This book came highly recommended from a couple friends and it did not disappoint. It wasn't at all what I anticipated, even as I was reading I couldn't predict what was going to happen next.
The story of Dora Rare, a teenager growing up in rural Nova Scotia during WWI, and her journey from her parents' home, to a midwife apprentice, wife, mother, and outlaw. The tension between the practice of midwifery and the new women's clinic with it's smug doctor provided a riveting study of women's health practices. Oddly enough, I'm all about hospitals and epidurals, but I still managed some indignance on Dora's behalf (not that she needed it) . I was struck by Dora's work ethic, and her willingess to obey certain societal expectations while rebelling against others. It was easy to get absorbed in this beautifully written story and involved with its characters.
I would definitely recommend this book, it would make an excellent discussion. For more info, go to www.amimckay.com or www.thebirthhouse.com .
The End.
Ooooh, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Here are my unanswered questions about the book... I know, it isn't official book club fodder here, but I am dying to know what you think...
When she goes to the house that is all women plus her brother, what is that household, and what links the women together? By putting the brothel next door, I thought the suggestion was that it isn't a brothel, but what is it?
Why doesn't she marry the man she loves? Why do you think the author selected this plot strand?
And, random, but still wondering... How do you think this book compares with Esme? I have been thinking about their similarities.
Posted by: jill | February 04, 2008 at 08:36 PM
I'm so glad you enjoyed this. I think since it's been a while since I've read it, I'll suggest it to my bookclub for 2009 (!).
Posted by: tara | February 07, 2008 at 08:07 PM