Jackaroo

Tales of the Kingdom #1

by Cynthia Voigt

There is much want in the kingdom and the tales of Jackaroo, the masked outlaw who helps the poor in times of trouble, are on everyone's lips. Gwyn, the innkeeper's lively daughter, pays little attention to the tales. But when she is stranded during a snowstorm in a cabin with the lordling Gaderian, and finds a strange garment that resembles the costume Jackaroo is said to wear, she begins to wonder....

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

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Cynthia Voigt is an American author of books for young adults dealing with various topics such as adventure, mystery, racism and child abuse.


Awards:
Angus and Sadie: the Sequoyah Book Award (given by readers in Oklahoma), 2008
The Katahdin Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003
The Anne V. Zarrow Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003
The Margaret Edwards Award, for a body of work, 1995
Jackaroo: Rattenfanger-Literatur Preis (ratcatcher prize, awarded by the town of Hamlin in Germany), 1990
Izzy, Willy-Nilly: the Young Reader Award (California), 1990
The Runner: Deutscher Jungenliteraturpreis (German young people's literature prize), 1988
Zilverengriffel (Silver Pen, a Dutch prize), 1988
Come a Stranger: the Judy Lopez Medal (given by readers in California), 1987
A Solitary Blue: a Newbery Honor Book, 1984
The Callender Papers: The Edgar (given by the Mystery Writers of America), 1984
Dicey's Song: the Newbery Medal, 1983

Reviews

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I picked up this book. Even the reviews I read didn't seem to prepare me, maybe because it is not an easy book to review.
Although the Jackaroo stories in this book definitely mimic Robin Hood tales, this is not a Robin Hood story. More than anything else, this is a coming of age story about Gwyn the Innkeeper's daughter. Gwyn lives in the Kingdom which could be in any European or imaginary area that has mountains, forests, a river and a coast. The feudal system rules the culture and society, and the Kingdom is in turmoil due to hungry peasants, political unrest among the Lords, and just the hardships of life in general. In such a time, people find comfort in old stories about Jackaroo, the masked man who would steal ill-gotten gains from the Bailiff and return them to the poor. Gwyn is at the age when she must either decide who to marry or declare that she will be single for life. In deciding this question, facing adventures that come her way (such as finding a complete Jackaroo costume), and wrestling with the injustices she sees around her, she discovers much about herself, her family, and her place in the world.

I liked Gwyn mainly for how dynamic Cynthia Voigt made her. She is both the head strong, independent, smart, spunky, and capable girl, but also the dreamer, idealist, who does not always get things right, and sometimes admits she needs help. She is also honestly struggling with what in the world to do with her future; her options are getting fewer and fewer, sometimes by her own doing and sometimes by the limits of the age she lives in. I love how she is willing to fight for justice and change in society, but I also like that Ms Voigt made the story realistic in that change does not happen overnight and sometimes the best laid plans backfire when the poor don't know how to manage sudden increases in fortune.

Another thing I really liked is the theme of masks. How Gwyn felt she had to wear a "mask" to conceal her true self around most people, and how she discovers that many others seem to be wearing masks as well. A great discussion starter, especially for teen (and adult) readers who struggle with being real in front of peers.

The only downside I found was that the edition I read was not edited well. I read the Simon Pulse first edition and there were spelling mistakes all over the place. Most of them were things spell check would not catch, like the was accidentally written as she. The worst one though, was when Blithe, one of Gwyn's sisters, was actually spelled Blythe. I also felt at one point like a whole paragraph was missing. The conversation was interrupted and changed so suddenly I looked at the page numbers to make sure one wasn't missing. It said p.82 & then p.83 but with all the spelling errors I wouldn't be surprised if they left out a sentence or paragraph. I hope these were fixed in further editions.

[Tracy Banghart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite I've reread a bunch of times, and a nice comforting read for winter break.

[Luann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess so many people have this shelved as a fantasy because of the "alternate history" aspect to the story. We never really know it takes place in OUR past and no real-world names that I know of are given for places. But there isn't any magic or sorcery. The School Library Journal calls this "an intense and elegantly written historical adventure-romance ." There really isn't even much of a romantic aspect to the story unless you count the romantic, swashbuckling legend of the Jackaroo, who is a type of Robin Hood character the villagers like to tell stories about.

With that said, I absolutely loved this story set in a time with Lords, Earls, and a King who charge taxes and tithes from their villagers and land holders. Gwyn, the main character, is an innkeeper's daughter who lives in the northern part of the kingdom. She is also a strong, independant young woman with a quick tongue who cares about other people and does her best to help even during hard times. Unfortunately for her, independant young women with a mind of their own really don't fit in with the time and community in which she lives. I loved the way the story played out and the ways that Gwyn found to stay true to herself while still attempting to fit into her world.

This is the first book I've read by Cynthia Voigt that wasn't in her Tillerman series, and I think it has now become my favorite by her - although I highly recommend the Tillerman books as well. I'm glad to see that Voigt has written more "novels of the Kingdom," and I look forward to reading them!

[kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gwyn, the Innkeeper's daughter, is 16 and does not plan to marry. After witnessing multiple acts of cruelty against the Inn's neighbors, Gwyn decides the myth of the Jackaroo might be of more use than she first thought.

1. I've been so anxiety-plagued and numb these last few months that I've been struggling to read anything at all, especially new-to-me books; I read somewhere, once, that a person needs to be in a position of comfort in order to explore new vistas and I think there may be some truth to it, after all.

That said, I first read Jackaroo years and years ago when I would browse the 3-4 'young adult' shelving units at B&N in my hometown and pick up anything that sounded interesting. (Remember when YA wasn't a money-making industry riddled with sub-genres? I DO. I remember Uglies shelved on the same row as Jackaroo. Talk about tonal whiplash.)

2. I enjoyed this reread. I enjoyed the sensation of Gwyn discovering herself, defining herself, and choosing a direction for herself in spite of the people around her or rather because of the people around her. It was very inspiring, in some ways.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I vaguely remembering picking this off the YA shelf in the library sometime around eighth grade, but somehow my brain categorized it as "sad" a la Westmark (read around the same time) and I never revisited this until now.

I'm glad I did, because it turns out that Jackaroo is a coming-of-age story. The exciting thing about it, though, is that it's only ultimately one; for most of the novel it reads as a fantasy uniquely marked by a pervasive sense of doom. Where poverty and desperation hem everyone in. Where an early death is more a surety than its opposite and danger, in the form of neighbors and egos and weather, lurks around every corner.

The satisfactory ending is almost a relief because it's a respite, maybe a promise of better things to come.

I'm convinced there's another story going on under the surface: one much less personal, where the lords catch Jackaroo only to find another one spring up at the Steward's, along with new rumors and dispensed coins (and babies). Some people clearly know more about Jackaroo than the peasants do, if they're willing to arrest one person even as they're journeying another, but those someones aren't the focus of the story. One lord - who turns out to be even more important than expected - also knows more, and his actions bleed into the story in interesting ways and do a lot to suggest this greater detail - but ultimately I'm reminded of Hilari Bell's Farsala trilogy and the way every apprentice who spills a keg of nails onto the road before a Hrum patrol passes is Sorahb. And maybe these ideas of myth and an extravagant sense of adventure are better suggested than made the primary focus.

The surprise of the details revealed - the omnipresence of a legend, the suggestion of blurred history along with the wealth of historical detail parceled out slowly, the way current events (and the next meal) take stronger precedence over everything else - mean the world feels rich and layered. There's always something new to discover that will change the shape of your perception. And the faint horror overlaying it all burnishes the details further, highlights the lack of options, and demonstrates how brave and vital Gwyn's story is.

Here's somebody headstrong who isn't rewarded for being different, but penalized for it; who hems herself in and chooses a path and finds something she didn't expect. Something that would have been obvious to me - if I'd realized I was reading a coming-of-age story.

[Margaret Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

june 2015: need to read again to fully understand. over all, brilliant.

May 2020: Five-years-younger me was right. Revisiting this story gave me a lot more insight and understanding than the first go-round. Voigt's subtle but effective worldbuilding is spectacular, and where I was focused on the personal narratives the first time through, on this re-read I observed how much Voigt tells the reader about the political/social landscape of her world through personal interactions. The only other author in this genre I can think of who does this so well is Megan Whalen Turner, and those who know me know that is about the highest praise I can offer.
While there is some comparison to be made between Gwyn's situation and the one Turner's Thief finds himself in, the similarities end there. Gwyn is a wonderfully nuanced protagonist who journeys from resignation and acceptance of the status quo to a full realization of herself. That arc meant a lot to me five years ago and it still does now.
On a slightly different note, a common thread throughout all of Voigt's work I've read has been her profound treatment of relationships, particularly romantic ones. Rarely is the word love ever mentioned in a romantic context, but Voight captures the undramatic, day-by-day growth of a bond between two people which blossoms unexpectedly into moments of real tenderness. I've read a good bit of fiction since 2015, and I appreciate more than ever those relationship dynamics which don't feel forced but natural and genuine. Crucially, Voigt always centers the individual character arc of her (often female) protagonist rather than defining them by their relationships to other people as so often happens in novels with women protagonists. These are the kind of books I want the young girls in my life to read, and the ones I wish I could have read more of.

[Isabel :) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, just a really weird book. I felt like they overdid the medieval idea in some places and under did it in others. It was really confusing and hard to read at points because the author would randomly skip from scene to scene as well. Good idea for an off-brand Robin Hood, but poorly executed.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fascinating idea for a fairy tale with a disappointingly Tolkien-esque ending.

Gwyn is the spirited daughter of the village innkeeper who dreams of something outside the mold. Her family doesn't understand her because she doesn't want to marry but instead wants to run her father's inn, which will legally go to her useless little brother instead. While traversing the mountains with the Lord and his son and the enigmatic stablehand Burl, she is separated from the party and winds up having to spend part of the winter trapped in a hut with the Lord's son. While cleaning out the cupboards, she discovers an outfit and weapons that can only belong to the famous Jackaroo, the Robin Hood figure of the Kingdom. As the story progresses, Gwyn views injustice after injustice until finally deciding to take the mantle of Jackaroo on herself. Though her heart is big and her fighting is decent, she isn't cut out for the outlaw life, and she discovers to her surprise that Jackaroo may not be just one person.

I wanted to like this story, and I did for most of it. Gwyn is plucky, and I like it when girls don't meekly go into whatever is expected of then. But it grated on me that people were constantly putting her down and she wasn't saying or doing anything to defend herself. We get to listen to a constant stream of hinted and outright abuse, including from Cam, the boy she...likes? I guess that's the impression we're supposed to get, but mostly I got that he was an asshole and she sort of liked him but hated him all at once. I knew from the first moment of Burl's introduction that he would be a love interest, but we are not treated to any sort of chemistry between him and Gwyn at all throughout the entire story. Then, at the very, very end, all of a sudden, BAM! Tolkin--I mean, Voight--gives us the fairy tale ending between the logical male and female characters even though no love has been developed between them at all.

Most disappointing. I was hoping for more from such a neat-sounding book series.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
I read this twice, probably first in middle school and then again while I was in high school.
I really like that the heroine dressed as a male and was able to help people, like Robin Hood. I love stories of girls dressing as boys and taking on other roles.
The hero liked her sister, but her sister married someone else. So I had a real problem that he liked her sister. The heroine liked a guy but he didn't like her. I really didn't like that they both liked other people, and it felt like they came together because they were both left single and jilted. Not very romantic. I remember a moment when she was looking at someone who was hanging, and the hero noticed it too. No one else did, and she made a comment like she would only be with someone who had noticed that. Her hair was also cut short, and I don't like when characters do that. She might have been ill at one point, and in the Jackaroo costume, and he discovered that it was her then. That's all I can really remember.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book in a thrift store and bought it because I enjoyed a few other books by the author. I ended up really loving it and read it several times as a young adult.

[Bernadette Durbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a very long time ago, and despite its non-magical origins, it stuck with me. And the slow start made me wonder if I were really remembering something wonderful, or if the glow of a childhood read was overcoming the flaws. But once Gwyn discovers part of the truth behind the tales of the outlaw Jackaroo (the former title of the book), the story catches fire and becomes the tale of expanding horizons, and how changes within can make you look at the world differently.

Now that I have read the sequels to the book, I can say that the Kingdom, which apparently is a near-legendary kingdom of prosperity and glamor outside its borders, is a mess. The Lords are completely detached from the needs of their people, and are spending more time fighting one another than they are shepherding the folk under their care. Hence the need for Jackaroo, a Robin Hood-like character of legend who works to restore the balance. I appreciate how Cynthia Voight developed the truths behind the tales, and how the tales themselves are only a part of the hard reality of a culture that doesn't have quite enough to go around.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 2 out of 5]

As I started reading this I realized I had started it before and never finished. I suppose that is what kept me at it this time. My expectations were a bit too high, I had heard this compared to Robin Hood or even Scarlet Pimpernel, so as I read I was a little disappointed in the story. I think it had a lot of promise, but it was a little lacking for me. Gwyn was a pretty good heroin, and she grows a lot throughout the story. I think Burl (her good friend, and father’s servant) was under used and although it’s clear what his intentions are, Gwyn hardly notices him throughout the story. Maybe if there had been more interaction with them and the chemistry built up I would have enjoyed the story more. I was confused in some places, but that was probably because I tended to skim more than I should have. It was a little boring for me, but okay overall.

[Magda · Rating 4 out of 5]

***2018***
I'm so glad I asked a local library to order these. It's been long enough that I only slightly remember the feeling of the book, so it had the lovely experience of being new yet as comfortable as an old friend.


***2009***
I'm not sure what I expected, but this book both met and exceeded what I was looking for.

Sigh. I hate being vague. I'm looking forward to getting the next book in the series.

[Amanda Rehm · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is more of a 2.5 star read. I read the second book of the series back in high school and loved it; however, I did not realize it was part of a series until years later. I do not know if I would have given this book such a low rating had I read it back in high-school with the other one or if the second book really is that much better. Overall, this book bored me until the last 100 pages and then confused me for the last 50. I thought Gwyn was an interesting character and I did like how she bucked the system and did what she thought was right. I did not like how she seemed to become "weaker" and more unsure of herself after Jackaroo was introduced to the story. I also would classify this more as a historical fiction taking place in an unknown land rather than fantasy. I am glad I picked this one up but I will probably not be finishing the series.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Robin Hood tale, centered on a girl named Gwyn, who one day has the injustice of the system driven home for her... and decides to try to make a difference. Fast, compelling read, with well-developed characters that unfold over the course of the book, showing hidden depths. The world building is peppered throughout, woven in seamlessly, which means some areas aren't complete, but all the vital framework is explained. Looking forward to the new main character in book 2!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evil would be done, that was the nature of the world; that was bearable if good could also be done.

3.5 stars. The pacing of this book is really, really slow. Or at least, it feels that way. This is a great story about a headstrong girl who defies pretty much every standard of the land and does what she believes she should do and what she believes is right.

At times, Gwyn seems pretty dull. Other times, she's plotted out this whole plan on the move and you really don't know what she's going to do until she does it. I kind of guessed the obvious best-path for her, but how she ended up was not exactly that way.

The book is clean and the story good. I would rate it higher if it had held my attention better.

[Faith Perry]

I have read this book twice over and I love the way Cynthia Voigt writes, the characters feel like real people with their own unique personalities.
I love the free spirit of Gwyn.

The book contains a mystery element to it that keeps you wondering what is really going on and what will happen next with a satisfying ending.

[Tracy Smyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. Light & fun. Interesting characters. The main character Gwyn is a gutsy young girl who tries to right every wrong

[Morgan Stout · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to read this book, but I truly enjoyed the story and especially loved Burl. Without him, the book wouldn't have been the same.

[Leah Carabajal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is always a good re-read..

[Ileene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book is relatively PG-13, the 13 because of a few deaths, which are not overtly graphic. There is no sex, and actually very very little romance whatsoever. I find that its a sort of coming of age story. A 16 year old girl at the cusp of womanhood who does not conform to gender roles and wants to decide for herself what path she will take in life.

I get the feelings it's an old time Irish era setting. Before the Renaissance. The peoples ways aren't given background but I can see it's from their culture. It is a little frustrating that their ways aren't explained because it causes unnecessary trouble to the characters. Trouble that might not even have occurred if their customs/traditions were not in place.

The main character Gwyn was a good typical teen angst attitude that didn't need much back story. The family felt fleshed out and the pace was good up to the end were it felt rushed. I didn't see the romantic interest in characters towards Gwyn, there didn't seem to be much of a chemistry ever displayed.

The ending was good but felt like it was purposely done to set up a later story, possibly not even involving Gwyn. The ending felt like it was just expanding the world/setting to have further books in the same area. Would have favoured more time with other characters, though Gwyn is the star, it would have helped add a little more likeability.

There was opportunity to give Burl more story, especially with events that occurred. A recount from his point of view would have solidified moments.There was opportunity to give Cam more story, with either background about time before the book is currently set, like in Gwyns youth, or atleast give him more meaningful dialogue than empty threats and sidelong looks. As he seems just as angst filled as Gwyn. Adding depth to these characters would have rounded out the story more but ;

The stories focus on Gwyn though was very 3 dimensional and satisfying. It can be read stand alone, without finishing the remaining 3 books in this 4 book series.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books set in the middle ages. This book had a very medieval feel to it and the author describes life as seen through the eyes of the main character, Gwyn, very realistically. The world system is hierarchial, with the kings down to the people. There is a lot of political unrest as well as famine in the land. The people are desperate and Gwyn thinks that their tales of Jackaroo are only that--tales made by desperate people who need some hope to cling on to. Gwyn is also troubled by what she sees and the lack of caring in the others around her. She wants to help...

I appreciate how the book makes one think about how hard life was back then. How no matter what class they lived in, life was hard for a person. Gwyn had hard choices to make, and it was even harder to be a woman. This book is definitely not a simple "comfort read". I also enjoyed trying to figure out who was the Jackaroo figure (Robin-Hood type hero). I was quite surprised at part of the secret. I did guess that Gwyn would become Jackaroo, as I'm sure most readers will, but I will not give away the rest of the secrets that are in store for the readers in regards to Jackaroo. Yes, there are more than one secret! Gwyn is a strong heroine who young readers can look up to. This book is a clean read. It is for young adults and up.

[Rui · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used to love this book as a middle-schooler, when I first found it. It was like Robin Hood meets all the wuxia stories I heard about as I grew up, where girls disguised themselves as guys and explored, and made differences in the world where they could. It was refreshing to read a story like this, in English. ^_^
But then I read the other Kingdom novels. And eventually, a few months ago, I reread Jackaroo. And all of a sudden, though it was still a refreshing scenario, the story, the writing, the adventure, no longer gave that big of an impact. It's a light read, especially in comparison to the other Kingdom novels. If I wanted my friend to read the Kingdom series, I wouldn't recommend this as the first book. Probably the last.

[Jamie Dacyczyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd reading of this book has held up well over the years. THIS is the way YA historical fiction should feel. We've got our strong female main character who wants to right wrongs, and manages to accomplish some small victories, learn some lessons, and change some minds.....but the Chosen One trope is avoided. She doesn't save the world, she's not instantly amazing at everything she accomplishes, and her hair and eye color isn't mentioned every chapter. Her story feels real because it's not overblown.

I'm probably going to be considering this series among my favorites. I marked it as fantasy because it's set in a world not our own, but there's no magic so it's actually a simply historical fiction set in a medieval realm.

[Cherise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started out a little slow, but halfway through things started to get interesting, and by the end I discovered that I had absolutely fallen in love with the book! It was thoughtful, vivid, full of unique and interesting characters, realistic and yet hopeful, portraying the hardships of life without at all diminishing the fantastic moments of adventure. And the ending! It was a legitimate, beautiful happy ending, one that leaves you grinning from ear to ear at the end. I highly recommend this book.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tale of Gwyn- I wish I would've noticed this was Jackaroo under a new name BEFORE I ordered it from Amazon!
I am not sure why they renamed it. That being said, Gwyn is my all-time favorite fictional character, and Jackaroo is one of the best books ever written. Gwyn is infinitely herself- wanting to help others, feeling stuck in her role as the daughter of a wealthy innkeeper. She is short-tempered, sometimes short sighted. A very real character.
I love the way the society's rules are interwoven throughout the tale without being spoken of directly.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know why I just recently discovered Cynthia Voigt. I've been deprived these many years. Her writing is a little bare, but I've discovered that she is saying a lot by saying a little. Her main character is so strong and sure of her capabilities. I hoped that the love story would resolve itself just the way that it did, which made me happy! I was greatly intrigued by her "kingdom." It is a very interesting place to discover and explore.

[Sara Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book in jr. high and loved it. I re-read it every year or two and still find it wonderful every time.

The story of a young woman who decides to make a difference in her community by taking on the persona of a folk hero. That decision changes her future in more ways than she could imagine.

[Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've probably read and re-read this book a hundred times. I used to read it once a year as a child. And it's so wonderful to discover that it is still every bit as good as it ever was.

I love fierce, soft-hearted Gwyn. Strong, steady Burl. Feisty Tad, who gets to grow up. And the stories and secrets and switcheroos. They are good characters in a thoughtful, well-composed world.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine “Robin Hood” revisited with a twist. Throw in a soul-searching main character, a butterfly flapping its wings sort of turn of events, and watch what you think is going to be a slow book turn into one of your favorites. At least this is what happened to me…