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The Maude Reed Tale
A most unladylike heroine struggles to outwit the system that would have her become a lady.
"I do not want to be a lady. I want to be a wool merchant."
In those two sentences young Maude Reed expresses her most burning desire. But in fifteenth-century England, girls of good family do not go into business.
Instead, they are often sent to live in one of the great castles, where they do needlework, play the lute, and are taught the complicated customs and manners of that age of knighthood.
At Beauclaire Castle, Maude meets two people who are to have a lasting influence on her - the beautiful Melusine, who serves Lady Astallon, and Henry Rancon, destined one day for knighthood.
Nevertheless, the moment comes when she can face life there no longer, and on Christmas day she mounts her pony, steals over the drawbridge and starts on the long perilous journey home.
Then her real adventures begin ...
"I do not want to be a lady. I want to be a wool merchant."
In those two sentences young Maude Reed expresses her most burning desire. But in fifteenth-century England, girls of good family do not go into business.
Instead, they are often sent to live in one of the great castles, where they do needlework, play the lute, and are taught the complicated customs and manners of that age of knighthood.
At Beauclaire Castle, Maude meets two people who are to have a lasting influence on her - the beautiful Melusine, who serves Lady Astallon, and Henry Rancon, destined one day for knighthood.
Nevertheless, the moment comes when she can face life there no longer, and on Christmas day she mounts her pony, steals over the drawbridge and starts on the long perilous journey home.
Then her real adventures begin ...
190 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 1971
About the author
Norah Lofts
107 books310 followersNorah Ethel Robinson Lofts Jorisch (27 August 1904–10 September 1983) was a 20th century best-selling British author. She wrote over fifty books specialising in historical fiction, but she also wrote non-fiction and short stories. Many of her novels, including her Suffolk Trilogy, follow the history of a specific house and the residents that lived in it.
Lofts was born in Shipdham, Norfolk in England. She also published using the pseudonyms Juliet Astley and Peter Curtis. Norah Lofts chose to release her murder-mystery novels under the pen name Peter Curtis because she did not want the readers of her historic fiction to pick up a murder-mystery novel and expect classic Norah Lofts historical fiction. However, the murders still show characteristic Norah Lofts elements. Most of her historical novels fall into two general categories: biographical novels about queens, among them Anne Boleyn, Isabella of Castile, and Catherine of Aragon; and novels set in East Anglia centered around the fictitious town of Baildon (patterned largely on Bury St. Edmunds). Her creation of this fictitious area of England is reminiscent of Thomas Hardy's creation of "Wessex"; and her use of recurring characters such that the protagonist of one novel appears as a secondary character in others is even more reminiscent of William Faulkner's work set in "Yoknapatawpha County," Mississippi. Norah Lofts' work set in East Anglia in the 1930s and 1940s shows great concern with the very poor in society and their inability to change their conditions. Her approach suggests an interest in the social reformism that became a feature of British post-war society.
Several of her novels were turned into films. Jassy was filmed as Jassy (1947) starring Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price. You're Best Alone was filmed as Guilt is My Shadow (1950). The Devil's Own (also known as The Little Wax Doll and Catch As Catch Can) was filmed as The Witches (1966). The film 7 Women was directed by John Ford and based on the story Chinese Finale by Norah Lofts.
Lofts was born in Shipdham, Norfolk in England. She also published using the pseudonyms Juliet Astley and Peter Curtis. Norah Lofts chose to release her murder-mystery novels under the pen name Peter Curtis because she did not want the readers of her historic fiction to pick up a murder-mystery novel and expect classic Norah Lofts historical fiction. However, the murders still show characteristic Norah Lofts elements. Most of her historical novels fall into two general categories: biographical novels about queens, among them Anne Boleyn, Isabella of Castile, and Catherine of Aragon; and novels set in East Anglia centered around the fictitious town of Baildon (patterned largely on Bury St. Edmunds). Her creation of this fictitious area of England is reminiscent of Thomas Hardy's creation of "Wessex"; and her use of recurring characters such that the protagonist of one novel appears as a secondary character in others is even more reminiscent of William Faulkner's work set in "Yoknapatawpha County," Mississippi. Norah Lofts' work set in East Anglia in the 1930s and 1940s shows great concern with the very poor in society and their inability to change their conditions. Her approach suggests an interest in the social reformism that became a feature of British post-war society.
Several of her novels were turned into films. Jassy was filmed as Jassy (1947) starring Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price. You're Best Alone was filmed as Guilt is My Shadow (1950). The Devil's Own (also known as The Little Wax Doll and Catch As Catch Can) was filmed as The Witches (1966). The film 7 Women was directed by John Ford and based on the story Chinese Finale by Norah Lofts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 12, 2018
This is the kind of book that I will recommend to my kidlets, in a couple of years, if they are interested to learn about life in the Middle-Ages. A wonderful introduction to the genre of historical fiction and to the Middle-Ages, with an engaging protagonist, an enthralling story, and enough historical details to whet their appetite to learn more about the period. The only flaw is that it ended, beautifully I might add, but I could have read about Maude Reed until the end of her days and still not be bored!
February 11, 2025
I've lost track of how many times I've reread this book since I first discovered it in my 8th grade English teacher's collection. Norah Lofts is one of those authors whose books really do need to be reissued. I think contemporary readers would like her a lot. Most of her novels were written for adults, but The Maude Reed Tale is a YA book. The characters are related to the family in The House at Old Vine, but you don't need to read that book in order to appreciate this one. In fact, when I first read this book as a middle schooler, I had not yet discovered Norah Lofts' adult novels.
Maude Reed is a daughter of the emerging middle class. Her mother was gently born and her paternal grandfather, with whom they live, is a successful wool merchant. Left to her own devices, Maude would prefer to train to take over her beloved grandfather's business someday. However, in 15th century England, this was not within the realm of possibility. Instead, Maude will be sent to the home of a minor noble to learn how to run a household.
The first part of the book focuses on Maude's travel to the home and her attempts to find her way in the large household. Maude makes friends and she has at least one relative living there, but the author does a good job of showing just how this place doesn't entirely feel like home to her. I liked that instead of being a thoroughly modern rebel, we see Maude pushing the boundaries of what would be acceptable within her own time. She is definitely not a stereotypical lady of her time, but neither does she read like a teenager from the 21st century. She's brave, smart and willing to learn - all of which were qualities I admired.
This book does have a hint of romance to it, but only a hint. Mostly it's a story about a strong young woman learning to find her way in the world and to stand up for herself. It's definitely worth a read; just ignore the spoilery copy on the back cover.
Maude Reed is a daughter of the emerging middle class. Her mother was gently born and her paternal grandfather, with whom they live, is a successful wool merchant. Left to her own devices, Maude would prefer to train to take over her beloved grandfather's business someday. However, in 15th century England, this was not within the realm of possibility. Instead, Maude will be sent to the home of a minor noble to learn how to run a household.
The first part of the book focuses on Maude's travel to the home and her attempts to find her way in the large household. Maude makes friends and she has at least one relative living there, but the author does a good job of showing just how this place doesn't entirely feel like home to her. I liked that instead of being a thoroughly modern rebel, we see Maude pushing the boundaries of what would be acceptable within her own time. She is definitely not a stereotypical lady of her time, but neither does she read like a teenager from the 21st century. She's brave, smart and willing to learn - all of which were qualities I admired.
This book does have a hint of romance to it, but only a hint. Mostly it's a story about a strong young woman learning to find her way in the world and to stand up for herself. It's definitely worth a read; just ignore the spoilery copy on the back cover.
September 26, 2023
read long ago but it is a book i have owned since a teenager (thanks Scholastic books!)....this is a wonderful coming of age story of the strength of women....even if they are "just girls." ahhhh, the age that was pre-technology...just a girl, her bow, and her horse!!! a good read....even for those of us a bit older than girlhood....
January 30, 2011
A must reader for any young (or young-at-heart) person who loves historical fiction. I first read this book as a preteen and loved it ... many years later I read the adult version in The House at Old Vine. I enjoyed that, too, but will always keep Maude's tale in my library.
July 31, 2012
One of my first forays in historical fiction as a pre-teen. I loved the time period, heroine and ending enough to read it several times during my early teens. Wonder if I would love it as an adult?
March 31, 2023
A well-written light historical tale. An enjoyable bedtime read, and a book teenage me would have especially liked.
September 8, 2014
I might want to buy this one. I'm not sure whether this is part of a series or not, but I want to read more.
"Once, when I said something was unfair, she said to me, 'And what led you to expect that things should be fair? Permit me to point out that you are living in the world, not in Paradise.' " Zing!
This was a recommendation from another historical fiction children's book, and I'm very glad I read it.
"Once, when I said something was unfair, she said to me, 'And what led you to expect that things should be fair? Permit me to point out that you are living in the world, not in Paradise.' " Zing!
This was a recommendation from another historical fiction children's book, and I'm very glad I read it.
June 12, 2007
I gave this book 5 stars not only for itself (though it is very very good), but also for the author. I don't necessarily have a definite favorite of hers, but whenever I'm in a crunch at the library and just want to grab something I KNOW I'll enjoy, I get a Norah Lofts. The really cool thing about her books is that generally they span several generations of people. Now I'm usually not a short-story type reader, but in this case it's really cool because many times she'll stick with a house, and follow who comes and goes in it (the owners) and many times you'll see things tie together in cool ways. Some of her books do not do this but many do and it is always neat. Her books are not always happy, but always great reads. Try one!
September 24, 2010
This is a delightful and difficult to find young adult book. I'm extremely happy that I got a copy of it on my shelves to re-read. This is a short story about a girl in the middle ages who goes on a journey and has quite the set of adventures. I remember reading this as a teen very fondly.
July 7, 2008
Maude was a tomboy 400 (or so) years ago. Over the course of the book, she grows to be a woman who can sort of conform to society's expectations, but she is strong and can take care of herself. Even if there's a several-centuries gap, Maud is an example to live up to.
April 2, 2018
In medieval times, children with some title or that would come into property and wealth were always sent to be brought up in another household to come into their adulthood with grace and better behaved, also to make alliances and future prospects. This is a fluffy medieval tale about a girl called Maude Reed that likes to catch some vitamin D riding horses and playing pretend with her friends out in the open instead of working on her needle work inside a dreary castle and learning feminine etiquette which can't be much in medieval times. She learns to read and write during her time at the Beauclaire household. Norah Loft also paints such a pretty picture of Maude Reed in pointed hats with veils that trails behind her as she goes to jousting tournaments, feasts, yew mazes and medieval castles.
The War of the Roses is mentioned and we see it through the eyes of Maude that didn't realize the importance of the whole affair during her time and how it would affect the world afterwards. And we hear all the gossip at the house because people usually speak freely in front of children of things that they yet do not understand. So many medieval favorites are mentioned in this book from something grand like the pilgrimage to Canterbury to something small like the medieval pagan song Holy and the Ivy; I love it, I love it all.
There are so much little tidbits of life in medieval times in such a small book that one would not know the reason or meaning to some things if one has not had intense knowledge in feudal times and court life. It was funny to see Norah Lofts mention the cesspools and drains being so clogged in some castles with overextended occupancy that the king would have to move from castle to castle; that is information that many do not know today. The gong farmer would clean the waste from the garderobe and for this reason, the court would go on progress to visit holy sites or visit their lords in their kingdom. Noral Lofts only mentioned Spain in a positive note when mentioning Spanish steel and not in a patronizing inferior way that I so often see in other books.
Our medieval fantasies of witches, wizards, magic, damoiselles, knights, etc started during these dark times and live on in our hearts till this day but this is a story that has everything you want to read in a realistic medieval tale about a young girl living in our true medieval past but still through her childlike eyes where magic and wishes come true.
January 31, 2026
I picked this up because I ran into Maude Reed in another book I'm reading by this author and I wanted to get her whole story. This book did not disappoint and, after a bit of a slow start where she's incredibly young and whiny, I became fabulously hooked on how she managed her injured father and addicted, depressed mother and took control of the reins of the family business. A really great read.
April 22, 2018
Loved this book when I read it as a teen. :) I found it at the school library and I hope I can read it again.
Reread last 4/20/18. It's as good as I remember it (well,
Most of it). I felt the same distress as I probably did when I read it the first time especially when Maude was conned by the man with the cockleshell in his hat. I've forgotten most of the plot, so it was really fun reading this again. It's true what it says in the blurb about her real adventures beginning when she journeys home. I was rather a bit upset actually (in a good way) when it ended. It was just so abrupt the way it ended and I wanted to read more about what happens to Maude now that she’s putting everything in order at Baildon and the wool business. I was searching for sequels online, but alas this is the only Maude Reed book. :( My search did turn up some books featuring Maude Reed’s ancestors such as Martin Reed etc. called the House series.
That said, I really loved the first part on life in a medieval castle, the children's Dorter and learning etiquette and so on. This book was quite detailed without being too overwhelming for young readers and transports you to another time.
Favorite scenes: the bear-baiting (not the violence of course but when Maude “rescues” the bear), Maude learning how to read and write with Melusine, Maude returning to her grandfather's house and setting things right, realizing that her uncle wasn’t a good man after all, applying everything she learned from Beauclaire back at Baildon. Yeah, I guess I basically love the whole thing.
Highly recommended for young readers.
Reread last 4/20/18. It's as good as I remember it (well,
Most of it). I felt the same distress as I probably did when I read it the first time especially when Maude was conned by the man with the cockleshell in his hat. I've forgotten most of the plot, so it was really fun reading this again. It's true what it says in the blurb about her real adventures beginning when she journeys home. I was rather a bit upset actually (in a good way) when it ended. It was just so abrupt the way it ended and I wanted to read more about what happens to Maude now that she’s putting everything in order at Baildon and the wool business. I was searching for sequels online, but alas this is the only Maude Reed book. :( My search did turn up some books featuring Maude Reed’s ancestors such as Martin Reed etc. called the House series.
That said, I really loved the first part on life in a medieval castle, the children's Dorter and learning etiquette and so on. This book was quite detailed without being too overwhelming for young readers and transports you to another time.
Favorite scenes: the bear-baiting (not the violence of course but when Maude “rescues” the bear), Maude learning how to read and write with Melusine, Maude returning to her grandfather's house and setting things right, realizing that her uncle wasn’t a good man after all, applying everything she learned from Beauclaire back at Baildon. Yeah, I guess I basically love the whole thing.
Highly recommended for young readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2015
When I was a wee lass, I was helping out at a garage sale and was told that I could choose one book as my reward. I was already deeply in love with Alanna: The First Adventure, which sparked an obsession with all things medieval. Maybe that's why I picked this out, despite its absolutely hideous cover and incredibly boring title. It has remained possibly the best book I've ever selected on a whim.
Maude Reed is feisty, clever, and stubborn. She wants to be a wool merchant, like her father, but instead is sent off to learn how to be a lady. She hates it. And Maude is not someone to just sit by and accept her fate. There's also a very subtle love story (which I adored) with Henry, a young man destined to be a knight.
The Maude Reed Tale is a hidden gem. Don't be put off by the cover or the title or its age. It's delightful, and is especially perfect for fans of young heroines who decide to defy societal expectations.
Maude Reed is feisty, clever, and stubborn. She wants to be a wool merchant, like her father, but instead is sent off to learn how to be a lady. She hates it. And Maude is not someone to just sit by and accept her fate. There's also a very subtle love story (which I adored) with Henry, a young man destined to be a knight.
The Maude Reed Tale is a hidden gem. Don't be put off by the cover or the title or its age. It's delightful, and is especially perfect for fans of young heroines who decide to defy societal expectations.
August 7, 2017
Norah Lofts comes through again! This time, it's a book for young adult readers (although I didn't know that until after reading it, when I, backwardly, finally read the synopsis and reviews!) Clearly, it is engaging for any age! I can see that with its clarity of plot (no sub-texts) and matter-of-fact love story, it would indeed be appealing to an adolescent reader. I really appreciate the way Norah Lofts takes us right into the everyday scenes of medieval life: we go to the "stool room" with Maude and the resident Ladies of the Manor, we scrounge for a meal in the reduced pantry and larder of grandfather, Martin Reed, we set out confidently on a homeward journey with only the stalwart pony, Brownie, for company. These are just some of the events covered in this delightful tale, where, for once, love is not unrequited or doomed for some reason, as is almost always the case with Norah Lofts!
October 8, 2014
This was a cute light read about a girl who wanted more than anything to be a wool merchant, but her mother has decided that she will be a lady and sends her to a special school. However, her mother does not realize that Maud will learn more about real life and pain at the school than she will about manners. When Maud's brother visits her and tells her that he's run away from home and refuses to take over the family business, Maud knows that she must return home.
Most of the characters were likable in this book and it dealt with some real issues from the view of a child. However, the mom was a pain and the author didn't really go into more of the home troubles when Maud returned. It was more of a POOF! Magic fix! Sort of deal.
Most of the characters were likable in this book and it dealt with some real issues from the view of a child. However, the mom was a pain and the author didn't really go into more of the home troubles when Maud returned. It was more of a POOF! Magic fix! Sort of deal.
June 15, 2021
A friend of mine recommended this novel as one of her favorites from childhood. She leant me her worn paperback version with her name printed in childish handwriting on the inside cover.
I was thoroughly charmed and delighted by this lovely tale. I caught myself grinning while I read about Maude Reed’s adventures. I gasped out loud when she experienced tragedy. I resoundingly applauded her successes against her enemies.
I especially loved how Maude Reed does not suffer fools. Be they fellow students, employees or her own mother.
Bravo! Pick up a copy of this if you can find one and get ready for a fun afternoon in Baildon!
I was thoroughly charmed and delighted by this lovely tale. I caught myself grinning while I read about Maude Reed’s adventures. I gasped out loud when she experienced tragedy. I resoundingly applauded her successes against her enemies.
I especially loved how Maude Reed does not suffer fools. Be they fellow students, employees or her own mother.
Bravo! Pick up a copy of this if you can find one and get ready for a fun afternoon in Baildon!
April 25, 2014
Book bingo 2014--story on another continent. In this case England.
What I liked best about this book was its historic accuracy. How refreshing. Set in 15th century England it is the tale of Maud Reed and gives a look at what life would have been like for a young well off merchant's daughter.
What I liked best about this book was its historic accuracy. How refreshing. Set in 15th century England it is the tale of Maud Reed and gives a look at what life would have been like for a young well off merchant's daughter.
June 18, 2007
Oh how I loved this book when I was a kid. It was so historical and dramatic!
August 5, 2008
I loved this book as a kid, and still love it as an adult!
It's one of my favorite books.
It's one of my favorite books.
December 27, 2008
Fluff, but great fluff. A favorite book from childhood.
March 8, 2016
Loved it as a kid.
Read
August 28, 2011I loved this as a young girl.
March 8, 2019
What an excellent book to finish on the International Day of the Woman. Maude Reede is a Medieval-aged feminist, a strong young lady, with a mind of her own, and practical determination.
I first read this from the Litttleon, Colorado public library when I was quite young, then I found and bought a copy in 2001...so this is my third reading. Quite excellent it is, though I very much dislike Maude's mother. I read all of Norah Lofts books from the library when I was a teen, and they took me many places, perfect places to escape.
I first read this from the Litttleon, Colorado public library when I was quite young, then I found and bought a copy in 2001...so this is my third reading. Quite excellent it is, though I very much dislike Maude's mother. I read all of Norah Lofts books from the library when I was a teen, and they took me many places, perfect places to escape.
June 6, 2022
I am so glad I reread this. And I also reread The Townhouse right after.
Though this story is the same Maude Reed it is NOT the same story as the Townhouse. It is almost like an alternate universe. There are different events during her time at Beauclaire. Some events were changed (the bear story is different, the maze is different). Everything about her return to Old Vine and everything that happens after her return are completely different.
We get a little extra Martin Reed. I really enjoyed it.
Though this story is the same Maude Reed it is NOT the same story as the Townhouse. It is almost like an alternate universe. There are different events during her time at Beauclaire. Some events were changed (the bear story is different, the maze is different). Everything about her return to Old Vine and everything that happens after her return are completely different.
We get a little extra Martin Reed. I really enjoyed it.
November 16, 2024
I've loved this novella since I was 13 years old. I got it from the library back then, and it was the first book I read by Norah Lofts. I don't know how many times I borrowed it from the library until I was 16 years old, and the book was taken out of circulation (probably because it was falling apart.) For many years I tried to find it in used book stores. Imagine my JOY when recently I did find this book at John K. King Books!! And this morning I again embarked on these wonderful adventures with Maud. My heart is full. ❤️
January 13, 2026
A reread from childhood and honestly for a book on medieval times written in the 1970s, it holds up. Love me a plucky heroine who bests evil men with her wits and follows her dreams. Although I swear there was more to the end of the book, I must have been doing some serious maladaptive daydreaming to get the ending I wanted lol.
May 22, 2024
This is a YA version of a piece of the Town House book but changed. I thoroughly enjoyed this but would like to have heard in Maude’s voice her years at Clevely. It sticks close to the original script in the beginning but changes course after Melusine’s death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2023
Another fun historical fiction story from one of the best writers of the genre.
January 19, 2020
An exemplary YA novel. Can’t believe I stumbled upon it only now; if all Norah Loft’s novels are of this quality, her novels NEED to be reissued.
The novel is explored in the voice of Maude Reed, an unusual middle-class girl- feminist for the standards of 15th century Britain, but gladly doesn’t sound like a modern voice imposing upon the time period. In fact, the author wrote this in the early or mid 20th century I’m assuming, and it's simply fascinating to see the mindset of the author exploring a time long past. The story has its stark and realistic moments has its 15th-century adventures and invokes a sense of childhood through the vivaciousness of the heroine. The accuracy of historical detail combined with great emotional delicacy has made this one a standout for me. Truly a novel for all ages.
The novel is explored in the voice of Maude Reed, an unusual middle-class girl- feminist for the standards of 15th century Britain, but gladly doesn’t sound like a modern voice imposing upon the time period. In fact, the author wrote this in the early or mid 20th century I’m assuming, and it's simply fascinating to see the mindset of the author exploring a time long past. The story has its stark and realistic moments has its 15th-century adventures and invokes a sense of childhood through the vivaciousness of the heroine. The accuracy of historical detail combined with great emotional delicacy has made this one a standout for me. Truly a novel for all ages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews