On a dark night in 1775, Lizzie Boylston is awakened by the sound of cannons. From a hill south of Boston, she watches as fires burn in Charlestown, in a battle that she soon discovers has claimed her husband’s life.
Alone in a new town, Lizzie grieves privately but takes comfort in her deepening friendship with Abigail Adams. Soon, word spreads of Lizzie’s extraordinary midwifery and healing … healing skills, and she begins to channel her grief into caring for those who need her. But when two traveling patriots are poisoned, Lizzie finds herself with far more complicated matters on her hands—she suspects a political plot intended to harm Abigail and her family. Determined to uncover the truth, Lizzie becomes entangled in a conspiracy that could not only destroy her livelihood—and her chance at finding love again—but also lead to the downfall of a new nation.
Revised edition: This edition of The Midwife’s Revolt includes editorial revisions.
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I reiterate what one reviewer wrote about this book, in that it was like listening to Lizzie’s diary. Hearing all of her thoughts about the intimate and the domestic successfully painted the beautiful and tragic world that was hers during the Revolution. Although some might be bored to read/listen about the daily life of a midwife and farmeress, I loved all of the detail that was offered as it gave the story that magical spark that allowed me to fully escape into a world that I could pretend was my own for a short while. I was delighted that there was romance in this book, but was not dismayed that it often took the unconventional form of love of family and friends. Lizzie’s romance with (no spoilers), was a delight to read, and I’m glad that it was a subtle and slow romance that did not take away from Lizzie or the story surrounding her. The narrator was perfect, and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into Eliza’s story next!
A Midwife’s Revolt presents a wonderful picture of colonial life. The intriguing story keeps the reader’s interest until the end. A well-written and great read!
This is a work of historical fiction set in the Revolutionary War era. It is written as a memoir in the first person from the perspective of a healer/midwife as she relates her experiences and observations in and around Cambridge, Massachusetts during the war. There are a few scattered scenes where her midwifery skills are forefront, but for the most part her midwifery vocation is not a primary focus. There are references to an assortment of historical figures including Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, who plays a central role in the story. I found the writing rather dry and formal with emphasis on the narrator’s relationships, emotions and impressions, but little progression in any actual story. I kept waiting for some type of story line or intrigue to arise, but instead the main character just kept wandering around ineptly trying to be helpful to the Revolutionary “Cause” without much success. There wasn’t any story arc or plot that I could identify other than the deprivations suffered by people during the war. It did not hold my interest and I found my attention wandering often.
Great story set during the revolutionary war, told from women’s point of view. Very interesting. If you like historical you will enjoy this book.
An addictive and original historical fiction with a fascinating female driving the story. By choosing the trade/avocation of midwifery, there is so much to be learned about life, death and everything in between.
Enjoyable historical fiction shows the strength of women.
I never thought I liked historical books, but this one changed my mind. I’m hoping to read the other two in this series.
Good historical novel that took you back to the Revolutionary War and what the people had to overcome to survive.
My family and I just returned from a trip to Boston where we visited many of the American Revolution sites. I wished I’d read this book first. Jodi Daymar does an amazing job of bringing the period, the location and the hearts of these characters to life. I’ve already started the second book in the series!
Just read this because it was a free book on Amazon. To my surprise it was very good book
Loved the premise. Three women with disparate circumstances, who meet during the American revolution. Couldn’t put it down!