The Midwife of Hope River: A Novel of an American Midwife

The narrator did amazing job of bringing the story to life. In listening to this book I just couldn't imagine reading it for the sounds and emotions brought forth were very well done. The story is like reading the diary of a woman who had lived many lives within her lifetime.

As soon as I finished listening to it I had to relisten because I just couldn't leave these women.

This is a book that I truly enjoyed listening to. I loved the story. Many times I was transported back as if I were in the room waiting for the birth.

I recommend this book as a "must listen".

Patricia Harman wrote a great story, and Anne Wittman made the book come alive with the way she read the book.

I am watching for more books by both of these women.

I just loved this book. The people were real with real problems, yet not overwhelming nor depressing. The story was good from the start and continued to keep going. It held my attention throughout. No slow spots or chapters you felt like fast forwarding through. I hope we hear more from this author

Everything

The midwife!

The midwife of course. She is a strong courageous women I can admire.

Keep writing

The book give graphic, heart wrenching depictions of births in the 1930s. This is extremely interesting and well done. The rest of the story is rather predictable. It was your run of the mill historical fiction story. The performance by Anne Wittman was well done. My only complaint is that there are many references to songs (very well known songs such as Christmas carols) and she doesn't sing them, she speaks the lyrics in an awkward voice.

This was a particularly rewarding book. The gently firm, calm voice of the reader, Anne Wittman, reflects the courage, proficiency and complete modesty of the midwife, Patience Murphy. There are images of babies being born with pain, with joy and with the mortal dangers attached to birth in a remote town in the Appalachians in the the depression years of the 1930s. And there are the fears and responsibilities of the untrained midwife. Strong images take us right to the mother, the baby, the family. These are informed images, presented with authority by the author, Patricia Harman, herself a midwife.

There is also the midwife's story. This is a strong narrative thread. Why would such a woman find herself here, in Hope River (what an ironic name), dealing with a tough environment and poverty, and managing her lifesaving role without vehicle and even a phone. The answers lie in a past rich with examples of injustice and social inequality and profound personal regrets. Furthermore, she finds herself with an assistant which takes her into the horrifying world of racial violence and discrimination which is then underlined by the few medical resources available to the 'negro' community.

We feel her pain, her dilemmas, and admire the clear thinking she brings to the many challenges that face her.

Satisfying parallel: the work of the vet in the community.

Have I made this sound gloomy? No, it is far from that. Life embracing and hopeful, in fact.