Midwives: A Novel

Review originally posted on my blog at westmetromommy.blogspot.com4.0 StarsI actually first read this book over a decade ago when Oprah Winfrey chose it for her book club. All I really remembered of it was that it was set in Vermont, a midwife is on trial because a mother died, it is told from the daughter's point of view, and that it was a solid book that pretty much left me after I had turned the last page. Obviously, I was going to need to re-read it for my book club.Because so much has happened in my life since I first read this book (moved to the east coast, moved back to the west coast, went through 3 jobs, got married, had 2 kids), I think my experiences enhanced what I read in this book. Unlike my first reading, this time the book stayed with me after I finished it--and it is still with me.There is no argument that Bohjalian is a skilled writer--his prose is deep, but still readable. I enjoyed how he structured the book, with the main narration coming from Sibyl's daughter, but each chapter being prefaced with Sibyl's own words. The last half of the book mostly takes place in the courtroom and, as a reader, I felt as if I was a member of the jury.I did not especially like Sibyl, but I understood her. I understood what drove her to midwifery and what led her to the fateful decision that landed her in a manslaughter trial. Sibyl's daughter, Connie, is exactly what I would picture a girl of her age who finds herself in her position would be. I do wish, however, that Sibyl's husband, Rand, was fleshed out a bit more.I will say that I have questions about this book. Are non-certified midwives really as self-trained as Sibyl was? Does the medical community really have it out for midwives? Did Sibyl really do the best that she could? I'm looking forward to my book club discussion on this book because there will be at least one doctor with us.All in all, this was a great book for me to re-read and I think it will be an excellent selection for our book club.

The writing of the book was so engaging I couldn’t stop once I started. I will say at times this was hard to read, because the subject matter was really dark. I love it though thought the whole thing was very well done. Even by the end you are supposed to draw your own conclusions as to weather you think Sybil is guilty or not.I highly recommend the audiobook.

Oprah recommended this book, and being a nurse I found the topic very intriguing. Nothing like curling up on the chaise lounge with a hot cup of cocoa, my favorite blanket, and a some good old fashioned medical malpractice! Factually, this lady is not a doctor, not even a nurse, but rather a just a simple midwife who loves nothing more than going from home to home in her small Vermont community helping bring new life into the world. She is a master at what she does. Her name is Sybil and she is somewhat of a Hippie. I enjoyed her character very much. The story is told in the view point of her teenage daughter, Connie, which adds a nice perspective and richness to the story. It really helps to get the point across of how horrifying and stressful things can be in situations like this; how much a trial can take its toll on a family. I particularly enjoyed the characters, especially Sybil's lawyer. The author really does a great job of helping you get to know the characters involved. The characters in the story are well developed. The thick of the book, the part that you can't wait to get to, is the re-cap that lead to murder charges to begin with! The intense labor! The storm! The split second decision! The accusations .... All in all this was a good book. My only complaint was the ending; not that it did or didn't end good or bad, but that it just sort of ended. I was left feeling that there just should have been something ... more. It would not keep me from reading it again. A very good story! So if you are looking for a book with great texture, thick meaty center, and sweet glaze to satisfy your mental appetite, then I will highly recommend this novel by Chris Bohjalian. Hopefully, like me, it will have you googling to see if this was based on a true story!~*~ Rhea

This is one of those books that I never wanted to end...like I legitimately forced myself to stop reading this book and started another just so I could keep coming back to read it! So many emotions...sorrow, fear, happiness, surprise, disgust, disappointment and I could go on and on...coming from a large family and having a Mom that was all about birthing her children without any medical interventions (although she never gave birth at home) makes this book hit home a bit harder than it would have if I wasn't so familiar with the birthing process. I am the oldest of six...the youngest of my siblings being 21 YEARS younger than me. I also have had formal medical training- I give this book 15/5 stars. I actually may just go back to page one and re-read it right now!

I couldn’t put this book down. A well written, articulate story in a daughter’s voice of her mother’s ordeal as a midwife. Filled with compassion, family, friendships and the tremendous courage of humanity. I highly recommend this book.

A very entertaining book, speaking of a series of difficult decisions to be taken in a split second and against a further series of negative circumstances surrounding the problematic birth of a baby, delivered by an experienced midwife during a snowy night in rural Vermont. When things deteriorate, Sibyl, the midwife, has to take a crucial decision which will then lead to a lawsuit.This book certainly makes you think about how everything can go wrong if adverse fate interferes, but not only. It also gives rise to a crucial question regarding the choice between childbirth taking place in the serenity of a home or at a hospital, where everything would be "colder" but most risks could be kept at bay.With all due respect, I must admit I was really impressed that the author of this book is a male, as everything is recounted with such feminine accuracy. Well done, truly well done. A book to be remembered. I still do and I've read it at least five years ago!

Didn't realise it was an American bok or wouldn't have bought it - not into US writing style and their medical systems and terms are a mystery so makes it more difficult to follow story - not particularly well written - tends to wander from one character and story line to another and not yet really worked out what the story is - would I recommend? As a holiday read perhaps but little more - not one of world's greatest books let's say that - would I buy again had I known? If I were honest? No....Squirrel 59 - 10.7.15.

I enjoyed this story and unlike others did not find it dull. I thought it well paced and although the reader knows at the beginning what happens (the mother's death in childbirth) there is still much more to uncover in the book.I would have given this a higher rating, however, if the narrator, Connie the midwife's daughter, had had an authentic voice. The back cover states that this is related through the eyes of Sibyl's fourteen year old daughter. This is not the case. It is Connie who narrates, but instead of seeing the story through her fourteen year old eyes, it is told from her older more detached thirty something year old self. This creates an unnecessary distance from events in my opinion and gives the fourteen year old Connie more insight and wisdom than she would have had. As a result of this choice of point of view, I feel the book does not engage the reader. If Bohjalian had actually used a fourteen year old narrator that would have placed the reader in the story at the time it was happening. Instead the reader is as detached as Connie and for this reason the book is somewhat unsatisfactory.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I bathed in the glorious Turkish sunshine. Had I read it at home I might have picked holes in some of the plot but being totally relaxed made me view it from a different perspective. I found the little girl most endearing and I just wanted to give her hug all the time. I didn't get the insinuation of a relationship between the lawyer and the mother, just a red herring. I would definitely recommend this book.

One of the best books I have read in years. Gripping throughout, accessible, and well written. reasonably short, so you do not need to invest a month of your life finding out what happens. Unexpected ending, but perfect. Read and enjoy!