Monday, September 3, 2012

Book Review: The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman

Occasionally I get books from Penguin to read and review.  The books typically involve midwifery in some aspect.  I was absolutely delighted at the latest sending!  I've read other books by author Patricia Harman, such as The Blue Cotton Gown, and absolutely love her work.  Her newest book, The Midwife of Hope River, did not disappoint.

This fiction piece focuses on Appalachian midwife Patience Murphy.  Patience has come to midwifery in a roundabout way, having left her most recent job as a wet nurse, she meets an established midwife in the city. They eventually move to the Appalachians, on the run from political activism resulting in the death of Patience's husband.  Here, they find a population in desperate need of midwifery care.  In the midst of segregation, depression era conditions, and Patience's own fears and loss, she discovers a new chance at life.  She becomes involved in both white and black communities, tending to their childbirth needs, in conditions that I could never imagine working in.  She rediscovers a woman's capability and strength to overcome and triumph the harshest conditions, even falling in love again.

Being a midwife, I found the political climate and conditions shocking.  I couldn't imagine having to work under those conditions.  This book is easy to read, as Patricia's other books are, and I had to pace myself to not get through it in a couple days!  I recommend!

6 comments:

patricia harman cnm said...

Thanks for the kind words about The Midwife of Hope River. I'm sitting in the airport in Birmingham on the way to Atlanta book touring. (If anyone lives near Atlanta, Pittsburgh or Ohio check out my website for details of the tour. www.patriciaharman.com. I'd love to meet you). I decided I just have to think of this time away from home as part of the job of being an author. I'd rather be taking care of my patients or sitting under a tree but I'm a road warrior for normal birth, midwives and doulas. It makes me feel good that people appreciate my books.

Ciarin said...

It's a pleasure that you stopped by! Hope all goes well on your tour and could you write another book real quick tpp...lol!

Unknown said...

nice blog, very beautifull

Anonymous said...

I am working on another book. Like many readers, I feel in love with the people of the Hope River and didn't want to leave them. Unfortunately, it takes me about 2 years to write a book and if I don't quit fooling around looking at my reviews, it might be 3! peace...
patsy

Cars said...

Great post thank you

Jack Richard said...

can't wait to rad this book too..!