty, and the differences of belief about what it really means to be a royal.

[Reading Through the Lists · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adored this book the first time I read it in high school. Coming back as an adult, I still enjoyed it, though with more reservation. Girl in a Cage is not historically accurate. Politically important figures taken as hostages in the Middle Ages would generally be well housed and treated with respect, to allow for future bargaining (after all, what good is a hostage if they’re dead?). And yet the imaginary interactions between Longshanks and Marjorie Bruce are some of the most compelling scenes in the book. The real story here is of a girl growing up, of her growing attachment and appreciation of her once-loathed stepmother, and her surprising inner strength, revealed under harsh circumstances. To get to this place, however, one must travel the length and breadth of Scotland with a spoiled, childish Marjorie, receiving large doses of political context and historical exposition along the way. Yolen tries her best to bring it all to life: the people, the politics, and the history, and sometimes she succeeds. Other times...it’s a little boring.

[Tatum H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Girl in a Cage by Jane Yolen is a about a young girl, Marjorie, whom’s father Robert becomes the king of Scotland. The king of England, Edward Longshanks, doesn’t like the idea of Robert being kind and wants Scotland to himself. Marjorie becomes imprisoned by this king and is left in a wooden cage in the center of a village for the villagers to taunt her and throw stuff at her. Even with all of her sufferings, she reminds herself that she is the princess of Scotland and it is her duty to make her country and father proud.
I love this book because it shows how the little princess Marjorie stands up for herself even though she is imprisoned by the enemy and scorned by those who come to see her in her cage while throwing rocks, rotten tomatoes and other fruits at her. It is amazing to see that she is able to read about her very difficult life and still make it out stronger than ever.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girl in a Cage is an exceptionally well-done peek into life in the 1300s and a good history lesson of Robert the Bruce's reign in Scotland, that was hard-won and cost him and his family dearly. The book is historical fiction, so some liberties are assumed with the known history. That said, the story is based on reasonable conclusions. Marjorie, Robert's daughter and only heir, is captured and kept on display in a town as a prize of war. She is regularly visited by King Longshanks (so nicknamed because of his extreme height). Longshanks is dying and his decline is reflected in 'Jo's' decline in the cage. Even so, as his temperament collapses, hers is fortified. Each small kindness she marks as victories towards her own eventual success. For instance, a girl who brings her a comb is named her 'Lady Enid'. When her brothers bring her food, she knights them and names them her army. The monk who brings her food and shows her kindness becomes her clergy. Truly, her determination, hope and positivity is worth the story alone. The story brings history to life and would be an excellent companion to Scottish history studies, although it is an excellent read for its own sake.

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought I was okay with the fact that this wasn't a strictly historically accurate book, but it ended up bugging me too much to enjoy it, so I gave up after a couple of chapters. It's really more like 'alternative history' since a cage was built for Marjorie Bruce, but in real life she was never put into it. What bothered me the most was that all her reactions seemed more like a modern 11 year old than an 11 year old Scottish girl of the era:

*she still thinks of herself as a child
*she doesn't seem to realize that the English don't recognize her status as princess
*she keeps trying to throw her 'princess' status around in a slightly obnoxious way

It's probably more relateable for most of the age group it was intended for, and it's just me being weird, but she would have bugged me a little even when I was 11.

[Bookshelf Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a historical book set in 700 years ago in Scotland. The story is about a princess who, when her father the king is outlawed, is made a prisoner in the land of the her and her fathers enemy, and the story follows that girl from there [I'm not saying anything more other wise I spoil it for people].The characters have been perfectly plotted and have been written so well that it's like they are alive, which only truly magical writers manage to do.The whole story is amazing, each word felt like it was pushing me a little further to the edge of a cliff, to the edge of tears.It was a truly fantastic read. And I hope that, when other girls read it they will know that, even in the worst of times, they should stand strong, trust your heart, even if others are trying to tear you down. They must fight for what is right.

[Rose Walters · Rating 2 out of 5]

While reading Girl in a Cage by Jane Yolen & Robert J. Harris, I felt as if I was watching a movie. The story is about Marjorie,she becomes the next heir to the throne, and princess of Scotland. King Edward Longshanks of England does not like that so Marjorie then gets thrown in a cage in a town square in England. Where the townspeople and King Longshanks come to visit and mock her inside of the cage and throw things at her in her bad conditions in the cage.

I gave this book 2 stars because it was quite hard to follow with every chapter flipping back and forth flashing back to the back story and forward to her current condition in the cage. I think that this book would make a better movie than book for that reason, and I was just not a fan.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another gripping historical novel that brings to life a place and time that wasn't well documented. It'Rs the story of Marjorie, the only daughter (and only child) of Robert Bruce, and includes the chronicle of Scotland's attempt (one of them) to break free from England. From the descriptions of the rugged terrain, it's not difficult to see why the Scots were such fierce, tough people--and not just the men, either. Realistic and violent--definitely not for younger children.

[Esther May · Rating 4 out of 5]

So the title to this book is not that great but the book was. It is about a princess who is captured and used as bate to capture her father the king. Nothing really bad happens to the princess so this book can be read aloud to young children. I liked watching the princess as she decided to rule her cage as it was a kingdom. She decided that even though some of her choices had been taken away she still had a choice as to what she would do.

[Brian Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Historical fiction of Scotland's struggle against Kind Edward. Princess Marjorie flees across Scotland as her father's forces become cornered. When captured, she is put on public display for the English to mock and throw dung at. The story of Marj and her family is a testament to willpower.
It is a Chapter Book designed for younger readers I think, but at 24 I read it all in one sitting.

[Yara AM · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story about a part of the history of England and Scotland. I loved it from the beginning! I immediately fell in love with Uncle Neil, Marjorie and Robert De Bruce. I wouldn’t have read it if I didn’t have to for my school assignment, but I’m so happy and grateful that I did.
I would have liked to read the end in the way the story was told, but at least now I know they will be a happy family again. But RIP uncle Neil 😭

[Pearl North · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It is my favorite book. I read it once then had to read it more and more! There is so much to say, but I said the just. And this book is just so good I can't stop reading it!

This book is the best book, it even talks about my heritage and so....... I relate to it and I love it so much!

Definitely deserves more than 5 stars if I could I would

[Becca Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent piece of historical fiction about Robert Bruce's daughter. It was engaging & believable, not veering off too far from actual historic events in Scotland during early 14th century. Jane Yolen is a fantastic author so I'll definitely be checking out more of her young adult books.

[Kells Earl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one I haven't read in a very very long time but I remember being pretty engrossed in it. I may have to get my hands on a copy and read the entire series instead of just this one. I was not aware that this was part of a series. Good to know that it is.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked it's overall theme and the main character was very realistic. She had a lot of growth throughout the book. It was very well written and I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes an adventure story and historical fiction.

[Colin Liew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this during middle school and really loved the way the author jumps back and forth. The now and the past.

In the end I was rewarded. I didn't know the story was based on real history.

[Evalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one had much more of an impact on me than Queen's Own Fool. Harsher, grittier, it was an interesting read. I really enjoyed it, and although I might re-home Queen's Own Fool, I think I'm going to keep a space on my shelf for this one.