Jepp, Who Defied the Stars

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Description

A thrilling historical epic with an unlikely teenage hero

Who says fate is written in the stars

Set in sixteenth-century Europe, JEPP is the thrilling, romantic and in turns heart-warming and poignant story of a teenage dwarf limited not only by his height but by his destiny. Although he appears to be bound for a lowly life as a court dwarf, Jepp has ambition, and he dreams of becoming a scientist and marrying the woman he loves.

This highly original and unforgettable story is based on a real historical figure, and Jepp's story includes violence, love, astrology, astronomy, and even a beer-drinking moose. A Philippa Gregory for teens, JEPP is ideal for fans of adventurous, thought-provoking historical romance.

Reviews

Real history is effortlessly woven into her fiction... Marsh transforms [Jepp's] "footnote" of a story into an epic search of love, family, respect, and a destiny of one's own making. * Publishers Weekly *
A beautifully written coming-of-age story, inspired by real historical characters. A truly great read. * Recommended Reads, Children's Books Ireland *
Narrating a young adult novel from a dwarf's perspective is nothing short of inspired ... Marsh transcends genre to create an engaging narrative complex enough to keep not-so-young adults turning its pages. * The New York Times *
This highly unusual story about a highly unusual hero will also feel like your story. Few of us are imprisoned dwarfs, but all of us want to guide our own lives. * Jonathan Safran Foer, author of EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED and EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE *
With a strong central character in Jepp, this is an unusual and powerful coming-of-age story about first love and taking control of your future. * Booktrust *
In this work of historical fiction, Marsh has created a loveable hero who overcomes both physical disability and social constraints to find not only love but a place of standing in this world. This is an uplifting novel that explores an interesting and little-explored historical geography. * We Love This Book *
A powerful and romantic historical novel based on the true story of the world famous astronomer Tycho Brahe. -- Julia Eccleshare * Lovereading4kids *
Jepp is an itinerant dwarf who travels around Europe. "Marsh's elegant historical fiction has a moving message," says Marianne * The 50 Best Books for Christmas, Independent *
Delightful characters, unique setting, and lovely prose. This is historical fiction at its best! -- Ruta Sepetys, author of BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY
Jepp, who defied the Stars, is not only an intelligent and thought-provoking book, it's also refreshingly different and a terrific read. * Buzz about Books *

Author Bio

An only child, Katherine Marsh spent a lot of her youth reading, trading stories with her grandmother who had run a bar in New York, and listening to her mother's frequent astrological predictions. After surviving high school and graduating from Yale, Katherine spent a decade as a magazine journalist, including as a reporter for Rolling Stone and an editor at The New Republic. Her first book, The Night Tourist, won an Edgar Allen Poe Award for mystery writing, and was followed by the sequel The Twilight Prisoner. Katherine lives in Washington D.C. with her husband and two children.Find out more about Katherine at: www.katherinemarsh.com or follow her on Twitter: @MarshKatherine