A Cloud of Outrageous Blue

by Vesper Stamper

,

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 comes a new journey of self-discovery and love in the most uncertain times.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical, Romance, Fiction, Teen

320 pages, Hardcover

First published August 25, 2020

About the author

Born in Germany and raised in New York City, Vesper Stamper writes and illustrates novels which tell, through both words and pictures, stories of history’s rhymes. Her debut illustrated YA novel, What the Night Sings, about the aftermath of the Holocaust through the eyes of a young musician, was a National Book Award Nominee, a National Jewish Book Award Finalist, a Morris Award Finalist, Golden Kite Honor Book and Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner, and was named one of the Best YA Books of 2018/9 by YALSA, the Wall Street Journal and Kirkus. Vesper has a BFA in Illustration from Parsons and an MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay from School of Visual Arts and is the host of the podcast Vesperisms: The Art of Thinking for Yourself, which aims to cultivate a rehumanized worldview through artistic thinking. She lives with her husband, filmmaker Ben Stamper, and her two teenagers, in the Northeast, and teaches illustration at School of Visual Arts.

Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner
Morris Award Finalist
National Book Award Nominee
National Jewish Book Award Finalist
Golden Kite Honor Book
White Raven (International Youth Library)
Best Books of 2018 by Kirkus, YALSA & WSJ

Reviews

[Munro's Kids]

I read this plague novel during the Covid-19 scare, and I'm not sure whether that is a good or very bad thing. I think it is beautiful with gorgeous illustrations. I love the premise - a young girl with Synesthesia sent to live in a nunnery and who finds herself in the middle of the Black Death. The line-by-line writing was also good - I had no problems with that at all. However, the plot at a certain point stopped making sense, as well as the characters' motivations. While some started off feeling fairly contemporary to their time in terms of their outlook, by the end they felt like part of a convoluted teen drama. And I am not sure what to think about the supernatural element. It filled a function, but not a strong enough theme in my view.

However, I read this at a very confused time when I was unfocused myself. So I won't rate it as I think that might be a disservice to the book and based more on my focus as a reader than the actual merit of the text.

-Kirsten

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty dark. Even for the fourteenth century. But I appreciated the historical accuracy.

[Melissa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since I have enjoyed a book quite this much. It's not for everyone, but if you appreciate books set during the middle ages, are fascinated by the lives of votaries, and find illuminations and medieval art intriguing, this is a book for you. I love color, and this book is filled with gorgeous descriptions of pigments and how they were created to adorn the precious pages of books during the 14th century. Exquisite colors such as ultramarine ground from rarest lapis lazuli, terre verte, and many others provide a sensory feast for the mind, even as they overwhelm the book's protagonist, Edyth, who is a synthesete (has synesthesia, meaning she experiences the perceptual phenomenon of bursts of color when stimulated by an emotion or a particularly intense sight). This "gift" of synesthesia functions as both a boon and curse for Edyth, who, on the one hand, is promoted to the position of illuminator at St. Christopher's priory because of her intense connectedness to color and drawing talents. On the other hand, her abilities as a visionary threaten her safety, as malevolent members of the priory and superstitious common-folk distrust her abilities. The romance in the book is delicate and sweet and does not overwhelm the story, leaving much, much more to stimulate the mind and draw interest in this beautiful novel.

Beauty aside, this is a dark tale, true to life in England in the mid-14th century. It isn't for a reader who doesn't like stories with a lot of death, disease, and misery depicted amidst the sublime. There were a few places where I had to willingly suspend my disbelief in this book, wondering why certain characters would make the choices they made, (choices that served to direct the plot in certain compelling ways), but the language and the imagery was so bewitching in this book, that these moments of potential improbability troubled me little. I knew I was going to be disappointed when it came to an end, and I am.

I'll also add that the author's note at the end is worth reading in and of itself as an essay and homage to the middle ages, the glossary of terms is a sensual delight, and even the acknowledgments are compelling and beautiful.

If you are a young adult reader, and you enjoyed Adam Gidwitz's "The Inquisitors Tale," (another favorite of mine), you might enjoy this novel, though it should be stated clearly that this is definitely for an older readership. Life in the middle ages was often bleak, and life during the time of the Black Death was about as bleak as it comes. Readers must be prepared to take the sorrowful and the disturbing alongside the edifying, sacred, and profound in this novel. Just as we all must in life.

[Thea Knightley · Rating 4 out of 5]

very very interesting book. middle ages books are not typically my cuppa, but this one was different. loved the prose, simple and elegant. the illustrations were also a vibe, with great colors. loved the synesthesia representation and thought it was well done. a+.

good characters too, especially loved mason, what a sweetheart. i love stonemasons, the gentle and kind sweetheart ones. the main girl was believable and not an annoying girl, which was great! too often there are “strong girl characters” and they just make me mad. edyth was a strong character, driven and possessing talent and personality, WITHOUT any “not like other girls” junk. there was a little bit of her being different, but it was valid and well done. THAT is how you do it guys. that’s what i like to see.

plot was also heavy, lots of death and corruption, and the ending did not satisfy me. but i suppose you cant ask for anything better, there being a plague and all.

anyway, solidly enjoyable. i would reread this for sure. recommend! :D

[Haley The Caffeinated Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous art, darkly and wonderfully written.

The author immediately connects you to the MC and plunges you into this gorgeous world. This story was so much darker and emotional than I first thought, I assumed it would be glossed over but it wasn't and oh man, what a treat.

Despite the darker aspects of loss and grief, this was a tale that also gave a wonderful presentation of hope and faith.

Stamper truly goes above and beyond in this novel and I fell in love from page one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC

[Wendopolis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! Lovely art enhanced the story of Edyth, sent away to serve at St. Christopher's after her Da and Ma die, and her brother feels it's best for her. Set during the time of the Black Plague, Edyth grapples with self-doubt as well as conflicts in her new home.

[Heather Sparkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thankful this book exists.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book completes my pledge of 100 books for 2021!! I plan on going a few more, why not? After all I am a reader.

I really enjoyed this book. I gave it 4 stars, probably more like 3.5 stars.

[Lauren Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a book during this time period before and thought it would be an interesting read. Completely loved this book!! The writing style was so engrossing that I kept being late back to my breaks from work because I couldn’t put it down in the middle of a chapter. Something I really liked about the writing style was the merging of Earthy-spirituality and Christian religion, which create a really cool aesthetic but a conflict in the plot. I especially loved the artwork, which gives a taste of what life looks like with Edyth’s synesthesia. Each character was great, which surprised me because I didn’t think people from 1348 could be relatable and lovable.

Even as a Christian, I never have expected to read a book about Christianity and find it female-empowering, but this book did just that. Christianity is depicted in its pure form through the love the nuns and conversa have for each other, seen through their sisterhood and devotion to God and the Church. However, we also see the negative light the Church casts upon Christianity, through its abuse, the toxicity of complete religious control, and sin-based teaching.

One would not expect women to have any autonomy is medieval times, but this book is all about the choices of women. Each woman felt in-control of her own story and fought her oppressors. Edyth’s main conflict is figuring out who she is, and she feels that once she can do so, she will be in charge of her life. She wonders who she is in terms of her class, beliefs, and unique abilities, while also struggling between following the convent’s rule of remaining without romantic love. It’s a choice others make for her, but she makes her own risky decisions in spite of this. She never downplays her love and passion and fights for the relationship she loves, not relying on him to save her from the life she has been forced into. She learns her place and what she has to do, and thus the romance in the book enhances the sisterhood story, rather than takes it over. The novel is all about making the life one wants to have for themself, a notion not associated with women of this time period.

I expected to like this book, but did not expect to make it a favorite. Such a great read!! Wish I could start clueless from the beginning and do it all again.

[Heather Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vesper Stamper is fast becoming a YA fave of mine. She writes stories that are true to the heart with super interesting topics and beautiful illustrations, and without the usual angst that tends to fill the YA genre. This would be an excellent book to hand any teen, but most especially one studying the Middle Ages. The Author’s Note should absolutely not be missed.

[Patti Sabik · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 The artwork is amazing and draws you in. The writing is dreamy and delicious. The story, though, is dark even for a book about the plague and at some points seems to feel more modern vs. medieval both in tone and character motivation.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending people. The. Ending.

[mars_like_the_planet · Rating 4 out of 5]

THAT ENDING THOUGH.
VESPER WHY YOU GOTTA BREAK ME SO HARD

[Kara ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

”And you know, don't you? People don't really die. They're just changed, like seeds break into wheat. All right," he chuckled, "some change into weeds, too. But you, me girl, you must live so that when it's your time, your life counts like wheat, not weeds.”

I didn’t even know this was a medieval plague story when I began it. I’ve had it on my shelf for so many years I must’ve forgot the premise. I enjoy plague narratives for the same reason I enjoy post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction: the fall of society and its aftermath. In this case, the fall of a micro-society that is a convent and how one evil person can alter a whole ecosystem.

Some of the illustrations were beautiful but the illustration style is not my favorite. They added to the story being that the protagonist has synesthesia but they couldn’t save this mess.

[George Kasnic · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book that is true to the era it depicts. Some language is graphic - not sexual - enough to get your attention. It took about 1/3 of the book for it to grab my attention, but after that I could not turn the pages fast enough. It was engaging and interesting. The characters were well developed, you could tell because you felt emotion for them. Anger, fear, empathy, pity, joy, sorrow all come forth in you as you read, the sign of a good book and a good author. Well-illustrated also, appropriately reminiscent of a medieval manuscript. A
neurodivergent mind - synesthesia- also plays a part.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it seemed like books are written just or me or perhaps I’m the only audience for this book. It’s about art and miracles and love and Plague. The art is lovey and the influence of medieval illumination is clear. I think specific teens - those interested in the medieval era and probably nuns? - would enjoy this.

[Nicole Alycia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up enjoying this book way more than I though I would after I started reading it! I loved the illustrations interspersed throughout the book and I really wish more authors would consider it. It just adds something to the overall story.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Edie at the start of the book but she definitely grew on me as the story went on.
I’d be interested to read more from this author with her unique sense of storytelling with words and drawings.

[Jackie]

I loved the illustrations in this book! I liked the writing and the story was interesting, but it was a little on the odd side. The authors note at the end was very insightful and I wish I had read that first.

[sparkypink · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not entirely sure how I want to rate this book. I was very intrigued by the idea of it as I’m fascinated by the Middle Ages. I think it was well written, and I enjoyed the illustrations dispersed throughout the book. The characters were written well, and brought a humanity to the people who lived in the nunnery. At times, I had to remind myself that these characters were living in the Middle Ages, and not in modern times. The author was very descriptive so I feel like even without the illustrations that were there, I was able to imagine the layout very similar to the map that was included in the back of the book.

But despite all this, I ended with a feeling of just…meh, and I really can’t say why. I felt like my attention wavered in and out, and sometimes I just had to put the book down for a few days and read something else before I was able to pick it up and continue with the story.

I'm surprised this is considered a YA book. The Amazon listing has it as age 12 or grade 7 and up. I really don't see middle schoolers getting into this book. As for a high schooler, I think it would take someone who is really into the middle ages, and enjoys dark stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for and electronic ARC.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lyrically written, beautifully illustrated, heartbreaking story of life during the Middle Ages. Edyth, the main character, suffers many loses, yet when faced with an opportunity to flee the ravages of the plague on the monastery where she is working, she chooses loyalty and her sense of calling. I love that Stamper shows all sides of the characters in the monastery. As in life, some are sympathetic and have a real faith; some are wounded and wound others. Recommended for YA and adult readers who want an immersive historical read.
Review based on an ARC received through NetGalley.

[Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

The few graphics inside this book are both dark and vivid all at the same time. This book makes you think about a woman's worth. What her rights are and are not if her parents die while she is still underage or single. I enjoyed the book because it took me into the dark ages and times of plagues. It placed me into a story in which spirituality was believed by some and witchcraft believed by others.

Great book to go into with a blank slate.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved What the Night sings by Stamper and when I saw they had a new book out I had to read it.

A Cloud of Outrageous Blue tells the story of Edyth who ends up having to go and live at a priory (convent) in the fourteenth century after both of her parents die and her brother can no longer take care of both of them. Edyth does not want to go she wants to stay with her brother and does everything she can think of to try and reason with him, but he says it is too late the decision has been made. Once at the priory Edyth doesn't know what to do, she isn't like the other young women who were sent there by their families to learn the faith. While Edyth struggles to find her place and learn all the rules and everything there is to know about life at the priory she learns she has an extraordinary gift when it comes to drawing and colors. At this priory they make bibles that are beautifully illustrated and with them comes the need for mixing of colors, as well as the ability for beautiful penmanship and drawing abilities.
This is where Edyth learns she excels but she also gets overwhelmed with it at times because of how she sees the colors so vibrantly. In fact, to some people at the priory, this is a problem and this skill ends up getting taken away from her and instead, she is told to do other things. All while this is happening the black plague is starting and with it all the hysteria and theories that come with a plague.

Overall I really enjoyed this story. I didn't love it as much as What the Night sings but it was still good. The illustrations throughout this book are once again beautiful and go with the story so well and really showcase what is happening as well as the emotions that Edyth felt from heartbreak, and elation, to being scared. I loved the friendship that Edyth created with both the other girls as well as the nuns, especially the one who had similarities to her when it came to how she saw things. At the end of all this Edyth's true abilities really shined with how she was able to protect those she had came to care for as well as making sure others were safe as well.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Cloud of Outrageous Blue by Vesper Stamper, 320 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2020. $20.

Language: PG (22 swears, no “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13 (lashings as punishment, flagellant behavior, a hanging, and an intentional drowning).

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS—OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL—AVERAGE

After a series of tragedies, Edyth has lost everything and finds herself sent to live at a priory. As she settles into her new life, outside the walls things are rapidly deteriorating. The Great Plague is spreading across England and as the threat moves closer, Edyth must come to terms with what destiny has in store for her.

Edyth’s plight is one of so many different plots, subplots, and vague threads that the reader will be left confused as to what the overall story is even supposed to be. Her father was murdered, her mother died in childbirth, and other family crises occur with hardly any explanation or exploration. Edyth’s character is repeatedly described with physical flaws, however, it never seems as though there was any character development purpose to her being unattractive. She also has what the reader would infer is synesthesia, but again, why would the author have her experience this condition unless it would somehow add to the overall story? At one point the Black Plague enters the narrative and the plot then veers into fantasy and religious fatalism. Because there are so many stops and starts of so many different story-lines, the reader will be left unsatisfied and baffled as to the author’s motives.

Reviewer: AEB
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...

[Destiney Kooiman LeGrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunting, beautifully captivating, other-worldly while also relatable.

[Eleanor Mimbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙Just look at this gorgeous cover! I chose this book because of its beauty and the title struck a chord within me. I didn’t even read the synopsis so I had no idea what to expect. It was absolutely glorious. The story was every bit and beautiful as the cover. It was touching and emotional. A very inspiring and holy tale of how one unique person can stand against evil and actually make a difference. Brilliantly written as well as wonderfully narrated. I listened as I read for most of it because the narrator had an accent and I didn’t want to miss a word. I am so glad I read this book! I think I must purchase this one. I urge you to find it and read it for yourself.


Reread 1/1/22

Every bit as good as the first time. If not better! This was my #1 favorite for 2021 and one of my all time favorites of a lifetime.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a beautiful book! Interspersed with gorgeous illustrations and a synesthetic girl who sees visions, this book transported me to the Middle Ages during the time of the Great Plague. Who would have thought a book set in this horrific time period would move me and cause me to think deeply about humanity and a woman's place in society? I take issue with the book description given. This is not some sappy love story of a doomed girl and her lover. Rather, as the author says in her note, it is about the value of human life, "Does it have to be epic to be meaningful?"

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cloud of Outrageous Blue started out really strong. I enjoyed the synesthesia element and characters, but I had to put it down for a week and when I picked I up again it had taken a difficult turn that I had mixed feelings about. I really appreciated the author's note at the end, especially the part about being faithful to what one is called to. After some reflection I could even relate it in a way to some stories of the saints.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go to page 304 for the illustrated map.

The author did her own illustrations. Everyone is beautiful and caused me to pause. I love this.

This is such a beautiful story. How wonderful things can happen. How many people turn away in fear from wonderful things. How hard life can be, and how joyous.

I want to say so many things but how can I without giving spoilers. Just open the book and begin.

[Hannah]

Absolutely nothing about the synopsis for this book interests me whatsoever, so I'm glad I didn't read it, because it's absolutely amazing. The illustrations have a beautiful medieval look to them, the prose is lovely, the story fascinating.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a physically beautiful book as well as having a sort of magical dreaming quality. I would say to read the author's note before you read the story. It helps to put the place and time in perspective.