The Midwife's Song: A Story of Moses' Birth [Paperback]

Brenda Ray (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2000 | ISBN-10: 0965396681 | ISBN-13: 978-0965396684 | Edition: 1st

An intriguing, provocative "story behind the story" as told in Exodus, chapters one and two. It is the tale of the young Hebrew midwife, Puah, who defies Pharaoh's decree to murder all newborn Hebrew males, and unknowingly saves her people. Under the shadow of Pharaoh's ungodly edict, Puah finds love and sees her own vacillating faith tempered in the trial of fire.

Puah is a headstrong Hebrew girl whose parents have almost abandoned hope of finding a husband who pleases her. None of the young men "make her heart sing." Then she meets Hattush, of the house of Jacob and chief goldsmith of Pharaoh. The shy but willful midwife captures his heart and thrusts him toward his own unexpected destiny.

Pharaoh grows more insane with each passing day. His obsession to complete his tomb and his hatred for the Hebrews color every royal decree. When his paranoia peaks, he demands the midwives slay all Hebrew male infants. In the midst of this spiritual trial, Hattush and Puah must discover if they are truly worthy to be called "children of Abraham."

With thoroughly researched detail, author Brenda Ray brings to life the Biblical account of the Hebrew midwives and the birth of Moses. Using vivid imagery that appeals to all the senses, she places the reader in this timeless story.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Puah, an old Hebrew midwife, reflects on her life as Moses leads their people to freedom from Pharaoh. As a young girl, she and her mentor Shiprah faced Pharaoh when he decreed that all male infants born to Hebrews must die. As she her story to her great-great-granddaughter Hannah and the other children, Puah reveals her role in saving Moses from certain death. Ray's debut is a wonderful midrash, a story behind a story, drawn from the biblical verses mentioning two midwives who appeared before Pharaoh. Filled with intrigue, romance, and suspense, Puah's story sheds new light on the role of women in the Bible, just as Thom Lemmon's "Daughters of Faith" series and Francine River's Unveiled (LJ 6/1/00) do. A wonderful story for all collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"...Egypt came alive...as did the characters in this novel, and I finished the book with some regret. Bravo...!" -- Robin Lee Hatcher, Best-selling author and RITA Award-winner

"...Utilizing Biblical narrative, folklore, Ancient Near Eastern history, and her vivid imagination, Brenda Ray has created a magical tale..." -- Rabbi Stacia Deutsch, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion

"A delightful and easy read. The characters are engaging and well-placed in this historical context..." -- Kathaleen C. Bloom, PhD, CNM, Univ. of North Florida, Dept. of Nursing

Brenda Ray, a former nurse-midwife, brings sensitivity from that experience to make this story all the more realistic and poignant. -- Laughing Bear Newsletter, September 2000

Engaging tale about Moses' birth. This imaginative story gives readers a credible peek into ancient Egypt... -- Christian Booksellers Association CBA

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Karmichael Pr; 1st edition (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965396681
• ISBN-13: 978-0965396684
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,372,142 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Tale of courage and justice hard won., January 26, 2002

By 

Denise Bentley "Kelsana" (The California Redwoods) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Midwife's Song: A Story of Moses' Birth (Paperback)

Puah is a Hebrew midwife in the Land of Egypt where Pharaoh rules like a god. He has proclaimed that all male Hebrew babies are to be slain at birth. Puah is an instrument of the one true God and cannot follow such a command. The story goes on to tell of the coming of Moses in the midst of this strife.

This is a book with more than the story of Moses; it is a love story that will reach the very depths of your heart. The author, who is also a midwife, had me in the palm of her hands by the second chapter. Her characters were so real, and their emotions so strong, I am still moved by them now. This is a wonderful story that is fast moving and written with a flow that makes the pages fly by. If you enjoy this book, another similar book of equal quality is QUEENMAKER by India Edgehill. Kelsana 1/26/02

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not enough praise for this book!!, November 28, 2001

By 

Barbara "Queen of her castle AND her home lib... (beautiful Charleston, SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Midwife's Song: A Story of Moses' Birth (Paperback)

This is one of those books that I hated to see come to an end...wonderful story from the Bible. This author has a talent for bringing the women of the Bible to life. While reading this book, the reader realizes how special a good midwife was in Egypt in the time of Pharoah. This is a story of Moses' birth and his survival. The sacrifices his mother made to give birth to him and also keep him from being murdered. Here's another example of how wise and sacrificing the women of biblical times were.
I would encourage everyone to read this novel. The writing flows, there are no unnecessary wordy descriptions. Very enjoyable as well as educational.
If you enjoyed Red Tent, Queen maker, or any of Francine Rivers' books....this is a book you do not want to miss reading, enjoying, and discussing.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging from the first page, October 30, 2003

By 

Karen Cranston (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Midwife's Song: A Story of Moses' Birth (Paperback)

A wonderfully written and fascinating tale of the midwives Puah and Shiphrah. Brenda Ray brought the characters to life unfolding a story filled with romance, inspiration and gripping drama. A very enjoyable book; I was a bit sad for it to end. I found The Midwife's Song to be a more compelling read than The Red Tent.