“The Birth House”
by Ami McKay
Published: March 2007

(Updated: July 23, 2007.)

From the Publisher…

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.

What a beautiful book in all senses of that. The writing, the story, the characters and the physical book itself (I have a softcover version :o)… just plain beautiful. And, I think that the publisher’s description sells the book short.

Do read this book (and check out the web site) if you have a chance. I so highly recommend it. Definitely a five out of five hearts!