The Birth House: A Novel Exploring Infertility, Childbirth, and Women's Health in the Early 20th Century (P.S.)

I never knew where this story was heading, just made it more compelling to keep reading. Another tale detailing the lack of agency women had during World War I in coastal Eastern Canada, at home often at the hand of brutal men, before effective birth control, not yet able to vote and thereby influence public policy. Context that makes the story of Dora Rare's remarkable life as a midwife, widow, and protector of pregnant women, a delight that resonates against current issues of women's autonomy.

I gave it 4 stars simply because reading this on my phone for the Kindle app wasn't exactly the greatest thing, plus there were a few spelling errors that I noticed. Overall, this is a very interesting book. I liked it simply because it shows what starting happening in the early 1900's and how midwives started to become phased out by doctors and hospitals. It also shows how back in those days, medicine wasn't advanced and many OB doctors starting out had no real idea as to what a normal birth really was.I liked how the author really drew the readers into the novel. It became more than just words on a page. You actually felt like you were there in the story, living just as Dora Rare and feeling every single thing she felt. You felt her pain, you felt her love and you felt her strength. But, overall, for me, the main character did seem a bit flat and dull to me at times. Several other characters were pretty one dimensional, the doctor being one of them. He was strictly the bad guy, never a single good quality about it. He seemed dull and lifeless sort of speak. He's focused on trying to gather up as many pregnant women as possible and trying to make a quick buck by having their husbands pressure the young ladies into going to the hospital to deliver.A lot of it sounds like historical fiction than anything for me. She didn't go into too much detail about "modern" medicine that was available back then, and just mentioned one scene in which she somewhat described what a laboring woman was going through. I was more curious about what exactly were the practices back then for OB doctors and while I had a question or two somewhat answered, we never really see much else beyond the battle between midwives and the doctors.Overall, for it being debut novel, it was decent. I wish the author had fleshed the characters out more, double checking to make sure that they were just the normal, flat and dull one dimensional characters and making extra sure to flesh out the plot and make it something that readers won't forget. But, overall the story was enjoyable for me and did make me curious about how things changed from back then to nowadays where midwives are treated like they are. It's an engaging read and it is worth your money if you are interested in these kinds of topics.

I read The Witches of New York last year and enjoyed it immensely. The Birth House, Ami McKay's first novel did not disappoint either. Her second novel, The Virgin Cure, is on my TBR stack. Ms. McKay is a fabulous story teller with engaging plots and interesting characters. So far, her books are about brave women practicing medicine or midwifery in the early 20th century. However, the two books I read are not boilerplate and tell unique stories.The Birth House takes place during WWI in Nova Scotia. Dora Rare is the first daughter born in five generations of Rare sons. This is not the only thing that makes her special. She is singled out by the colorful Miss Babineau an Acadian midwife and healer who takes care of most of the people in their village. She also helps the women with difficult childbirth, infertility, unwanted pregnancies, and sexual problems. Dora assists her and is being groomed to take over. Things are going smoothly until Dr. Gilbert Thomas arrives in town with plans to build a modern and sterile maternity hospital. He hopes Miss Babineau will go away quietly and his threats exposing her "illegal activity" escalate when she continues to assist with births. The bulk of the story is about how Dora comes into her own as a midwife and continues to practice despite Dr. Thomas' threats. It is also about her unhappy marriage to a philandering, irresponsible, but wealthy husband. Despite knowing how to help other women with their troubles, Dora is ill-prepared for marriage. At one point, Dora is treated for "hysteria" by Dr. Thomas with a vibrator. Dora becomes part of a small community of women who help each other and work to protect her midwife practice.As I said in the beginning, Ms. McKay is an excellent story teller. The writing is wonderful. The book contains various fliers and advertisements that are typical of that time period. I am particularly drawn to the story line about women struggling to gain control of their bodies and their right to make decisions about medical treatment, finances, and career. This would be a great book for a book club discussion.

Im a big fan of the old remedies and teas that women used before scientific medicines took over.There must have been some truth in the stories. many women and children survived the impossible with using natural home grown remedies.it's a lovely heart warming , informative , thought provoking read.makes you value the importance of friendships and the bonding that takes place with generations and communities of females that make us rich within ourselves. I would recommend this novel to all females .

An absorbing period tale of women, tradition and their lives in a past time. Touches of spirituality and superstition with gentle humour also. A good read particularly for groups as it contains much for discussion.

Great book

Lent this out and never returned so had to order it again just to know I have it in the house. Good mix of fact, folk and womanly stuff that I found involving and inspiring.

loved this book and have lent out to several people. Really unusual story with great bits of social history