Gilbert and Sullivan Set Me Free

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Overview

Based on a true incident, this moving novel tells the story of a production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance”—as performed by the inmates of a women’s prison in 1914! Infused with music, beautifully researched and filled with fascinating characters, this is great teen listening.

The youngest inmate of a prison keeps the nature of her crime a secret.

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More About This Book

Overview

Based on a true incident, this moving novel tells the story of a production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance”—as performed by the inmates of a women’s prison in 1914! Infused with music, beautifully researched and filled with fascinating characters, this is great teen listening.

The youngest inmate of a prison keeps the nature of her crime a secret.

Read More Show Less

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly
Karr (Skullduggery; The Great Turkey Walk) bases this vivid historical novel on an actual performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance in a women's prison in 1914. The novel starts off strong, propelled by the comic voice of 16-year-old narrator Libby Dodge and titillating clues about what this elegant, educated heroine did to land among a company of reprobates. (Other inmates include Mother McCreary, "a jolly sort-in for life after having whacked her husband over the head, then chopped him into tiny pieces," arsonist Molly Matches and the perfidious Gladys, who "made a mint on her `baby farm' " but killed the illegitimate offspring in her care.) In keeping with the mood of the times, the new chaplain, Mrs. Wilkinson, advocates reform and rehabilitation, not mere punishment, and with this aim she forms a prison choir (a premise that Gilbert and Sullivan themselves might have relished). The former choir mistress of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company (which specialized in G&S), Mrs. Wilkinson decides to stage Penzance; readers don't need prior knowledge of the comic opera to appreciate the humor of the prisoners' reactions ("[The pirates would] make awful burglars!" scoffs one). Freely importing the spirit of light opera, Karr creates an atmosphere not wholly dissimilar to a madcap multi-age dormitory, despite the grim conditions; and her heroine, during a week in solitary confinement, recounts a past that is full of melodramatic reversals while she heads toward a triumphant future. Wittily illuminating the issues of another era, this novel both stimulates and entertains. Ages 10-14. (June) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature
Set in the early 1900s when prisons were meant for punishment, not redemption, this story follows young Libby Dodge as she begins her sentence at Sherborn Women's Prison in Massachusetts. From the outset, we know nothing about Libby's crime but we quickly come to know what landed some of her fellow inmates in jail. Ma McCreary has a life sentence for killing her husband who regularly beat her and her children. Others are in for lesser crimes such as prostitution and thievery. It is Ma who takes young Libby under her wing and is teamed up with her in the prison laundry where they wile tedious hours away singing as they work. The prison chaplain hears the two women singing and decides to put their talents to use in a musical performance. By this time we realize what put Libby in jail and her redemption comes on the heels of this marvelous performance. I cannot think of another book that would lend itself better to a full cast performance than this one. Using a full cast brought this story alive and the use of the Gilbert & Sullivan tunes themselves was the perfect way to fully enjoy this story. This unusual and intriguing piece of historical fiction is perfect for studies of social change and the role of women then and now. In addition, admirers of Gilbert & Sullivan would find this audio a delight from start to finish. Length: 5 hours/5 CDs 2004, Full Cast Audio, Ages 13 up.
—Joan Kindig, Ph.D.
VOYA
Set in the early 1900s at the Sherborn Women's Prison, this novel tells the story of sixteen-year-old Libby Dodge. In prison for a minor crime, she is hopeless and miserable until the new chaplain, Mrs. Wilkinson, arrives and decides to hold a production of The Pirates of Penzance as part of her plan for prison reform. In the course of producing the comic opera, the women become a cohesive group, working together, helping each other, and developing self-esteem. Libby discovers that she has a talent for singing that ultimately offers her a new way of life. The likeable characters have depth and grow through the story. Each one has a tale to tell that gives insight into the life of women in the 1900s. Often humorous, the story holds interest as the reader waits to see if the show really will go on. The novel is based on a real incident at Sherborn prison, as explained in the author's note. Although not an essential purchase, the book might have an audience in those readers who like historical fiction or who are interested in the lives of women in the early twentieth century. VOYA Codes: 4Q 3P J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2003, Hyperion, 203p, Dubois
KLIATT
Perhaps best known for her works of historical fiction, Karr brings readers back to the early 20th century for a glimpse at life inside a women's prison. Libby Dodge, a young woman of seemingly fine upbringing and education, enters Sherborn Women's Prison in Massachusetts for a crime readers do not learn about until well into the second half of her story. Libby is determined to keep her crime private in a place with virtually no privacy. She has not even told her closest companion, Ma McCreary, who is in prison for killing her abusive husband (and proud of it). Ma and Libby are partners in the laundry when their lives inside the prison change dramatically. As they sing to help pass the time and to make their tasks more endurable, the new chaplain overhears them and her plan to make Sherborn more a place of reform than just punishment takes hold. Libby and Ma become the first members of the prison's new choir. Life inside the prison is transformed, with all inmates eager to participate in the performance of a full production of Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance. Those who are illiterate are taught to read using Bible verses and lyrics from the opera. Together the inmates, guided by the vision and belief of their chaplain, create an environment where everyone is working toward a common goal. In perhaps the most powerful scenes in the book, Libby has moments in solitary confinement when she is drawn back to the events that brought her to her current situation. While the discovery of her offense does not change how readers feel about Libby (they will still love her spirit and spunkiness), it does make clear why she is fearful of the life waiting for her beyond the walls of theprison. Karr has created an emotional story that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Readers will want to turn the pages to find out what happens to Libby and her prison family. Unfortunately, this will only happen if they can get past the title and the cover art, because teens will not find them appealing. But inside is a treat of a read—a treat that continues into the author's note, where we learn the story is based on fact. KLIATT Codes: JS—Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2003, Hyperion, 226p., Ages 12 to 18.
—Stephanie Squicciarini
School Library Journal
Gr 5-7-Karr's novel celebrates the transformative power of music and theater. If it were not based on an actual event, this story of how a production of The Pirates of Penzance changes the lives of inmates at a women's prison would be easy to dismiss as unrealistic or far-fetched. However, there really was a Sherborn Prison for Women in early-1900s Massachusetts. Mrs. Wilkinson, the chaplain who insisted on bringing music inside its walls, was a real person, and Libby Dodge, the 16-year-old protagonist whose life is most deeply affected by her involvement in the operetta, is also partially based on an inmate. Libby is immensely likable, and it's easy to root for her and her fellow thespians from the start. When she finally reveals the true circumstances behind her life of thievery, she earns even greater sympathy, though the idea of her being granted a full music scholarship is a bit hard to swallow. Still, the book boasts a unique setting inhabited by a colorful cast of characters that is not often seen in children's literature. And if the main message is a bit heavy-handed, it will resonate with readers who have been lucky enough to experience the true joy of theater.-Ronni Krasnow, New York Public Library Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Based on historical events that would seem incredible if fictitious, this fast-paced outing places itself in a Massachusetts women's prison in 1914. Libby Dodge, 16, in for jewel theft, finds herself mixing with a veritable stew of female felons, from housebreakers and prostitutes to drug addicts and baby murderers. When she comes to the attention of the new prison chaplain because of her clear singing voice, a new chapter in her life opens up. Against all probability, the chaplain turns a ragtag mob of criminals into first a choir, then a full-scale theatre company to perform The Pirates of Penzance, creating goodwill, solidarity, and self-esteem among the motley bunch. Karr offers an appealing blend of comedy, drama, history, and politics, the latter played out in the conversations among the inmates whose takes on women's rights in 1914 still seem relevant today. If the ending for Libby is a little pie-in-the-sky, given her antecedents, it is still emotionally satisfying. A splendid historical note details the actual events and individuals that inspired the novel. (Fiction. 10-14)
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9781932076745
  • Publisher: Fullcast Audio
  • Publication date: 3/28/2005
  • Format: CD
  • Age range: 13 - 14 Years
  • Product dimensions: 5.52 (w) x 7.46 (h) x 1.15 (d)

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