Hannah Blau, a young midwife, is driven by a passion to help other women--from Russian noblewomen to prostitutes--bring their babies safely into the world. After surviving pogroms, she emigrates to America where midwives present an economic threat to the emerging specialty of obstetrics, but the greatest challenge Hannah faces is from three men--Stefan Petrograv, the brilliant Russian doctor; Lazar, a firebrand socialist; and Nathaniel Belinsky, a ruthless, virile businessman. Each loves her and tries to make her his own while she struggles to confront a hostile world that tests her vision of personal and professional happiness.
The Midwife
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Gay Courter is the author of five bestselling novels (The Midwife, The Midwife?s Advice, River of Dream, Flowers in the Blood, and Code Ezra) and three works of non-fiction including I Speak for this Child. She and her husband, Philip, are producers of award-winning documentary films and are the parents of 3 children. See www.gaycourter.com for more information
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Lissa
Format:Paperback
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."
I highly recommend it, as well as this book's sequel, "The Midwife's Advice."
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
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.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A deep book.
I like this book - it contributes a lot to the understanding of immigration and the fight for professional growth. Read more
Published 9 days ago by Marina Shukhat
5.0 out of 5 stars
loved the book
loved the story and loved the history intertwined. A good read and I learned a lot about the history of the midwife at the turn of the century in New York
Published 1 month ago by Jane Josephson
2.0 out of 5 stars
Didn't finish it
I just could not get into the story of Midwife Hannah Blau, although I can't say exactly why, as I usually like historical novels. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Sybille C. Denninger
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good meaty story
I love Gay Courter's books. Her stories are well-researched with plenty of interesting details to support the plot, and her character development is top notch. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Kinkeeper
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book club
This was our book club selection and what a great discussion book. It took a little while to get into the book but I think after a few chapters of getting to know main character... Read more
Published 3 months ago by mommax2
4.0 out of 5 stars
keeps interest in Characters
A very well written period piece that moves from pogroms of Russia to New York City immigrant problems.Complex characters make for a very good book.
Published 3 months ago by modmate
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Midwife
The Midwife by Gay Courter = Could not put the book down - found it very interesting, touching, and a good read!
Published 3 months ago by Joyce Cornwell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Go back in time
This book is fascinating. It gives a tremendous amount the late 1800's,early 1900's. I just glad I didn't live then and have to take a chance on their "sterilization" and... Read more
Published 4 months ago by sixties2go
2.0 out of 5 stars
the midwife
the midwife was very disappointing. I have friends from England who watched the show on PBS. The book was repititous and sophomoric. It could have all been done in an essay.
Published 5 months ago by janet b wood
2.0 out of 5 stars
Tells to much about consepion! Writing for 2.
I loved this book, BUT! I read this when I had just turned 15. [I am almost 17 now] I am think of becoming a midwife or work in labor or delivery. Read more
Published 6 months ago by GloryHallelujah
