Customer Reviews

The Midwife (Signet)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book from a yardsale for a dollar, and didn't expect much. I regret that I actually set it at the bottom of my reading list because the moment I started reading it, I was hooked. It's an engrossing, educating and incredibly entertaining rea, rich in period detail. It's one of my favorite pieces of historical fiction.

I highly recommend it, as well as this book's sequel, "The Midwife's Advice."

When I read this book, I just couldn't put it down. I felt as though I was a valuable part of her life, throughout this book, and in the follow up book, "The Midwife's Advice." Reading this book provided me with a chance to reaffirm my beliefs, as a woman. The wonderful thing about this story, and in the other books by this author is that you can explore your own life, as the characters unfold. So many things that Hannah and those close to her said, in response to their life's struggles, I have copied into my quotes journal. And now some of their responses are part of my way of being amongst others. You don't have to be a mother, a medical professional, or a woman to get a great deal from this book. It speaks to the human spirit, across the board.

Though I was intimidated by the length of this book, I am so glad I read it. I immediately fell in love with the writing style, the subject matter and the characters. Midwifery is a hot topic for me and this book was right up my alley.

In addition to the midwifery aspects of the book, there was also plenty of story to go with it. Fleeing from your homeland, living in steerage on a boat, learning the culture of a new country, and so much more. Courter did a wonderful job expressing such a beautiful story. I've yet to read the sequel but it's on my list of things to read this year!

this novel not only tells the story of early midwifery but also life in america for new immigrants, i really enjoyed it.

This was an excellent book. The historical aspect of the book was fascinating. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more birthing side stories, as that is a particular interest of mine. Overall a great read, can't wait to start the next in the saga.

I read this book in 2 days because I couldn't put it down.I'm a nurse and the parts related to birthing were fascinating, along with the bits of history and the relationships that developed throughout the novel.I highly recommend it as a good read!

If you are interested in midwifery and childbirth you have to read this memorable novel. I read it years ago and have never forgotten it. It is also rich in history. Don't miss it! Patricia Harman CNM, author of The Blue Cotton Gown and Arms Wide Open: A Midwife's Journey. Arms Wide Open: A Midwife's Journey

I wish Ms. Courter would write a third book in this series. When I finished Midwife's Advice i waned more.

I am still waiting.... I think there will always be a market for historical fiction.
I wish more people were aware of Gay Courter's work.

My friend told me that this book was really good, so I bought it at a used book sale for a buck. It took me over a year to open the book, but once I started reading, I was hooked. I loved Hannah's story. I really enjoyed reading about the history of the struggles of midwives in this country. Unfortunately, not much has changed in that regard. The medical establishment is still threatened by midwives and their espousal of natural birth and a woman's right to birth the way that she chooses, without unnecessary medical interventions. Shameful. I would highly recommend this book!! And I heart midwives!

I read this book nearly 20 years ago when it was newly published and it is one of my all-time favorites. It inspired me to aspire to be in the medical professional career field and later inspired a Romance that turned into a Life-long friendship that I count among my most cherished experiences. Hannah faced a world of uncertainty, bias of priveledge, witness to poverty and cruelty that no woman should ever experience. The medical facts are accurate enough to be a true story.