On an icy winter night in an isolated house in rural Vermont, a seasoned midwife named Sibyl Danford takes desperate measures to save a baby's life. She performs an emergency cesarean section on a mother she believes has died from a stroke. But what if Sibyl's patient wasn't dead-and Sibyl inadvertently killed her?

As Sibyl faces the antagonism of the law, the hostility of traditional doctors, and the accusations of her own consciences as only Midwives engages, moves and transfixes us as only the very best novels ever do.

There was 1 little side plot in the book that really put a sour taste in my mouth, but as a whole the book was really good. I would recommend it. I read this in 2004.

04/20-sending to my MIL
07/27-returned from MIL

10/15-mailed to purple-pixie for Everybook VBB

Arrived safely, thank you momx3lovesbooks!

An amazing book, I didn't guess how it would turn out right up until the end. It's hard to believe the book was written by a man, it's not the type of subject matter or treatment of the subject I would expect a man to write, but it's really well done. I didn't like the subplot, nor did I think it added to the book in any way.

Arrived safely, thank you very much for the book swap =) Sounds like a very intriguing book.

Just finished reading this book and I can't believe that it was written by a male author, it felt as though someone was writing from experience of midwifery. I found this book thought-provoking and I couldn't seem to put it down, however, I too didn't like the sub-plot, I don't think it was required for the story and seemed to be added for effect more than story progression. I wouldn't recommend for people who mind talk of blood, etc. but otherwise a good novel to read.

Sent as a RABCK :o)

Thank you for this RABCK of a wishlist book,it is very generous of you! It's a book I really want to read as it sounds so interesting, not least because I was a midwife myself for 8 years and it is always interesting to see how the profession is portrayed and being written by a man I am curious to read his interpretation of midwifery and childbirth.

Wow I really am impressed with this authors take on childbirth, especially as a man, very well researched! My only criticism is the stereotypical homebirth hippies in pheasant skirts!!! you don't have to be a hippie to believe women can give birth at home or stand up for the rights of women in your care.... I wasn't sure which way things would go through the whole book and the last page left me open mouthed x
will loan to my auntie first and then offer it as a Rabck