Midwives: A Novel (Oprah's Book Club)

Chris Bohjalian

Aug 2002 · Sold by Vintage

About this ebook

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • This modern classic from the author of The Flight Attendant is a compulsively readable novel that explores questions of human responsibility that are as fundamental to our society now as they were when the book was first published. A selection of Oprah's original Book Club that has sold more than two million copies.

On an icy winter night in an isolated house in rural Vermont, a seasoned midwife named Sibyl Danforth takes desperate measures to save a baby’s life. She performs an emergency cesarean section on a mother she believes has died of stroke. But what if—as Sibyl's assistant later charges—the patient wasn't already dead? The ensuing trial bears the earmarks of a witch hunt, forcing Sibyl to face the antagonism of the law, the hostility of traditional doctors, and the accusations of her own conscience. Exploring the complex and emotional decisions surrounding childbirth, Midwives engages, moves, and transfixes us as only the very best novels ever do.
 
Look for Chris Bohjalian's new novel, The Lioness!

Ratings and reviews

I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of Jodi Picoult's books - with the court case, the female narrators, the hints of adultery... it was a very well-done story about a topic (midwifery) that I know little to nothing about. All in all, I'm very happy that I already own a few other books by him to read. It was a fast and exciting read, with a surprising ending. I am, however, at an absolute loss as to what to read next!

Are you kidding? That b*tch refuses to give up her "calling" even though she is aware of the fact that she probably, almost certainly, killed someone? And she's being treated like a hero, and just so darn attractive that her lawyer can't help but make a play for her? Give me a break. This is written like a Lifetime for Women movie and it's prancing around like a deep, thoughful work of literature with a preposterously mature 13-year old girl narrating it. What planet are all you from? That prosecuting attorney knew what he was doing. Too bad the morals and ethics of the woman and her daughter foiled his attempt to get justice for the real victim in this piece. Maybe the midwife's cancer was the truth eating away at her.

I liked the book and I thought the author had done a great job until one point in the book. Then I knew the author had to be a guy. I won't say what point in case you are reading it. The writing is a step up best seller. The plot is interesting but dragged out a little too long. There could have been some twists and turns that I think were lost opportunities. This is a good book if you are considering having a baby with a midwife. It may also give you a lot to think about in terms of how much training is needed and what does being an expert mean in certain professions. What do credentials mean, and what do they represent... ? Wish the book had touched on that dilemma a bit more. I may read another book by this author, though.

About the author

CHRIS BOHJALIAN is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-three books, including Hour of the Witch, The Red Lotus, Midwives, and The Flight Attendant, which has been made into an HBO Max limited series starring Kaley Cuoco. His other books include The Guest Room; Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands; The Sandcastle Girls; Skeletons at the Feast; and The Double Bind. His novels Secrets of Eden, Midwives, and Past the Bleachers were made into movies, and his work has been translated into more than thirty-five languages. He is also a playwright (Wingspan and Midwives). He lives in Vermont and can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Litsy, and Goodreads, @chrisbohjalian