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All for the Love of Mothers: Memoirs of a Catholic Midwife
The author lived as a midwife in Catholic Germany before, during, and after World War I. She had a key insight into the intimate lives of a generation being revolutionized, and the reality is that her experiences are priceless in understanding modern man.
The primary interest of this work is not historical, it is educational and moral. It contains dozens of short stories of personal, first hand experiences from the author's life regarding courtship, marriage, and raising children.
This book of experience will have the advantage of spurring on parents to prepare their children for the great lessons of life, and of giving to these same young people living examples to illustrate these lessons, hopefully sparing them the cost of irreversible consequences.
Easy to read and immediately captivating, you might read this book faster than any other you've read, and yet, you may just as easily read little bits of it between long intervals. In any case, may at least the great life lesson remain: namely that mankind can, and will only, be happy on this earth as long as he faithfully respects the order established by his Divine Creator and His most precious natural gift, Human Life.
Hardcover with dust jacket, 305 pages.
The primary interest of this work is not historical, it is educational and moral. It contains dozens of short stories of personal, first hand experiences from the author's life regarding courtship, marriage, and raising children.
This book of experience will have the advantage of spurring on parents to prepare their children for the great lessons of life, and of giving to these same young people living examples to illustrate these lessons, hopefully sparing them the cost of irreversible consequences.
Easy to read and immediately captivating, you might read this book faster than any other you've read, and yet, you may just as easily read little bits of it between long intervals. In any case, may at least the great life lesson remain: namely that mankind can, and will only, be happy on this earth as long as he faithfully respects the order established by his Divine Creator and His most precious natural gift, Human Life.
Hardcover with dust jacket, 305 pages.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1940
6 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 6, 2014
Informative both historically and morally, all my daughters (and sons) will read this book when they are older
June 8, 2024
This is a book I would recommend to everyone. Each chapter is based on real people and actual events. It is full of wisdom and wonderful advice for all walks of life. This isn't just for people who are interested in births or midwives, it has something for those preparing for marriage, married couples, parents, those who remain single, and everyone in between. It covers the years preceding WWI and the years after. Lisbeth shows how distorted people's view on morality, marriage, and the sanctity of life becomes. It was very interesting to read what she thought was going to happen in the decades to come due to what was currently happening. Sadly, her premonitions for the future were correct. While there are many heart wrenching and even sickening stories, there are also many beautiful tales of humanity at it's finest. While she does not explicitly say "and the moral of the story is" at the end of each chapter, it is obvious what the reader should have gained from each one. Considering she was a midwife and not a writer, it is written extremely well and is very engaging. I hope everyone gets a chance to read this book.
April 3, 2012
I loved this book! I highly recommend it to every adult I know. Fr. Haynos had Nick and I read it together for marriage preparation, and we couldn't put it down. Fascinating and very inspiring.
February 8, 2017
It isn't a pretty book - there are some scenes that made me feel sick - but it is a great, necessary read.
The midwife, writing under a pseudonym, recounts a number of stories from the late 19th century to the early/mid 20th century in Germany. The way she speaks and writes is probably foreign to many readers: religion, faith, God, and virtue are featured in every page.
The world before WWI was undeniably awful for women (wives and mothers especially) in some ways, and Burger frequently and loudly criticizes anyone complicit in the abuse of women. In a move just as unpopular then as it would be now, Burger attributes the unraveling of society to the unraveling of the family - specifically, the loss of purity and chastity before marriage. Even more unpalatably, she encourages a sort of passivity, if that's the right word, among wives: "Unless there is a medical or other serious reason, a wife must always sexually give herself to her husband," or something to that effect. Now, she's serious about that unless - she recounts terrifying stories of husbands who ignore the doctor's/midwives orders - but it is the only part of the book about which I have a serious reservation.
Other than that, she offers a great deal of sensible advice, heartbreak, and hope.
The midwife, writing under a pseudonym, recounts a number of stories from the late 19th century to the early/mid 20th century in Germany. The way she speaks and writes is probably foreign to many readers: religion, faith, God, and virtue are featured in every page.
The world before WWI was undeniably awful for women (wives and mothers especially) in some ways, and Burger frequently and loudly criticizes anyone complicit in the abuse of women. In a move just as unpopular then as it would be now, Burger attributes the unraveling of society to the unraveling of the family - specifically, the loss of purity and chastity before marriage. Even more unpalatably, she encourages a sort of passivity, if that's the right word, among wives: "Unless there is a medical or other serious reason, a wife must always sexually give herself to her husband," or something to that effect. Now, she's serious about that unless - she recounts terrifying stories of husbands who ignore the doctor's/midwives orders - but it is the only part of the book about which I have a serious reservation.
Other than that, she offers a great deal of sensible advice, heartbreak, and hope.
March 23, 2019
This book is like crack, addictive and with many lessons. As a midwife and a critical reader, I do have some skepticism about whether Lisbeth Burger was real, whether the stories are told factually. Still couldn't stop reading, though.
November 29, 2013
Good storytelling.
Read
February 10, 2022One of the most powerful books I've ever read. I had to pause during pregnancy and postpartum because I would get too emotional reading these stories. Glad I picked it back up when ready.
October 6, 2025
I gave this book a four because it is not written for everyone. Some would find the author offensive and 'old fashioned'. I see an obedient Roman Catholic living her Faith in her vocation.
Many would believe it is 'dated' yet I find it timeless.
The last page Lisbeth Burger wrote: "I have tried to pluck a little leaf from every tree and gather them into a bunch. It has grown into a very motley bunch. But it may help to make the experiences of my long life useful to others. It may enable me, even in my old age - perhaps even beyond the grave - to go on working for the welfare of mother and child, to whose service I have devoted my whole life, and to help toward a true and effectual reform of marriage and the family."
Many would believe it is 'dated' yet I find it timeless.
The last page Lisbeth Burger wrote: "I have tried to pluck a little leaf from every tree and gather them into a bunch. It has grown into a very motley bunch. But it may help to make the experiences of my long life useful to others. It may enable me, even in my old age - perhaps even beyond the grave - to go on working for the welfare of mother and child, to whose service I have devoted my whole life, and to help toward a true and effectual reform of marriage and the family."
July 13, 2024
"All For the Love of Mothers" is an exquisitely crafted anthology that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the profound impact of motherhood. Compiled by Miss Burger, this collection of heartfelt stories, poems, and reflections celebrates the myriad ways mothers shape our lives.
Each piece in this anthology is a gem, offering a unique perspective on the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience that define the maternal bond. From poignant personal anecdotes to lyrical tributes, the contributors weave together a tapestry of emotions that is both moving and inspiring.
What sets this anthology apart is its authenticity. The voices captured within its pages are raw and honest, baring the joys and challenges of motherhood with unwavering sincerity. Whether you're a mother yourself or simply appreciate the beauty of familial love, "All For the Love of Mothers" will tug at your heartstrings and leave a lasting impression.
The prose is elegant yet accessible, effortlessly drawing readers into the intimate moments shared between mothers and their loved ones. Each story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of maternal love.
There were definite parts that were harder to read. Stories that you didn't want to hear, but it was a look into marital life.
In conclusion, "All For the Love of Mothers" is a masterpiece that deserves a place on every bookshelf. It is a timeless tribute to the women who shape our lives and a reminder of the profound impact that love can have. Highly recommended for anyone who cherishes the bond between mother and child.
Each piece in this anthology is a gem, offering a unique perspective on the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience that define the maternal bond. From poignant personal anecdotes to lyrical tributes, the contributors weave together a tapestry of emotions that is both moving and inspiring.
What sets this anthology apart is its authenticity. The voices captured within its pages are raw and honest, baring the joys and challenges of motherhood with unwavering sincerity. Whether you're a mother yourself or simply appreciate the beauty of familial love, "All For the Love of Mothers" will tug at your heartstrings and leave a lasting impression.
The prose is elegant yet accessible, effortlessly drawing readers into the intimate moments shared between mothers and their loved ones. Each story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of maternal love.
There were definite parts that were harder to read. Stories that you didn't want to hear, but it was a look into marital life.
In conclusion, "All For the Love of Mothers" is a masterpiece that deserves a place on every bookshelf. It is a timeless tribute to the women who shape our lives and a reminder of the profound impact that love can have. Highly recommended for anyone who cherishes the bond between mother and child.
October 5, 2017
Amazing! wonderful book. so inspiring
October 17, 2020
Memoirs of a Catholic Midwife
An easy but very good read. See life in a small town, from the eyes of the town’s long-term midwife.
An easy but very good read. See life in a small town, from the eyes of the town’s long-term midwife.
April 23, 2022
Essential reading - historically, morally.
June 21, 2024
10/10. Needs to be a required reading for all high schoolers.
January 2, 2017
LOVED it. Worth the $20 to buy it!
December 10, 2017
This is raw look at the intimate relationship between a man and his wife. In some instances it is brutally uncomfortable, but it also shows the better relationships by comparison.
It has been an eye opener for both my daughters and my sons.
It has been an eye opener for both my daughters and my sons.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews