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The Rat-Catcher's Apprentice
It's 1665. Rats have infested homes and alleys in Marie Perrin's provincial French town. Twelve-year-old Marie is set to become a maid, although she hungers for adventure. However, one mistake alters her fate and as punishment she is forced to apprentice for an intimidating rat-catcher.
Away from her parents and twin brother, and handling gnarly rat traps under Gustave Renard's unusual mentorship, Marie must overcome a new set of challenges which come after a plague enters her town.
Are rats responsible for the spread of the illness? Can Marie find a way out of the bubbling danger around her?
The Rat-Catcher's Apprentice depicts non-traditional families, belonging and female bravery in an atmospheric historical setting.
'An intrepid heroine, a perilous time in plague-ridden France, a society cleaved by class division. The Rat-Catcher's Apprentice is full of heart and hope with a young girl who dares to dream of a life unrestrained by her gender. A compelling and rollicking MG novel.' - Amra Pajalic
'A gripping, historical adventure story of bravery and belonging.' - Judith Rossell
'An exceptional novel, full of twists and turns and intrigue, with a heart that is brave and kind and true. I adored this timeless story.' - Kate Gordon
Away from her parents and twin brother, and handling gnarly rat traps under Gustave Renard's unusual mentorship, Marie must overcome a new set of challenges which come after a plague enters her town.
Are rats responsible for the spread of the illness? Can Marie find a way out of the bubbling danger around her?
The Rat-Catcher's Apprentice depicts non-traditional families, belonging and female bravery in an atmospheric historical setting.
'An intrepid heroine, a perilous time in plague-ridden France, a society cleaved by class division. The Rat-Catcher's Apprentice is full of heart and hope with a young girl who dares to dream of a life unrestrained by her gender. A compelling and rollicking MG novel.' - Amra Pajalic
'A gripping, historical adventure story of bravery and belonging.' - Judith Rossell
'An exceptional novel, full of twists and turns and intrigue, with a heart that is brave and kind and true. I adored this timeless story.' - Kate Gordon
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Published March 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 6, 2022
A captivating story for young and older readers of life in feudal France during the black plague. Beautifully crafted, the story follows 12-year-old heroine, Marie Perrin through a journey of determination, endurance and survival despite the circumstances fate throws at her. I could not put the book down! Highly recommended.
February 7, 2022
Life’s greatest adventures are often born from misfortune. This is certainly true for 12-year-old Marie Perrin, the unlikely heroine of The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice.
Destined for a safe but stifling life as a maid in 1665 France, Marie’s future is thrown into uncertainty after an innocent mistake ruins her family and her job prospects. Forced to work for a mysterious rat-catcher, the apprenticeship that feels like a prison sentence proves to be the very thing that sets her free. Dressed in boys’ clothing and freed from the expectations of class, gender, and family, Marie is encouraged to put her speed, curiosity, and imagination to use; to embrace her strengths instead of squashing them down as she has always been taught. Under the tutelage of the intimidating but warm-hearted rat-catcher and his wife, she quickly finds her place and her purpose on the fringes of society, in the spaces she had once looked down on. But when a plague casts her new world into danger and she is uprooted once again, she is forced to confront her biggest challenges yet.
This is an adventure-packed historical tale of survival, hope, and finding belonging in unexpected places. My fingers curled at the injustice of Marie’s plight in the early chapters and I was cheering for her as she began to step into herself, gradually shedding the layers of expectation that had been heaped upon her. A gripping and compelling story with a strong female lead, The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice is perfect for upper middle-grade readers and will appeal to fans of Kirsty Murray’s novels.
Thank you to MidnightSun Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Destined for a safe but stifling life as a maid in 1665 France, Marie’s future is thrown into uncertainty after an innocent mistake ruins her family and her job prospects. Forced to work for a mysterious rat-catcher, the apprenticeship that feels like a prison sentence proves to be the very thing that sets her free. Dressed in boys’ clothing and freed from the expectations of class, gender, and family, Marie is encouraged to put her speed, curiosity, and imagination to use; to embrace her strengths instead of squashing them down as she has always been taught. Under the tutelage of the intimidating but warm-hearted rat-catcher and his wife, she quickly finds her place and her purpose on the fringes of society, in the spaces she had once looked down on. But when a plague casts her new world into danger and she is uprooted once again, she is forced to confront her biggest challenges yet.
This is an adventure-packed historical tale of survival, hope, and finding belonging in unexpected places. My fingers curled at the injustice of Marie’s plight in the early chapters and I was cheering for her as she began to step into herself, gradually shedding the layers of expectation that had been heaped upon her. A gripping and compelling story with a strong female lead, The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice is perfect for upper middle-grade readers and will appeal to fans of Kirsty Murray’s novels.
Thank you to MidnightSun Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2022
Absolutely loved this book, and couldn't put it down. Beautifully drawn characters with depth - I was irresistibly drawn into protagonist Marie Perrin's world from the very start.
My 13 year old son was glued to the book until he finished it, and particularly loved that the story didn't shy away from some of the more intense parts of living through the plague. The historical detail was fascinating. Highly recommend 'The Rat Catcher's Apprentice' for older middle grade readers and above.
My 13 year old son was glued to the book until he finished it, and particularly loved that the story didn't shy away from some of the more intense parts of living through the plague. The historical detail was fascinating. Highly recommend 'The Rat Catcher's Apprentice' for older middle grade readers and above.
December 3, 2022
12-year old Marie Perrin makes a mistake that pulls her from a stifling life as a maid, into another that is seemingly a punishment, but which frees her to express herself, and lean into her curiosity and imagination. Set in 1665 provincial France under the shadow of plague, this is a wonderful story filled with hope.
June 6, 2023
This was a very thought-provoking and engaging read; each page was filled with something interesting about life in the 17th century. The book provides the fresh perspective of a young girl, discovering her freedom and abilities in the midst of plague, sorrow, and new beginnings.
I felt like a lot of themes from the 17th century were addressed, including witchcraft, aristocracy, occupations, societal norms and behaviours. Which is nice in a middle grade novel, as it introduces kids to a lot of concepts. But, the book also focused on guardianship, and the Renards served as a new family for Marie. They also had a new way of thinking, which expanded Maries horizons and increased her resourcefulness.
I also started comparing the novel to the covid pandemic, and I appreciated the characters' quick thinking and tactics to excape, deaths' door. A lot of people accepted their fates, but the Renards relied on their wits and made it to a new life.
There was actual redemption in this book regarding the villain. In most books, the character tends to take the high road, but I like that the villan got their comeuppance in the end.
A very solid read for any younger or older readers and something anyone can enjoy and appreciate.
I felt like a lot of themes from the 17th century were addressed, including witchcraft, aristocracy, occupations, societal norms and behaviours. Which is nice in a middle grade novel, as it introduces kids to a lot of concepts. But, the book also focused on guardianship, and the Renards served as a new family for Marie. They also had a new way of thinking, which expanded Maries horizons and increased her resourcefulness.
I also started comparing the novel to the covid pandemic, and I appreciated the characters' quick thinking and tactics to excape, deaths' door. A lot of people accepted their fates, but the Renards relied on their wits and made it to a new life.
There was actual redemption in this book regarding the villain. In most books, the character tends to take the high road, but I like that the villan got their comeuppance in the end.
A very solid read for any younger or older readers and something anyone can enjoy and appreciate.
March 9, 2022
Historical Fiction: Late Medieval France
Strong female heroine facing adversity
Some sinister themes (plague deaths, harsh parents, famine, suggested potential assault, vindictive aristocratic figures, house fire)
This book was hard to put down. I desperately wanted to read on and find out what next befell Marie Perrin. She is a tough young girl - resilient, a survivor! Her parents disown her because of an unfortunate incident that was not her fault. She is sent to live with a rat-catcher and his wife, who turn out to be alternative-thinking, sympathetic characters, living on the fringe of society. The book reads as a journey from one part of plague-besieged France to Marseille, port city and entry to a world of adventure. The relationship between Marie and her twin brother, Henri, is tender and lovely to read. Highly recommended, but be aware that it is for older readers because of some confronting content.
Strong female heroine facing adversity
Some sinister themes (plague deaths, harsh parents, famine, suggested potential assault, vindictive aristocratic figures, house fire)
This book was hard to put down. I desperately wanted to read on and find out what next befell Marie Perrin. She is a tough young girl - resilient, a survivor! Her parents disown her because of an unfortunate incident that was not her fault. She is sent to live with a rat-catcher and his wife, who turn out to be alternative-thinking, sympathetic characters, living on the fringe of society. The book reads as a journey from one part of plague-besieged France to Marseille, port city and entry to a world of adventure. The relationship between Marie and her twin brother, Henri, is tender and lovely to read. Highly recommended, but be aware that it is for older readers because of some confronting content.
February 7, 2022
A terrific novel filled with adventure, hardship, family and courage. Loved the setting in 1600s France and enjoyed the development of Marie's character, as well as her relationship with Gustave throughout the book. Could relate to the similarities of the precautions people took during the plague, when comparing with the current pandemic. Highly recommend this novel and look forward to the next installment from this talented author.
March 3, 2023
What a lovely book!! Highly recommend to upper primary kids.
It reminded me of the two books The War that saved My Life and The War I Finally Won. Had similar elements. Very well written.
It reminded me of the two books The War that saved My Life and The War I Finally Won. Had similar elements. Very well written.
February 7, 2022
If historical fiction is your thing, this sprightly tale will keep you page turning. As a debut novel, it stands tall, ably manoeuvring young readers through the rat-infested plotline of Marie Perrin. She and her twin brother Henri are duly interned at the tender age of 12 after disaster befalls their family's future. He as a shoemaker. She as a rat-catcher's assistant. It is an apprenticeship she at first abhors but as fate would have it, becomes her salvation.
The first person narrative is deft and purposeful with just enough eloquence to allow readers to feel the horror and dread of a deadly plague and injustice of the class system of the 1600s. Eerily relevant in these modern times too as it were. Marie's transformation into a young teen of substance from a child of circumstance is perhaps the most gratifying aspect of this story.
For one who only vaguely believed such occupations existed, this was an unusual and thought-provoking read.
The first person narrative is deft and purposeful with just enough eloquence to allow readers to feel the horror and dread of a deadly plague and injustice of the class system of the 1600s. Eerily relevant in these modern times too as it were. Marie's transformation into a young teen of substance from a child of circumstance is perhaps the most gratifying aspect of this story.
For one who only vaguely believed such occupations existed, this was an unusual and thought-provoking read.
June 16, 2025
I enjoyed this coming-of-age novel. The rich characters and the dilemmas they face make for a page-turner.
Marie Perrin is not looking forward to being maid to a newly married young girl who married a local nobleman. She can’t think of anything worse than being at someone’s beck and call. However, after failing to keep the young bride's dress safe, Marie brings disaster to her whole family.
In disgrace, she is apprenticed to the local rat-catcher. Repulsed by his filthy looks and awful reputation, Marie is distraught. The kindness shown her by the rat-catcher and his wife makes Maire question her beliefs about family and community. When the plague arrives and death is around every corner, the rat-catcher takes desperate steps to safeguard his little family. Do they survive?
Recommended for readers wanting to read a very interesting page-turner and those wanting to explore social roles and the plague.
Published by MidnightSun 2022
Marie Perrin is not looking forward to being maid to a newly married young girl who married a local nobleman. She can’t think of anything worse than being at someone’s beck and call. However, after failing to keep the young bride's dress safe, Marie brings disaster to her whole family.
In disgrace, she is apprenticed to the local rat-catcher. Repulsed by his filthy looks and awful reputation, Marie is distraught. The kindness shown her by the rat-catcher and his wife makes Maire question her beliefs about family and community. When the plague arrives and death is around every corner, the rat-catcher takes desperate steps to safeguard his little family. Do they survive?
Recommended for readers wanting to read a very interesting page-turner and those wanting to explore social roles and the plague.
Published by MidnightSun 2022
January 5, 2024
The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice by Maggie Jankuloska is set in a provincial French town in the year 1665. The story follows the fates of 12 year old twins, Marie and Henri, who after a disaster befalls the family are separated and sent to work - Henri as a shoemaker and Marie as a rat-catcher’s apprentice. She is devastated but finds the rat-catcher, Gustave, and his wife, Marion, to be loving and caring guardians. And ultimately the position proves to be a blessing in disguise.
With themes of found family, persistence in the face of overwhelming odds, and standing up for what’s right, Jankuloka’s debut novel is full of heart and soul.
February 19, 2022
From the beginning of the book, the distinct voice of the main character Marie drew me in and I was thoroughly on her side. The historical setting was well described and the rats were suitably repulsive 🐀 Great read 😊
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews