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Midwives  By  cover art

Midwives

By: Chris Bohjalian
Narrated by: Kate Burton
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Publisher's summary

With a suspense, lyricism, and moral complexity that recall To Kill a Mockingbird and Presumed Innocent, this addictive novel explores what happens when a woman who has devoted herself to ushering life into the world finds herself charged with responsibility in a patient's tragic death.

The time is 1981, and Sibyl Danforth has been a dedicated midwife in the rural community of Reddington, Vermont, for fifteen years. But one treacherous winter night, in a house isolated by icy roads and failed telephone lines, Sibyl takes desperate measures to save a baby's life. She performs an emergency Caesarean section on its mother, who appears to have died in labor. But what if--as Sibyl's assistant later charges--the patient wasn't already dead, and it was Sibyl who inadvertently killed her?

As recounted by Sibyl's precocious fourteen-year-old daughter, Connie, the ensuing trial bears the earmarks of a witch hunt except for the fact that all its participants are acting from the highest motives--and the defendant increasingly appears to be guilty. As Sibyl Danforth faces the antagonism of the law, the hostility of traditional doctors, and the accusations of her own conscience, Midwives engages, moves, and transfixes us as only the very best novels ever do.

©2007 Chris Bohjalian (P)2007 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Superbly crafted and astonishingly powerful.... Will thrill readers who cherish their worn copies of To Kill A Mockingbird."People

"Astonishing ... will keep readers up late until the last page is turned." —The Washington Post Book World

What listeners say about Midwives

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Why Abridged

I made a horrible mistake buying this book. I was the one at fault, however. I hate abridged books and truly do not understand why they are producd. More significantly, why does Audible sell them?

The Publisher's Review states this book "engages, moves, and transfixes us as only the very best novels ever do." I don't agree after having listened to it. The story is fine. It just doesn't shake anything up. It's pleasant enough, but lacked fire. Not once was I tempted to stay in the car to continue listening to the story.

Now was that because the abridged version cut out details someone thought unneccesary? We'll never know.

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27 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Why only abridged?

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I really enjoyed this - it was well-performed and a very compelling story. But my feeling with this one, as with most abridged works, is "What am I missing?" I don't necessarily feel the story wasn't told completely, but I always feel like I'm cheating the author if I only have the abridged version. Sadly, only an abridged audio version was available. I guess I just don't like other people deciding what was "important."

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Relieved that this ordeal was over!! Wow... insane.

Have you listened to any of Kate Burton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Her voice sounds familiar, but I can't place what else I have listed to that she has narrated.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Abridged !!!!

It should say right at the top that this is an abridged copy I am reading the book and this leaves so much out .. don’t listen and read the book!

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Unabridged?

I liked this book though I wish that there was an unabridged version. I think there are pieces missing that would really add to the story. I assume those parts are included in the unabridged version. But I'm not willing to get the book and read it to find out!

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Shouldn't have been abridged

I ordered this audio for my bookclub discussion having read the book years ago and loved it. I didn't want to re-read it. I was very sad that this was the abridged version and didn't realize it till after I purchased it. I love Chris Bohjalian's writing and this book has so much to offer. That said, I highly recommend that you either offer an unabridged version or that readers get a hard copy and read every word. My bookclub had a lively discussion on "what would you do" if you were the midwife in this situation?
It also raised many questions about home birth and lay midwifery. SInce our group includes an Internal med doc and myself, a NICU nurse, as well as non-medical members it was a thought provoking discussion.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Good story but what's the point?

This is well narrated. It's a well written story as well but... I just kept thinking while listening to it - what's the point of the story - you know literally - was it worth creating and telling? I'd say know. I don't give it a bad rating because the writing is good but storyline isn't worth listening to. catches you upfront with the midwife being accused of murder but goes along pretty calmly and then ends. just wasn't worth my while!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Abridged version no good

Book was ruined by being abridged. Don’t waste your time and money. Get the book.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Awk! Abridged!

I know it says "abridged" in the description, but I wish audible would put that in red or bold or something more obvious. I would never have wasted a credit on it if I had realized it was abridged. I also have the book, and when I was searching for where I left off listening to the recording, I realized what I was missing.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

I, too, was duped into purchasing abridged book

Usually I am careful about reviewing the length of a book. I failed to do that in this case, and was very sorry. Right away.

Did the author really agree to the chop block? He should not have done so. I have marked this down accordingly even though I know I would have applauded this book in its full version. Shame, shame.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

ABRIDGED?!

I really enjoy this author and I was so excited to listen to this book. Unfortunately, I had no idea it was abridged until after purchasing and reading reviews. It’s an incredible story, but I felt a bit lost and kept rewinding to see if I had missed something. I will be reading an unabridged version

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1 person found this helpful