Jepp, Who Defied the Stars
by Katherine Marsh, 2012
The topic of destiny has been largely left to the unknown, for obvious reasons. Throughout time, some have chosen not to assume responsibility for their actions, preferring to put the weight on the stars or a Supreme Being who knows all and sees all. We are no different today, and some of us indulge in daily readings of our horoscopes to divine the future.
Jepp is a dwarf who decides to take his destiny in his own hands. Set in the 17th century and loosely based on the true life of renowned astronomer Tycho Brahe, Katherine Marsh gives voice to a court dwarf who wants make something out of himself.
Fifteen year-old Jepp has never dreamed of being anywhere other than by his mother’s side, helping her at their quaint bed-and-breakfast inn in the Dutch part of Belgium. But when a mysterious aristocrat approaches him one night and promises him a life filled with education, gold and safety at the court of the Spanish Infanta, Jepp’s stars change forever.
Our hero’s happiness is short-lived when he discovers the true motives behind his arrival at the Infanta’s court. Rendered as a plaything to the Spanish court, Jepp is forced to rethink his identity and question his fate.
Marsh, author of acclaimed novel The Night Tourist, crafts a touching and believable story of heartache, perseverance, and adventure by alluding to real events, circumstances and characters. Marsh restores our faith in the power of Man, his capability to grasp his fate in his hands and his attempts to mold it to his liking.
Marsh’s new novel about the courageous dwarf and his refusal to surrender to his fate is inspiring, and absolutely un-put-downable, and that’s because the reader invariably roots for this unusual hero who reflects our own innermost desires.
Azza El Masri is an avid reader and is always on the lookout for new recommendations! If you want her to review a book you’ve fallen in love with, or you want to leave a comment for her, reach her on: www.tempoplanet.com/category/talking-books
