Matilda is an orphan, brought up by the parish priest. She is given to the bonesetter in a nearby town. The book is about the conflict between her religious upbringing and the realities of life. Whereas the premise - girl orphan educated in Latin and Greek - may be a little far-fetched, - the period detail is superb, as is the detail about medicine, treatments and the different typres available. There is also a superb feel for the period evident in the book. It is fiction, aimed at 10 -12 year olds, and is an easy read for pupils. Recommended - you can see why it has won so many prizes!