A Cloud of Outrageous Blue
| High Middle Ages |
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 A Cloud of Outrageous Blue
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| Content Warning |
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| abuse, death of parents, death by plague |
World History > High Middle Ages > Plagues
For fans of Fever 1793 comes the story of a young woman paving her own path and falling in love during the Great Plague of 1348, from the award-winning creator of What the Night Sings.
Edyth grew up in a quiet village with a loving family, before losing everything she holds dear in the blink of an eye. Suddenly sent to live in a priory and work with ancient texts, Edyth must come to terms with her new life and the gifts she discovers in herself. But outside the priory, something much worse is coming. With the reappearance of a boy from her past and the ominous Great Plague creeping closer and closer to the priory, it will be up to Edyth to rise above it all and save herself.
From the award-winning author-illustrator of What the Night Sings comes a new journey of self-discovery and love in the most uncertain times.
Emily's Review
I read this aloud with my 15-year-old, and we both really enjoyed the story. Edyth was a fascinating protagonist, and I loved reading about her synesthesia and how it was viewed at the time.
This is a story about grief and loss, coming of age, and destiny. It's also about love and fanaticism. This is one of those books that has something for everyone - a love story, a great villain, and a well-researched historical period. I loved reading about life in the priory and what it was like for an average person to live during the high Middle Ages. I thought the writing was beautiful, and the art complemented the story very well. In some ways, this book reminded me of Pillars of the Earth. So if you enjoyed that, you will probably like this!
My only real complaint was that there was a small supernatural element of the story that I felt was unnecessary to the plot. I think a similar outcome could have been achieved without it, and it just felt out of place to me.
This was a great read-aloud and my daughter and I had many great discussions as we read. If you want a great story to tie into your history lessons, this is a perfect addition.
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