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Midwives
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
110 posts | 150 read | 99 to read
"Superbly crafted and astonishingly powerful. . . . It will thrill readers who cherish their worn copies of To Kill A Mockingbird." --People With a suspense, lyricism, and moral complexity that recall To Kill a Mockingbird and Presumed Innocent, this compulsively readable novel explores what happens when a woman who has devoted herself to ushering life into the world finds herself charged with responsibility in a patient's tragic death. The time is 1981, and Sibyl Danforth has been a dedicated midwife in the rural community of Reddington, Vermont, for fifteen years. But one treacherous winter night, in a house isolated by icy roads and failed telephone lines, Sibyl takes desperate measures to save a baby's life. She performs an emergency Caesarean section on its mother, who appears to have died in labor. But what if--as Sibyl's assistant later charges--the patient wasn't already dead, and it was Sibyl who inadvertently killed her? As recounted by Sibyl's precocious fourteen-year-old daughter, Connie, the ensuing trial bears the earmarks of a witch hunt except for the fact that all its participants are acting from the highest motives--and the defendant increasingly appears to be guilty. As Sibyl Danforth faces the antagonism of the law, the hostility of traditional doctors, and the accusations of her own conscience, Midwives engages, moves, and transfixes us as only the very best novels ever do. BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from Chris Bohjalian's The Light in the Ruins.
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ChrisBohjalian
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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The winner of a signed first edition of MIDWIVES is Marianne Fokas! She subscribed to my newsletter and her name was randomly drawn from the new subscribers. Sign up at www.ChrisBohjalian.com . (Scroll to the bottom of the home page). I‘ll have more giveaways (plural!) in October and EVERYONE who is a subscriber — new and current subscribers — will be eligible. Thanks, friends!

dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 2mo
30 likes1 comment
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ChrisBohjalian
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Want to be the first to know what I‘m reading? Writing? The first to win free galleys, books, and swag? The first to know where I‘m appearing? The first to read original essays? Subscribe to my newsletter by visiting ChrisBohjalian.com, scrolling to the bottom, and signing up. Sign up between now and 11:59 pm edt on September 21 and be entered to win a signed first edition of MIDWIVES. (No purchase necssary, U.S. only, must be 18 or older.)

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KathyWheeler
Midwives | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

Slot Machine Fever Dreams is part of Amazon‘s Obsession collection of shorts. It‘s not in the Litsy database; I just tagged the only Bohjalian novel I‘ve read. I liked this short about a bartender in Las Vegas. It gave me Letty Dobesh (Blake Crouch‘s Good Behavior) vibes — in a really good way. Dove is a character I couldn‘t help but like and pull for when she meets a man who is not at all what he seems.

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CBee
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Slowish reading month for me, but Midwives was my September favorite! #readingbracket2023 @chasjjlee

Amiable I had a slow September too. Wonder what‘s up with that? 14mo
CBee @Amiable no idea! Mercury in retrograde with a harvest moon and misaligned chakras? 😂😂 14mo
Amiable @CBee Possibly! And also, excessive couch-induced laziness and too many options on Netflix and HBOMax. I mean, in my case. 😄 14mo
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CBee @Amiable I feel you! Sooooo many options 🤩🤩🤩 14mo
MicheleinPhilly Hi! Are you cyd is here on IG? 14mo
CBee @MicheleinPhilly hi! Yep, that‘s me 😊 14mo
MicheleinPhilly Great! I‘m very finicky about my IG account so just wanted to make sure it wasn‘t some rando. 😜 14mo
CBee @MicheleinPhilly hahaha I feel you! Promise I‘m not a weird creeper rando 😂😂😂😂 14mo
59 likes8 comments
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CBee
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

I can absolutely see why this book gets so much praise. Excellent writing, with a gripping plot that keeps you guessing until almost the last page. I also loved the descriptions of Vermont and how the setting became a bit of a character in itself. Amazing read! Now to read more by @ChrisBohjalian 😊💚

CBee @TheAromaofBooks this was a spin book but I honestly can‘t remember which one right now 😂 1y
AmyG I remember reading this when it came out. Great book. 1y
CBee @AmyG yes! You‘d mentioned loving this and you were right that I‘d like it 💚 1y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1y
67 likes1 stack add4 comments
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LapReader
Midwives | Chris Bohjalian
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Little Free Library scores this time last weekend on the way to my yoga class followed by two hours of ballet. I wonder what I‘ll find today! I hope my feet survive the day.

Soubhiville Midwives is one of my favorites! CB lives not far from where I grew up in Vermont, and reading his books always feels like going home to me. 1y
AmyG Agree with @Soubhiville Midwives is fabulous! 1y
dabbe After exercising that much, I would probably drop dead. 🤩🤣😍 1y
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LapReader @dabbe I do about 10 hours per week! 1y
dabbe @LapReader You're my hero! 🤩🤩🤩 1y
Jeg Where do you keep all these books you seem to find? You have the best op shops! 1y
LapReader @Jeg I donate back to little free libraries as soon as I am done. I don‘t read books twice. I also have a storage space in the basement of my apartment building and lots of bookshelves in my 2 homes. 1y
46 likes7 comments
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Coleen
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

This was not my first Bohjalian read, but I think it‘s the one that‘s most familiar to people and would probably be considered his breakout novel, thanks, I suspect, to Oprah. Somewhat controversial and a good book for discussion. I wasn‘t necessarily sold on the choice of narrator, but good book nonetheless.

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Deblovestoread
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Two birds, one stone:

#Littenswanttoknow. #indeliblemoments #childbirth Midwives has been on my paperback tbr for years

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Perfect 👍🏻 💙 2y
DivineDiana It‘s a good one! 🙂 2y
Eggs Thanks for tagging me 😊 2y
44 likes3 comments
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Jnnlb
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Mehso-so

Fast read ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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staci.reads
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

This was my first from this author, and I would definitely read him again. It was compelling - I needed to keep reading to know the fates of the characters. Also, I'm a sucker for courtroom drama. It did leave me with questions about the author's purpose, though. #Authoramonth @Soubhiville

Soubhiville This one also has some courtroom drama. It‘s another earlier one I liked a lot. 2y
62 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Susanita
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Part of this book takes place in a #courtroom and it‘s a little tense. You can tuck this away for June #AAM

#savvysettings

Eggs Bohjalian is prolific!! 3y
30 likes1 comment
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rachaich
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

Flippin awesome!
Let's just say no work was completed today and meals were a case of grabbing what you like.
Completely binge read all day - bliss 😊😊😍😍

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rachaich
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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This is superbly written.
I forget it's a male author and really believe it's a true account.

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rachaich
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Really appreciating books that people are lending me.
This account of a baby delivery y that ends in death is well written so far.

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KatieB
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

My #doublepsin book and book number 2 for #bookspinbonanza. A gripping courtroom drama that kept me guessing to the last page. 4*. Recommended if you enjoyed Miracle Creek.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 5y
9 likes1 comment
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KatieB
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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It‘s a day off work today so I‘m going to enjoy the luxury of a morning bath and start book 2 of #bookspinbonanza

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juliegumdrop
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Now is a good time for me to read some backlist titles that have been on my shelves for quite awhile, since I can‘t go to the library to pick out something new. I‘ve wanted to read this one for about 2 decades now. This is my 4th Bohjalian. He is consistently very good! What backlist titles have you been able to read lately due to our staying in situation?

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BarbaraBB
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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My only book by the only #LitsyAuthor I know is this one. Even though I can‘t remember what it‘s about, it is kind of special to me. This is because I bought it in 1998 in Huntsville, Alabama. My bf and I made our first trip to the US (bringing a little tent because we has not much money, but yet enough to buy books obviously 😉), driving through Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. Great memories!
#ReadingWithMrBook

Tanisha_A That's a lovely story! ♥️ 5y
Megabooks That sounds so fun! I love books I buy when I travel. 5y
Lesanne I loved that book! ❤️ 5y
Cinfhen 1998! Feels like a lifetime ago (edited) 5y
MrBook 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 4y
92 likes1 stack add5 comments
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alisadk
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
Pickpick

Interesting insight into Midwives on the east coast in 1980s 1990s

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ChrisBohjalian
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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My amazing Grace Experience as the midwife‘s apprentice in #MIDWIVES at the George Street Playhouse “Experience [is] gripping...artfully shows us an honest portrayal of someone who desperately wants to control a challenging situation.” — New Jersey Stage. #prouddad (Photo by T. Charles Erickson)

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ChrisBohjalian
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Yes, it‘s real. It‘s open! Join us at the George Street Playhouse for Midwives. (Photo by T. Charles Erickson.)

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ChrisBohjalian
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Well, this was fun to find in my mail. Do you have YOUR tickets for MIDWIVES at the George Street Playhouse?

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MrsMalaprop
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

Read this in Bali, which was a rather contrasting setting! I‘ve seen the author here on Litsy and thought it was about time I read one of his books. I found this copy on my mum‘s shelves as we were clearing out her house recently.

I liked it. A good holiday read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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ChrisBohjalian
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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This is the apartment house in Burlington, Vermont where I revised my first novel in a furnished room on the second floor. Memories. #whyilovethe802 #books #amwriting (still) #tbt #throwbackthursday @DoubledayBooks

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Clare-Dragonfly
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Amiable My favorite Bohjalian book of all. 👍🏼 5y
Clare-Dragonfly @Amiable That‘s good to hear! I had a vague idea that I‘d heard good things about him on Litsy, and I love reading about midwives, so I figured it was a good bet 5y
30 likes2 comments
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Allthingsbooks
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
Pickpick

One of my favorites by this author. Loved the characters and the Vermont setting.

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BookedBySunrise
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Sounds like a good mystery, starting this today

44 likes1 stack add
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ChrisBohjalian
Midwives | Christopher A. Bohjalian
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It was 20 years ago this week that Oprah Winfrey picked MIDWIVES for her Book Club -- one of the greatest professional blessings of my life. Thank you again, Oprah. Thank you for celebrating day-in and day-out what words and reading and books can mean to the soul. #Honored #Grateful

Lcsmcat This was the first book of yours that I read. Not because of Oprah, but because the premise intrigued me. 6y
Megabooks What a great milestone! Congratulations. Well deserved 👏🏻👏🏻 6y
Amiable I loved this book. My mother-in-law lived near Newport, VT, for many years --it was wonderful to be able to picture the scenes in my head. 6y
Graciouswarriorprincess This is the book that got me to start reading your work. 6y
49 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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huntersmom1977
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Bailedbailed

This book just dragged

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BookaholicNatty
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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Yessss!!!! This is so good!!! It captured me right from the very beginning and I‘m enjoying it immensely!!!!!! @Dana1084 this was a wonderful pick!!!! I‘m totally absorbed in this book! All other chores are being put on hold 🤪😂 I know there are probably a TON of Littens who love this book too! And if you haven‘t read it go go go!!!! We need to get ready to pick our next round of books! Anyone already picked theirs?

Mrs_Organized_Chaos No! I am still trying to decide what to pick. I have a shelf full of books and cannot make up my mind. 6y
Samplergal One of my favorites. 6y
LitLogophile I really loved Midwives, so much! I also just love reading about the criminal court system🤓. I‘m thinking of going with my backup pick from Rd 1, let me know what you think!! (Also, I figured I‘d send out my next book and TRP together.) 6y
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BookaholicNatty Sounds great @LitLogophile I haven‘t read Reincarnation Blues so that‘s great for me!! Let us know what you are thinking @Mrs_Organized_Chaos so we can see if any of us have read it. What about you @Dana1084 any pick ideas yet? I will pick one out tomorrow and see if you all have read it! 6y
Lcsmcat My first Bohjalian, and the “gateway” that lead me to many wonderful novels. 6y
MaGoose Haven't read any of his books yet. Heard him give a great speech at a writer's conference in NJ last month. Must start reading his stuff. 6y
BookaholicNatty @MaGoose oh my goodness he was in NJ and I missed it!!!!!! What part of NJ?? 6y
MaGoose @BookaholicNatty Chris Bohjalian and Alice Hoffman were both keynote speakers at the 2nd annual Rutgers Writers Conference held in Somerset, NJ, over the the first weekend in June 2018. 6y
BookaholicNatty @MaGoose that sounds awesome!!!!! 6y
MaGoose @BookaholicNatty Yes, I had never heard of him before. Both he and Ms. Hoffman will be on my TBR list from now on. 6y
DanaManiac I‘m so glad you liked it! It took me awhile to warmup to it, and I got nervous, but then I was HOOKED! 😊 6y
116 likes9 stack adds11 comments
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BookaholicNatty
Midwives: A Novel | Chris Bohjalian
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This came in the mail today!!!! Woooohoooo!!! My final #LMPBC read!!!(Well until we start Round #3) 😂Today was my final day of my summer Microbiology class and this was a great thing to come home to @Mrs_Organized_Chaos now I will have sooooo much time to read and catch up!!! I‘m literally jumping for joy that i can stay up late tonight and READ READ READ!!! Finishing up The Elegance of the Hedgehog first! This will be a little late @Dana1084

LitLogophile Loved this one so much!!! I‘m currently obsessed with The Rosie Project 😍 6y
Crazeedi Really enjoyed this one!❤️ 6y
DivineDiana This was a good read! ❤️ 6y
DanaManiac Thank goodness im@not the only one a bit behind 🙈!! @LitLogophile I‘ll be finishing fabulous Bel Canto and sending it back to ya ASAP 😊 6y
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