so-soA rather one-dimensional character study based on the real life of healer/midwife, Martha Ballard, in the late 1700s. This story is packaged as a murder mystery but is mostly focused on salivating over how shrewd and steadfast Martha was for a woman of her time. It was fascinating to think about the justice system (or lack thereof) in the 1700s and to examine women‘s lives at the time (we haven‘t come that far…).
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️
I appreciated the author‘s note, which illuminated the true events and people that inspired this book. I‘m glad it will help Martha Ballard to be remembered, even if a lot was reimagined. It didn‘t always feel authentic to the time period for me, and there were a lot of characters to keep track of. I also had expected the murder mystery element to be more prominent. Still, there were moments when I was lost in the story! 🎧
bailedI‘m certain this will be unpopular, but I just bailed on this book. I‘m really only mentioning it because it‘s my #bookspin book this month. I just found it so slow and boring… to the point that I‘m not looking forward to listening to it in the car tomorrow on the way to work. I‘ll pass my library copy onto the next in line. So- DNF at 31%.
pickRead for #auldlangspine
Nice historical fiction inspired by a real-life midwife who kept a daybook. I have a hard time with historical fiction because I‘m hyperaware of the modern attitudes that inevitably creep in. Still this was an emotional story and likeable characters, with several powerful storylines that managed to never cross the line to melodrama. Thank you for recommending this, @CBee
pickWoot, finished! I see why this book is every where right now. It a a nice dive back into some historical fiction and makes me want to read more stuff from the 1700s (although maybe not necessarily about midwifery)
Anyway, I really enjoyed it
I finally spent a gift card someone got me, and I got my first book from abebooks! The other 3 are still on their way, but this was the only book I ordered I haven't read yet 🙂 the others are all books I've read but don't own yet
pick"It is a pity you hate women so much" I tell him "because you are going to spend the rest of your life pissing like one".
What a line!
One of the things I love about historical fiction is that it introduces you to people we should know and Martha Ballard is one of those people and while this book doesn't stick 100% to the facts, it's pretty close all in all.
I was drawn into this book straightaway and loved every page.
pickAn engrossing listen from beginning to end. Loved Martha‘s strength and determination. Highly recommend! 5🌟
