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There are currently 26 member reviews
for The Secrets of Midwives
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Deanna W. (Port Jefferson, NY)
Entertaining Historic Fiction
My great grandmother was a Midwife in Italy and the lower east side of Manhatan during the first quarter of the last century. My sons were delivered by a wonderful midwife. I love the British TV series CALL THE MIDWIVES. So...I was prepared to enjoy this novel...and I did. Told through the alternating viewpoints of 3 generations of midwives, the author gives multiple perspectives on the same relationships, personal issues and secrets. Enjoyable and highly recommended.
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Christy D. (Dubuque, IA)
Secrets, Secrets, Secrets!
Sally Hepworth's novel, "The Secrets of Midwives" is a delightful read about three generations of women, each carrying their own secret. Neva, Grace, and Floss are midwives who display warmth and compassion to their clients. If you enjoy reading about babies and bringing new life into this world, I highly recommend this book! I was very surprised to have been chosen to receive this ARC of "The Secrets of Midwives." Sally Hepworth is now one of my favorite authors! I can't wait to read her next novel. If you enjoy the works of Heather Gudenkauf, you'll be comfortable curling up with this book.
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Barbara B. (Holbrook, NY)
The secrets of midwives
Being one of four sisters, none of us a midwife, the family dynamics and relationships between mother and daughter and grandmother were in many ways very familiar. It is hard to describe in so many words about secrets and how they are played out between these females, but again knowing firsthand the impact it can have on trust issues struck a chord in me while reading this book. I flew through this book and it will stay with me for a very long time.
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Colleen L. (Casco, ME)
Impressive Debut..
The Secrets of Midwives is a lovely debut book about the relationships between mothers and daughters. Each of the three women (Floss, Grace, Neva) are midwives. All three have secrets to keep and eventually those secrets unravel to a surprising & hopeful conclusion.
The language the author used in the book is moving and evocative. As a reader, you glimpsed why someone would dedicate their lives to being a midwife...to the joy and beauty of bringing life into the world. The author does a wonderful job describing the first moments when a mother greets her newborn child into the world. The picture she paints is one of exquisite beauty.
I loved the way the author chose to present each of the characters' lives. Each chapter was a glimpse into Floss, Grace and Neva's world. As the ending of Neva's pregnancy draws near, so do the secrets. And ultimately, just as Neva's new baby represents a new life, the unveiling of secrets ultimately represents new beginnings.
For readers who love woman's lit, this book is for you. The writing is smooth and fast paced. Be prepared to find a comfy chair and settle in for the full duration as you will not want to put the book down once you start it.
I thank Bookbrowse for the advance copy. It was an excellent book.
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Claudia K. (Raleigh, NC)
An Unexpected Treat
I enjoy reviewing a book before I've read others opinions. The Secrets of Midwives is a complex book yet written in a style that let's one easily follow the lives of three generations of midwives, grandmother, mother, and daughter. The fact that their stories are not told in a linear manner makes the novel all the more interesting. One feels genuine empathy for each woman and how her life has effected the other women. Candor is paramount among the women once the secrets are finally revealed.
Ms Hepworth develops her characters well, with special emphasis on the midwives. Their strengths as individuals enables them to be honest about their secrets. The men perhaps are there simply in supporting roles.
I think many book clubs would really enjoy this book. It offers a wide range of interesting issues to discuss, secrecy, intergenerational struggles, and the role of midwives in to today's medical world.
Bravo to Ms. Hepworth.
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Ann B. (Bethlehem, PA)
Not disappointing
It was with great anticipation that I selected The Secret of Midwives. After all, I am an ardent fan of the PBS series Call the Midwife and still hold Chris Bohjalian's book, Midwives in a place of honor among thrilling reads. However, as I began to read, I quickly wondered if this was a good choice for me. A story of three generations of midwives, their secrets and their experiences. At first, it lacked a sense of theme, as it could have been any occupation; The Secrets of Lawyers, or Doctors, or any other occupation. However, stick with it and the wonders of the plight of midwives their challenges and triumphs unfold. The characters are developed with great care and their secrets told with unexpected consequences. A very discussable book for clubs who will certainly identify with one or more of the main characters.
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Maggie S. (Durango, CO)
The Secrets of Midwives
Three generations of midwives with their own individual secrets. That is the premise of the book by Sally Hepworth "The Secrets of Midwives". This book was an easy read. The characters were believable and the author did a great job of giving the reader some insight to the world of midwifery. I thought it was well written and thoroughly enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend the book to those who love women's fiction.
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