The Windeby Puzzle by Lois Lowry – Book Review

Title: The Windeby Puzzle Author: Lois Lowry Publisher: Clarion Books Release Date: February 14, 2023

The Windeby Puzzle by Lois Lowry weaves together nonfiction, fiction, and the process of storytelling into a unique and memorable narrative. Inspired by the peat bog mummy discovered in Germany in 1952, Lowry contemplates the fate of the young person and the circumstances that led to her (later research determined the person was a male) demise. From there, interconnecting stories are bookended by the history that shaped (and continues to shape) Estrild and Varick’s stories. Estrild, a young girl that wants to stake her claim and rights in her society, practices to become a Warrior with the help of Varick. Varick, a broken-bodied outcast, studies the world around him and commits a final good deed before meeting his end. Both characters are ahead of their times, and both are unique. In Lowry’s hands, both are given an inspiring history that spans the ages.

The Windeby Puzzle takes storytelling to an elevated, meta level. First, Lowry explains her writing process and the events that can inspire it. Then, she creates two interconnected narratives that breathe life back into a 2,000-year-old, Windeby bog body discovered in Germany. The links between Lowry’s reflections and that history make for memorable reading. Short in length but deep in potential, the novel has a place in the classroom. Whether it is part of a narrative writing class, the exploration of how history is told, or a cross-curricular study of the Iron Age, The Windeby Puzzle offers opportunities to interrogate. In addition, Lowry’s exploration of her own approach to storytelling and narrative decisions creates a novel that feels like an introductory read for Historical Fiction Writing 101 of a college course. Teachers will not regret adding this novel to their classroom library to inspire a young person excited about reading and writing their own story.

Thank you to Edelweiss+ and publisher, Clarion Books, for an eARC of this book.

Classroom Applications

• Cross-Curricular Study – Teach the novel in conjunction with a study of the Iron Age and Germanic Tribes.
• Literature Circles – Use novel for small groups or choice reading with a variety of historical fiction books set in the Iron Age.
• Book Club or Book Exchange – Share the novel with students that enjoy reading historical fiction.

Nonfiction Connections

The list below outlines topics that will enrich your students’ understanding of the novel.

• Iron Age
• Germanic Tribes
• Storytelling Methods

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