Midwives Book Summary

In 'Midwives' by Chris Bohjalian, the life of a skilled midwife is turned upside down when she finds herself entangled in a tragic birth that leads to unforeseen legal troubles. Set against the backdrop of a small New England town, the story explores the complexities of childbirth, maternal instincts, and moral dilemmas. As events unfold, secrets are revealed, and the midwife's professional and personal life hangs in the balance. This gripping narrative delves deep into the themes of trust, community, and the heavy burdens carried by those who bring new life into the world. Can she navigate the turbulent waters of guilt and justice while fighting for her own redemption?

By Chris Bohjalian

Published: 1998

"In the depths of a crisis, we discover the true essence of life, where choices become the roots of morality and the heart reveals its resilience."

Book Review of Midwives

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.

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In the depths of a crisis, we discover the true essence of life, where choices become the roots of morality and the heart reveals its resilience.

Midwives

By Chris Bohjalian