The Birth House by Ami Mckay (ISBN:0061135879)

English (US)

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		The Birth House: A Novel (P.S.)
	
				(364 reviews)			
(4675 Readers)

			Ami Mckay		
	
An arresting portrait of the struggles that women faced for control of their own bodies, The Birth House is the story of Dora Rare—the first...more
 An arresting portrait of the struggles that women faced for control of their own bodies, The Birth House is the story of Dora Rare—the first daughter in five generations of Rares.   As apprentice to the outspoken Acadian midwife Miss Babineau, Dora learns to assist the women of an isolated Nova Scotian village through infertility, difficult labors, breech births, unwanted pregnancies, and unfulfilling sex lives. During the turbulent World War I era, uncertainty and upheaval accompany the arrival of a brash new medical doctor and his promises of progress and fast, painless childbirth. In a clash between tradition and science, Dora finds herself fighting to protect the rights of women as well as the wisdom that has been put into her care.   less

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Reviews

Showing 10 of 364 reviews

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							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
What a marvellous book this was!

The author has thoroughly researched her history, as well as aspects of midwifery of the time. She has produced wonderful insight on the "midwife problem". Great characterization of the Nova Scotia setting.

I loved the main character. She had a wonderful strength, yet she was very much a product of her time. She lived her life well.

I finished this book...more
 What a marvellous book this was!

The author has thoroughly researched her history, as well as aspects of midwifery of the time. She has produced wonderful insight on the "midwife problem". Great characterization of the Nova Scotia setting.

I loved the main character. She had a wonderful strength, yet she was very much a product of her time. She lived her life well.

I finished this book in one day, accompanied by a few tears, both of sadness and happiness.   hide

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							Keisla
						
							few weeks ago						
Fast read. Little-House-on-the-Prairie-esque. Love the newspaper ads and clippings, especially pharmaceutical ad re. "neurasthenia." Author has a good sense of humor. Not bad for her debut.

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							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
Such an amazing read! I loved this book!

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							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
Wish this was nonfiction!  Fantastic story to read, loved it.  Would have loved to live this woman's life.

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							Agata
						
							few weeks ago						
fantastiška.skaičiau ir negalėjau palikti knygos...keistu būdu ji mane prikaustė. paprastai,lengvai,aiškiai apie moteris,jų gyvenimą,sunkumus,su kuriais jos susiduria, vaikus,vyrus,seksą.  background`e šmėžuojantis pirmasis pasaulinis karas, sufražisčių judėjimo idėjos. ypatingai linksmino tos kvailos idėjos apie moteris,seksualinio gyvenimo vingrybės ir pramanai.smagu,kad tai...more
 fantastiška.skaičiau ir negalėjau palikti knygos...keistu būdu ji mane prikaustė. paprastai,lengvai,aiškiai apie moteris,jų gyvenimą,sunkumus,su kuriais jos susiduria, vaikus,vyrus,seksą.  background`e šmėžuojantis pirmasis pasaulinis karas, sufražisčių judėjimo idėjos. ypatingai linksmino tos kvailos idėjos apie moteris,seksualinio gyvenimo vingrybės ir pramanai.smagu,kad tai buvo seniai,o daba gyvenam su civilizuotesnėmis idėjomis   hide

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							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
Loved this story!

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							Courtney
						
							few weeks ago						
I throughly enjoyed this book.  Had it not been necessary to read, this I wouldn't have, and would have missed out.  I am quite new aged, but am old fashioned by heart.  I thought Mckay did great job of captivating a small community, women, and the birthing "rights" as they were and changed.  I thought she did well bringing history alive in a believable story, and I loved some of...more
 I throughly enjoyed this book.  Had it not been necessary to read, this I wouldn't have, and would have missed out.  I am quite new aged, but am old fashioned by heart.  I thought Mckay did great job of captivating a small community, women, and the birthing "rights" as they were and changed.  I thought she did well bringing history alive in a believable story, and I loved some of her characters in the lesser roles.   hide

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							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
I found this book to be alright.  I would probably give it 3.5-4.5 out 5 stars.  There were points when the novel was enjoyable to read and others where I found it to be slightly sluggish.  I could someone grasp certain concepts and well others either made me laugh or baffled me.  None the less, read the book but if your a true feminist I suggest purchasing it.
So far its looking good.  From what...more
 I found this book to be alright.  I would probably give it 3.5-4.5 out 5 stars.  There were points when the novel was enjoyable to read and others where I found it to be slightly sluggish.  I could someone grasp certain concepts and well others either made me laugh or baffled me.  None the less, read the book but if your a true feminist I suggest purchasing it.
So far its looking good.  From what I can gather so far its a little behind in our time. Feminism is definitely a theme in this novel.
So far so good.  A very intriguing read so far.  So far feminism seems to be a main theme.   hide

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							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
What a time to be in. I am so thankful for what I have and proud of what so many women went through in the past we have come a long way but still a very long way to go

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							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
A wonderful historical novel about how traditional midwifery gets "manhandled" out of the mainstream by modern obstetrics.  A must read for all midwives, doulas, and natural childbirth enthusiasts.  I read this while I was pregnant with my "blue moon baby."  Has some great gems of traditional birthing wisdom as well and an awesome herbal glossary at the end of the book.

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