School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-9-Gatty, the irrepressible peasant girl first introduced in Crossley-Holland's "Arthur" trilogy (Scholastic), comes into her own in this sweeping, vibrant story set in the early years of the 13th century. Her pure singing voice helps her secure a position as serving maid to Lady Gwyneth of Ewloe Manor, and she joins a disparate band of souls when her lady declares her intent to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Gatty is a headstrong adolescent whose impulsive behavior both exasperates and delights the other pilgrims on the journey, causing delays and difficulties but also, in one instance, saving a life. Written in a style that is both lyrical and earthy, this book serves as a companion novel to the "Arthur" books but stands solidly on its own as a completely satisfying coming-of-age story. Similar in tone to Karen Cushman's Catherine, Called Birdy (Clarion, 1994) and rich in detail like Frances Temple's epic journey tale, The Ramsay Scallop (Scholastic, 1994), Crossing to Paradise gives today's readers a glimpse into the turbulent years of the Crusades-events that sowed so many seeds for the current Middle East conflicts-through the eyes of a girl who wears her heart on her sleeve.-Connie C. Rockman, Stratford Library Association, CT (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
(Middle School, High School) Gatty, a supporting character in Crossley-Holland's Arthur trilogy, gets her own journey in this book: not a crusade, but a pilgrimage. Lady Gwyneth selects a priest, chamber-servant, cook, stableman, wise-woman, merchant, and choirmaster to accompany her to the Holy Land. Gatty, the ninth member of the company, earns a position as second chamber-servant because of her lovely singing voice. The small group travels to Jerusalem and back, but not without its fair share of adventure, tragedy, and triumph. With poetic but straightforward language ("'Light of light! Oh, flight! Oh, flight!' trilled the early birds"), Crossley-Holland once again masterfully evokes the essence and texture of the medieval world, in that regard subtly recalling The Canterbury Tales. Readers may miss the interplay between the dual narratives of the Arthur trilogy; they are also likely to miss Arthur as much as Gatty does, and the duo's reunion is nothing short of magical: "Gatty and Arthur met within a field of fallen stars. Right in the middle of the wheel of candlelight, not so much shimmering now as misty and glowing." Gatty is a remarkable heroine (just as impetuous and exuberant as her literary antecedents Dido Twite and Lyra Belacqua), and her memorable pilgrimage is exceeded only by her transformation from a simple, unlearned peasant girl into a lady of property and substance, now every bit the equal of her cherished Arthur.From HORN BOOK, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
In 1203, Lady Gwyneth sets out on a pilgrimage from Wales to Jerusalem to do penance and save her soul. With her travel eight others, including Gatty, a 15-year-old field hand and beloved character from Crossley-Holland's Arthur trilogy. Dirty and illiterate, yet bright, wise and spirited, Gatty encounters both dangers and marvels along the way. Robbers, a dealer in severed body parts, storms, assassins and would-be rapists teach Gatty to be alert and responsible. From the stench of London to the wonders of Venice and Jerusalem, Gatty's journey changes her, as she learns to read, write and sing and becomes the one Lady Gwyneth must rely on for the success of the pilgrimage. This classic odyssey, love story and coming-of-age tale is impeccably written, with rich sensory details, memorable characters and a well-orchestrated plot. Certainly, what Gatty learns about the wonders of the world and the possibilities of friendship and even marriage between Christians and Saracens speaks to today's world as well. (glossary, author's note) (Fiction. 12 & up) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
This companion volume to the Arthur Trilogy opens with Arthur's friend Gatty awakening in the shed where she sleeps with her cow. Sent to attend Lady Gwyneth, she sets out with that lady and seven companions on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Structurally more straightforward than the Arthur books, this third-person narrative tells of the eventful journey that brings Gatty to greater maturity and broader awareness of the world. Vividly told from the humble opening setting to the luminous final scene in which Gatty and Arthur are reunited, this historical novel becomes the capstone of Crossley-Holland's memorable medieval saga.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2008 Booklist
