The Apprentice Witnesser

Bastienne's life with Lodyma is filled with learning and growth as she steps into the role of an apprentice Witnesser of Miracles. Following the tragic loss of Lodyma’s husband and elder son to the pervasive illness, and the mysterious disappearance of her teenage son, Osmin, into the mountains, Lodyma channels her grief into teaching Bastienne the art of witnessing and storytelling. Although ten years have passed without word from Osmin, his memory still lingers, an unspoken hope binding Lodyma and Bastienne closer together.

Their routine takes an unexpected turn when two young boys arrive with a desperate plea for Lodyma to travel to a distant monastery. Intrigued and slightly apprehensive, Lodyma and Bastienne embark on this mysterious journey, unaware that what they discover will irrevocably alter their lives. Along the way, Bastienne encounters trials that force her to confront her fears and uncover her inner strength, discovering new facets of familial bonds and personal courage.

The Apprentice Witnesser is a narrative imbued with themes of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of love and family. Bren MacDibble masterfully combines elements of adventure and fantasy to examine the impacts of climate change and societal collapse, all while maintaining a tender and uplifting tone. Young readers will find themselves captivated by Bastienne's quest, filled with marvellous twists and delightful surprises, as they journey alongside her in search of strength and belonging.

'A classic MacDibble: young Basti is a delight as she searches for her strength and a family in a post-apocalyptic world, leaving us with a glimmer of hope for her future and our own.' - Wendy Orr

'Bren MacDibble has become well-known for her unique and heartfelt adventure novels ... and The Apprentice Witnesser is no exception... She is particularly astute at writing timely and inventive stories exploring the impacts of climate change. [There are] plenty of twists for younger readers who enjoy a good dash of marvel and intrigue with their adventure stories. MacDibble's use of language is unparalleled, and she illustrates hope and resilience through her characters.' - Books & Publishing