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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “Highly recommend. Absolutely one of my all time favorite reads. Was a library book but must purchase as I will revisit Scots Bay while enjoying a cup of raspberry tea and the company of the women who live there. Truly a wonderful book full of rich prose, lively, likeable, as well as truly...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“This was an interesting read. Great book club discussion.”
Christine Z wrote this review yesterday. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I'm biased - I read this book when I was pregnant and was instantly hooked. Really really fantastic story though about a midwife.”
Natalie Y wrote this review Monday, November 9 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“It is a lovely fairytale. A good, fun read.”
Megan W wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No1 of 1 members found this review helpful“Highly recommend. Absolutely one of my all time favorite reads. Was a library book but must purchase as I will revisit Scots Bay while enjoying a cup of raspberry tea and the company of the women who live there. Truly a wonderful book full of rich prose, lively, likeable, as well as truly despicable characters. You will laugh out loud and tear up as McKay takes you on a wonderful journey through the lives of Dora Rare, Miss B, and the Occassional Kintting Society. Good historical fiction.
Debra H wrote this review Wednesday, October 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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just finished Chapter 2 and have been completely drawn in to the story since the prologue. I think Amy McKay will become one of my favorite authors, joining my favorite Geraldine Brooks, A Year of Wonders.The story becomes so real through McKay's truly exquisiet writing.
Setting, Nova Scotia, turbulent first years of W.W.I.
Dora Rare, the first daughter to be born in five generations of the Rare family, becomes a midwife apprentice to Miss Babineau, an outspoken Acadian midwife with a gift for healing and a kitchen filled w/herbs and folk remedies. Miss B's methods come into question when a brash medical dr., Gilbert Thomas, comes to Scots Bay w/promises of fast, painless childbirth. After the death of Miss B, Dora is left to carry on and must summon all her strength to protect the birthing traditions and wisdom that have been passed down to her.
McKay had filled her story with compelling and surprising details such as childbirth in the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion, the prescribing of vibratory treatments to cure hysteria and a mysterious elixir called Beaver Brew. McKay creates an arresting and unforgettable protrait of the struggles that women faced to have control of their own bodies and to keep the best parts of tradition alive in the world of modern medicine.
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“http://babbettesbookblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-review-birth-house.html”
Elisabeth W wrote this review Monday, October 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No![[Erin] she's totally wicked](http://shelfari-userimages.s3.amazonaws.com/usr1047951633889767888597139.jpg)
“A great book, full of historically accurate events intermixed with a fictional plot line. Feminist in several ways, but very moving and uplifting.”
[Erin] she's totally wicked wrote this review Thursday, October 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Nothing I love more than a well-written story of talented mid-wife.”
Book Rat wrote this review Sunday, October 4 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A debut novel for Ami McKay. Set on the coast of Nova Scotia in the small community of Scots Bay, Dora Rare at age 17 is taught by Mary Babineau to be the next mid-wife. This is an interesting story of life in the early 1900's. Most of it deals with the women in this small community. It definitely held my interest but wasn't a page turner. I look forward to her next book. 3.5 stars”
Linda wrote this review Wednesday, September 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“loved it! it was a great story that had me hooked from the beginning!”
Erin F wrote this review Friday, September 25 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Loved it! Couldn't put it down. Loved the struggle between midwifery and medicine, was quite comical at times. Liked how author made references to some of the historical incidences of the times. ”
Jennifer W wrote this review Monday, September 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
