Midwives

A Novel

By: Chris Bohjalian

Narrated by: Kate Burton

Length: 4 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

With a suspense, lyricism, and moral complexity that recall To Kill a Mockingbird and Presumed Innocent, this addictive novel explores what happens when a woman who has devoted herself to ushering life into the world finds herself charged with responsibility in a patient's tragic death.

The time is 1981, and Sibyl Danforth has been a dedicated midwife in the rural community of Reddington, Vermont, for fifteen years. But one treacherous winter night, in a house isolated by icy roads and failed telephone lines, Sibyl takes desperate measures to save a baby's life. She performs an emergency Caesarean section on its mother, who appears to have died in labor. But what if--as Sibyl's assistant later charges--the patient wasn't already dead, and it was Sibyl who inadvertently killed her?

As recounted by Sibyl's precocious fourteen-year-old daughter, Connie, the ensuing trial bears the earmarks of a witch hunt except for the fact that all its participants are acting from the highest motives--and the defendant increasingly appears to be guilty. As Sibyl Danforth faces the antagonism of the law, the hostility of traditional doctors, and the accusations of her own conscience, Midwives engages, moves, and transfixes us as only the very best novels ever do.

©2007 Chris Bohjalian (P)2007 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Superbly crafted and astonishingly powerful.... Will thrill readers who cherish their worn copies of To Kill A Mockingbird." —People

"Astonishing ... will keep readers up late until the last page is turned." —The Washington Post Book World

I, too, was duped into purchasing abridged book

Usually I am careful about reviewing the length of a book. I failed to do that in this case, and was very sorry. Right away.

Did the author really agree to the chop block? He should not have done so. I have marked this down accordingly even though I know I would have applauded this book in its full version. Shame, shame.

Ended too soon!

I was captivated, despite it ending too early! I didn’t see the other reviews until after I had finished it, and wish that I had been able to read/listen to the full novel! As a Midwifery student, I was impressed by the details and storyline!

A tale of tragedy and a child's love

This book is one of my favorites. It's a story of a terrible tragedy, secrets, and a child's absolute love and devotion to her Mother. Secrets, lawyers, and strong emotions make this book a tale that leaves you wanting more. The characters are so brilliantly written that they are palpable. The narration couldn't be better for this book.

I love Chris Bohjalian

I have loved this book for so long. It combines the law and medicine with such a great storyline. I have read the book multiple times and love it every single time. Kate Burton's performance is just wonderful. It definitely deserves Five Stars across the board!!

absolutely outstanding!

Chris paints pictures with his words. Indeed it has changed me forever. Thank you Chris. Shnorhagalen.

Wow

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.

Why Abridged

I made a horrible mistake buying this book. I was the one at fault, however. I hate abridged books and truly do not understand why they are producd. More significantly, why does Audible sell them?

The Publisher's Review states this book "engages, moves, and transfixes us as only the very best novels ever do." I don't agree after having listened to it. The story is fine. It just doesn't shake anything up. It's pleasant enough, but lacked fire. Not once was I tempted to stay in the car to continue listening to the story.

Now was that because the abridged version cut out details someone thought unneccesary? We'll never know.

Childbirth is dangerous Business

This was an entertaining story, however I think a bit unrealistic. The series of unfortunate circumstances and the fact that the main character was just a random midwife and not actually a certified nurse midwife seemed a stretch.

Amazing!

Loved it! Beautifully written and very well read! Thank you Mr. Chris Bohjalian! It was such a pleasure to listen.

Shouldn't have been abridged

I ordered this audio for my bookclub discussion having read the book years ago and loved it. I didn't want to re-read it. I was very sad that this was the abridged version and didn't realize it till after I purchased it. I love Chris Bohjalian's writing and this book has so much to offer. That said, I highly recommend that you either offer an unabridged version or that readers get a hard copy and read every word. My bookclub had a lively discussion on "what would you do" if you were the midwife in this situation?
It also raised many questions about home birth and lay midwifery. SInce our group includes an Internal med doc and myself, a NICU nurse, as well as non-medical members it was a thought provoking discussion.