The Birth House is the story of Dora Rare, the first daughter to be born in five generations of Rares. As a child in an isolated village in Nova Scotia, she is drawn to Miss Babineau, an outspoken Acadian midwife with a gift for healing. Dora becomes Miss B.'s apprentice, and together they help the women of Scots Bay through infertility, difficult labours, breech births, unwanted pregnancies and even unfulfilling sex lives. Filled with details as compelling as they are surprising, The Birth House is an unforgettable tale of ...
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The Birth House is the story of Dora Rare, the first daughter to be born in five generations of Rares. As a child in an isolated village in Nova Scotia, she is drawn to Miss Babineau, an outspoken Acadian midwife with a gift for healing. Dora becomes Miss B.'s apprentice, and together they help the women of Scots Bay through infertility, difficult labours, breech births, unwanted pregnancies and even unfulfilling sex lives. Filled with details as compelling as they are surprising, The Birth House is an unforgettable tale of the struggles women have faced to have control of their own bodies and to keep the best parts of tradition alive in the world of modern medicine. "From the Hardcover edition."
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I was pulling for this book to win the 2011 'Canada Reads' competition, but was still glad that this story was only edged out on the last day.
I enjoyed this tale of a midwife in rural Nova Scotia; it was interesting how so many depended on the services of a midwife, but few were willing to associate socially with the midwife, herself, as she was seen by some as a witch, or in some way beneath the notice of 'polite society'
Well-written!
alicat
Mar 20, 2008
Very believable
A good read - although the story took place some time ago, it still has great relevance for women. I would highly recommend it.
