What do you think?
Midwife #2
De vroedvrouw van de Sultan
Vroedvrouw Hannah en haar man Isaak Levi, ballingen uit Venetië, bouwen in Constantinopel een nieuw bestaan op. Hannah oefent haar beroep uit onder de duizend haremvrouwen in het weelderige paleis van sultan Murat III.
Dan ontmoet Hannah in het paleis het Joodse boerenmeisje Leah, ontvoerd en gekocht voor de harem van de sultan. Maar Leah wil geen erfgenaam voor de sultan voortbrengen, ze wil alleen maar terug naar huis. Wanhopig smeekt ze Hannah haar te helpen. Hannah komt voor een levensgevaarlijke keus te staan.
Dan ontmoet Hannah in het paleis het Joodse boerenmeisje Leah, ontvoerd en gekocht voor de harem van de sultan. Maar Leah wil geen erfgenaam voor de sultan voortbrengen, ze wil alleen maar terug naar huis. Wanhopig smeekt ze Hannah haar te helpen. Hannah komt voor een levensgevaarlijke keus te staan.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2012
About the author
Roberta Rich
11 books222 followersI was born on January 9th. Not the best time to be born if your birthplace happens to be the buckle on the snow belt, Buffalo, New York. Buffalo remained my home until I struck out on my own and managed to get 73 miles down the New York State Freeway to Rochester. My life took a turn for the better- better climate, better opportunities.
Writers of a certain vintage always seem to boast of the variety of interesting jobs they held before settling down to write. Jobs like fire breather on the Reforma in Mexico City, or turkey plucker. I have not done anything so exotic. Moving from present to past, I have been: a divorce lawyer, student, waitress, nurses’ aide, hospital admitting clerk, factory assembly line worker and child.
I live in Vancouver, B.C. and in Colima, Mexico. I have one husband, one daughter, three step-children, a German Shepherd, tropical fish and many over sexed parakeets. When in Mexico, I nurture my husband, and my vanilla vines. When in Vancouver I try to keep dry.
Writers of a certain vintage always seem to boast of the variety of interesting jobs they held before settling down to write. Jobs like fire breather on the Reforma in Mexico City, or turkey plucker. I have not done anything so exotic. Moving from present to past, I have been: a divorce lawyer, student, waitress, nurses’ aide, hospital admitting clerk, factory assembly line worker and child.
I live in Vancouver, B.C. and in Colima, Mexico. I have one husband, one daughter, three step-children, a German Shepherd, tropical fish and many over sexed parakeets. When in Mexico, I nurture my husband, and my vanilla vines. When in Vancouver I try to keep dry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 333 reviews
December 2, 2013
Ok seriously? Great story, but just like the first book the ending is so ridiculous. Oh everything's falling apart! Then in one page, everything works out perfectly. Our heroine is happy ever after. It's as though Roberta got bored or hit the deadline -what? Ok I'll just end it now. Pfft...
May 7, 2018
Prva knjiga je bila solidna, ova druga je potpuno bledunjava... odustajem posle 100 strana... Isuviše mi drugih možda boljih knjiga čeka na red...
August 27, 2016
SO. MUCH. DRAMA.
I put this book on my to read list several years ago before realizing it was a sequel. I was...less than thrilled with the first book, but hoped maybe the second would be better.
Nope. Just like the first book, it revels in irrelevant but unpleasant details. Not "let's really show a slice of life" details but "how can we make this as gory and disgusting as possible for no reason" details - the gore version of shoehorning a sex scene in a movie to guarantee an R rating.
And just like the first book, the plot is pure soap opera, with more eye-rolling twists than you can count. UNLIKE a soap opera, it's all wrapped up too quickly when the oh-so-convenient deus ex machina swoops in to save the day and ties together all the loose threads in about 4 paragraphs.
Oh well, glad it's over. On to other things.
I put this book on my to read list several years ago before realizing it was a sequel. I was...less than thrilled with the first book, but hoped maybe the second would be better.
Nope. Just like the first book, it revels in irrelevant but unpleasant details. Not "let's really show a slice of life" details but "how can we make this as gory and disgusting as possible for no reason" details - the gore version of shoehorning a sex scene in a movie to guarantee an R rating.
And just like the first book, the plot is pure soap opera, with more eye-rolling twists than you can count. UNLIKE a soap opera, it's all wrapped up too quickly when the oh-so-convenient deus ex machina swoops in to save the day and ties together all the loose threads in about 4 paragraphs.
Oh well, glad it's over. On to other things.
December 17, 2015
The Story of Hannah and Isaack, from Book I – The Midwife of Venice, continues in the 16th century Constantinople. Hannah becomes a midwife at Sultan’s harem. Her marriage is tested twice, first by her decision of making untruthful statement at harem, second by appearance of Isaack’s brother’s widow. As it turns out according to Jewish law the widow has a right to marry her late husband’s brother.
This story gives a glimpse into the life of the harem, with some historical figures including the Murat III and the Valide. The story could have been better developed with richer details of harem life or Constantinople’s history. It is written with very simple prose. Therefore, more interesting details would have enriched the story. The ending is ludicrous, everything falling into a place so perfectly, all at once.
Both books are quick reads, but the use of spoons in Book I is novelty and the story is better developed. Book I seemed so interesting that I wanted to follow the story of Hannah and Isaack. But in Book II, the use of spoons gets a bit boring and the plot is weaker. After reading Book II, if there were Book III, I would not reach for it.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
This story gives a glimpse into the life of the harem, with some historical figures including the Murat III and the Valide. The story could have been better developed with richer details of harem life or Constantinople’s history. It is written with very simple prose. Therefore, more interesting details would have enriched the story. The ending is ludicrous, everything falling into a place so perfectly, all at once.
Both books are quick reads, but the use of spoons in Book I is novelty and the story is better developed. Book I seemed so interesting that I wanted to follow the story of Hannah and Isaack. But in Book II, the use of spoons gets a bit boring and the plot is weaker. After reading Book II, if there were Book III, I would not reach for it.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
November 12, 2013
I absolutely loved the The Midwife of Venice, and so I was eagerly awaiting Roberta Rich's sequel, The Harem Midwife. This novel truly is a sequel. Unlike many current series out there, you cannot read book two without reading book one. The novel continues the story of Hannah Levi, a skilled midwife, and her beloved husband Isaac as they make a life in their adopted city of Constantinople.
Hannah, as in The Midwife, is faced with choices she must make to help another or maintain her professional distance and protect the safety of her family. And, there is a threat from Italy that also may destroy all that she and Isaac have built.
As usual, Roberta Rich writes beautifully, and with sensitivity and intelligence. The novel is well-researched, historically fascinating, and obviously a labour of love. The crisis situations make you fear and cheer, and the scenery is vivid and fascinating. Where it falters is just at the end...and that's why I give it three stars. The end is..how can I say it, two 'endy' if that's a thing. I won't spoil it but saying why, but just know that if the end had not been as it was, the book would have scored 4 or maybe 5 stars.
For my full review, see my blog: http://www.beniceorleavethanks.com/20...
Hannah, as in The Midwife, is faced with choices she must make to help another or maintain her professional distance and protect the safety of her family. And, there is a threat from Italy that also may destroy all that she and Isaac have built.
As usual, Roberta Rich writes beautifully, and with sensitivity and intelligence. The novel is well-researched, historically fascinating, and obviously a labour of love. The crisis situations make you fear and cheer, and the scenery is vivid and fascinating. Where it falters is just at the end...and that's why I give it three stars. The end is..how can I say it, two 'endy' if that's a thing. I won't spoil it but saying why, but just know that if the end had not been as it was, the book would have scored 4 or maybe 5 stars.
For my full review, see my blog: http://www.beniceorleavethanks.com/20...
August 2, 2014
This interesting read is a sequel to Midwife of Venice, which I read after our trip to Venice. I loved reliving the many places described in the book. The Harem Midwife gives the reader a glimpse into the life of the harem midwife living in Constantinople in the 16th century. Following the same characters from the first book, one learns again of the brutality of the time. It was recommended that I read this book before my visit to Istanbul in a couple of weeks. 3.5 stars
May 23, 2016
Ενα βιβλιο ευκολοδιαβαστο και ενδιαφερον (παντα με μαγευαν τα στορυ με σουλτανους χαρεμια και παλατια ..)Σαν βιβλιο δεν ηταν πολυ δεμενη η ιστορια του και η γραφη συνηθισμενη αλλα σαν γενικη εικονα μου αρεσε .3,5/5
October 18, 2019
Πέρασε ευχάριστα η ώρα μου διαβάζοντάς το, ήταν ακριβώς αυτό που ήθελα, ένα εύκολο βιβλίο που να το διαβάζω χωρίς να χρειάζεται να σκεφτώ ή να κουραστώ, να μην έχει απαιτήσεις από εμένα ως αναγνώστη. Αλλά και πάλι, ο τρόπος που γράφει η συγγραφέας μου φαίνεται περιληπτικός, δεν δίνει ένταση στα συναισθήματα των ηρώων οπότε και όλοι τους με άφησαν παγερά αδιάφορη.
Δε βαριέσαι, κάθε βιβλίο έχει την ώρα του και εγώ μια χαρά πέρασα με αυτό, αλλά δεν θα το συνιστούσα εύκολα.
Δε βαριέσαι, κάθε βιβλίο έχει την ώρα του και εγώ μια χαρά πέρασα με αυτό, αλλά δεν θα το συνιστούσα εύκολα.
October 8, 2019
I enjoyed every minute of it, although some happenings stretched my suspension of disbelieve to the breaking point. Rich is a great storyteller, and creates characters you care about and root for. Her women characters especially are wonderful, well-rounded and full of life and natural intelligence. And what can be more dramatic than birth? Her birth scenes always engage me completely. The plot kept me engrossed the whole way, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Moving on straight to the next one in the series.
April 17, 2021
Goed vervolgverhaal
December 3, 2019
I was sailing along thinking that The Harem Midwife was a great follow on to The Midwife of Venice. However, the last third after Cesca arrives in Constantinople was disappointing. Still, Roberta Rich gets my vote for excellent descriptions of setting and the customs of the time as well as an intriguing peek into the confines, jealousies and power struggles of a sultan's harem.
November 3, 2013
When I saw "The Harem Midwife" novel up for review in the Edelweiss catalog, it appealed to me because 1) I know nothing about harems 2) how women in harems gave birth 3) that there were harem midwives (but that makes sense thinking about it now) 4) how women in harems lived and got along with each other. After reading it, I now have quite a bit of new information about harems. Hannah Levi is a Jew, exiled from her home in Venice, now living in Constantinople and working for the Sultan Murat III as a midwife for his harem. Except there is a problem...the Sultan only desires his wife. He can't "perform" with any of the women in his harem so there aren't many births happening for the midwife to assist with at the moment. This all changes when a young, wild child is brought into the harem to see if she can stir up the attentions of the Sultan.
While this all sounds sexually charged and titillating, it's not really. The sexual aspects of the book are very mild and generally summed up in a few short lines. It's a long, long ways from a bodice ripper. If you're looking for that, this is not your book. What I liked best about the book might surprise you. The story line was great, the characters well written and the plot was interesting but here are some of the reasons that made the book 4 stars for me.
* the descriptions of the palace and the rooms in the harem. Roberta Rich does an amazing job of describing the grandeur and opulence of the environment - the bathing rooms, the birthing kiosk, the consummation room, the zoo - all described with attention to every detail. Even the descriptions of the streets, carriages and markets made you feel like you were there and could see what the characters saw. "A dwarf with a rounded forehead unhooked the door of the cage. The birds took flight, swooping and swirling overhead. The scent of orange blossoms filled the air. Hannah moved toward one of the doves at her feet. Fastened to its neck and to the necks of all the birds were scented pomanders, filling the room with that glorious aroma. It was as though a silk canopy had become unmoored from the ceiling and drifted down, holding her in a veil of fragrant oranges." Isn't that description amazing? Can't you see it and smell it? Love that.
* the descriptions of the birthing process and ensuing party - "At home in Venice, the birth room was a hushed, secluded space with only a midwife and perhaps the laboring woman's mother and mother-in-law. Here the entire harem believe a mother's suffering was cause for celebration." This celebration included dwarves doing gymnastics, acrobats, musicians, jugglers, an astrologer and a ton of people milling around. Sounds like a circus to me and would have made me insane.
* little things that I can't possibly imagine but delighted to read about - "The garden should have been dark. It was not. The flower beds were so well lit that Cesca could see every petal on the nodding heads of the tulips...The lawn glowed with light so bright it appeared as though the world had turned topsy-turvy. Instead of the stars being in the heavens, they were a carpet of illumination undulating on the grass...As her eyes adjusted, she realized she was looking at the glow of scores of beeswax candles, but they were moving...She bent over the closest source of light, surprised to see a tortoise at her feet. On its back was a beeswax candle pressed into the shape of a red rosette. All those pricks of light were tortoises with candles attached to their shells. She hoped her awe was not too apparent." I would have been in awe and would have definitely shown it. Just that description and the image it conveys, is worth the price of the book alone!
This was a really good read. It wasn't a book that I couldn't pull myself away from but it WAS a book that had me going back to it every chance I could to indulge in a magical environment in an exotic locale and that is a very good book indeed. Hannah and Levi are also in the book "The Midwife of Venice" which is first in the series. I received this book as an ARC from Edelweiss. Anyone who knows me knows that my opinions are all my own.
While this all sounds sexually charged and titillating, it's not really. The sexual aspects of the book are very mild and generally summed up in a few short lines. It's a long, long ways from a bodice ripper. If you're looking for that, this is not your book. What I liked best about the book might surprise you. The story line was great, the characters well written and the plot was interesting but here are some of the reasons that made the book 4 stars for me.
* the descriptions of the palace and the rooms in the harem. Roberta Rich does an amazing job of describing the grandeur and opulence of the environment - the bathing rooms, the birthing kiosk, the consummation room, the zoo - all described with attention to every detail. Even the descriptions of the streets, carriages and markets made you feel like you were there and could see what the characters saw. "A dwarf with a rounded forehead unhooked the door of the cage. The birds took flight, swooping and swirling overhead. The scent of orange blossoms filled the air. Hannah moved toward one of the doves at her feet. Fastened to its neck and to the necks of all the birds were scented pomanders, filling the room with that glorious aroma. It was as though a silk canopy had become unmoored from the ceiling and drifted down, holding her in a veil of fragrant oranges." Isn't that description amazing? Can't you see it and smell it? Love that.
* the descriptions of the birthing process and ensuing party - "At home in Venice, the birth room was a hushed, secluded space with only a midwife and perhaps the laboring woman's mother and mother-in-law. Here the entire harem believe a mother's suffering was cause for celebration." This celebration included dwarves doing gymnastics, acrobats, musicians, jugglers, an astrologer and a ton of people milling around. Sounds like a circus to me and would have made me insane.
* little things that I can't possibly imagine but delighted to read about - "The garden should have been dark. It was not. The flower beds were so well lit that Cesca could see every petal on the nodding heads of the tulips...The lawn glowed with light so bright it appeared as though the world had turned topsy-turvy. Instead of the stars being in the heavens, they were a carpet of illumination undulating on the grass...As her eyes adjusted, she realized she was looking at the glow of scores of beeswax candles, but they were moving...She bent over the closest source of light, surprised to see a tortoise at her feet. On its back was a beeswax candle pressed into the shape of a red rosette. All those pricks of light were tortoises with candles attached to their shells. She hoped her awe was not too apparent." I would have been in awe and would have definitely shown it. Just that description and the image it conveys, is worth the price of the book alone!
This was a really good read. It wasn't a book that I couldn't pull myself away from but it WAS a book that had me going back to it every chance I could to indulge in a magical environment in an exotic locale and that is a very good book indeed. Hannah and Levi are also in the book "The Midwife of Venice" which is first in the series. I received this book as an ARC from Edelweiss. Anyone who knows me knows that my opinions are all my own.
April 23, 2013
Those of you who enjoyed Roberta Rich's dazzling debut novel, The Midwife of Venice, will be thrilled to know there is a sequel. In The Harem Midwife (October 2013), Hannah and Isaac encounter further trials in the intriguing city of Constantinople, and Hannah even ventures deep inside the sultan's harem, now Istanbul's major tourist attraction, the Topkapi palace. Be prepared for fun adventures, new antagonists, and exciting twists of plot!
In the U.S., The Harem Midwife: A Novel will be published in a Kindle edition in November and in paperback in February 2014.
In the U.S., The Harem Midwife: A Novel will be published in a Kindle edition in November and in paperback in February 2014.
November 16, 2013
I loved The Midwife of Venice, the first book to this sequel, and I loved this one too. Although other reviewers differ, I do not think the first one should necessarily be read before this one. Although it would add to the richness of the story, the Harem Midwife can be read on its own.
The setting in the Ottoman Empire in the 1600’s is enchanting. Life is hard for some and totally decadent for others. The examples of extravagances are quite fun, as are the gory descriptions of natural childbirth or other forms of cruel death. My only complaint is that the character of Isaac is not as strong and loveable a character as he was in the first book.
The plot is great and moves quickly. I love how the author has two stories going in alternating chapters that ultimately culminate in one. One can't wait to find out what happens next. I think there will be a third book in the series and I can't wait for it.
The setting in the Ottoman Empire in the 1600’s is enchanting. Life is hard for some and totally decadent for others. The examples of extravagances are quite fun, as are the gory descriptions of natural childbirth or other forms of cruel death. My only complaint is that the character of Isaac is not as strong and loveable a character as he was in the first book.
The plot is great and moves quickly. I love how the author has two stories going in alternating chapters that ultimately culminate in one. One can't wait to find out what happens next. I think there will be a third book in the series and I can't wait for it.
May 11, 2020
Thrilling book, kept me on my toes most of the time! It was interesting to see the interactions (albeit fictional) among Muslims and Jews, as being a former Muslim I had been fed my fair share of rumours and tall tales about the Jewish population. Though at times the novel did strike me as pro-Jewish and anti-Islamic. I am to understand that this had to be done as the MC's religion is Jewish, but nonetheless was quite off-putting. The demeanour of the Valide also seemed to abruptly soften by the end of the novel, which was quite uncharacteristic. Perhaps it was to demonstrate that the horrific tales about her behaviour and moodiness were just rumours? Beautifully written, descriptions of palace commodities did not obstruct the plotline, and there has been thorough character development for the MC and her husband.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2013
Roberta Rich's new novel, The Harem Midwife, is a gift to lovers of historical fiction everywhere. Set in 16th-century Constantinople, the Harem Midwife is a great feast of a book: power, sex, intrigue, betrayal, and a woman's struggle to protect her family, her moral code and her own life. As with The Midwife of Venice (the first novel in this excellent trilogy and also highly recommended) Rich's meticulous research is evident on every page. To read The Harem Midwife is to be immersed in the scents of the spice market, the machinations of the Sultan's harem, and the lives of women constrained by religious laws and protected by their own fertility. In this wonderful novel, Roberta Rich brings the past of one of the world's most fascinating cities to glorious life.
July 30, 2018
I was hoping for more from this book. I love historical fiction, I learn more about period of time and places. What bothered me was the neat little ending. Wrapped up and tied in a bow in the last few pages. I don't think I will read book #1, I was not aware this one was book#2 when I got it.
April 2, 2016
מאוד נהניתי לקרוא את עלילותיה של חנה המיילדת בספר הקודם (המיילדת מוונציה). ספר ההמשך, המיילדת מההרמון פחות מוצלח, אבל עדיין מעניין, בעיקר בזכות התקופה והדמויות. את העלילה עצמה, פחות אהבתי.
September 14, 2018
I didn’t realize that Merchant of Venice had a sequel until I was looking it up and saw that Goodreads had categorized it as part of a series. I read this one without re-reading the first so I was relying on the recap of general events at the beginning. This one was....ok. At first I loved the description of everything, especially having visited Istanbul in the past and it was cool to imagine Topkapi Palace as it was. Then it started to be kind of tiresome, like description for descriptiveness-sake. And the plot just felt like it was very linear, I’m not sure but in the second half of the book I was less interested in what was happening.
December 28, 2024
An interesting setting with some well developed characters in a favourite genre, historical fiction. The story line kept a solid pace with a few good twists, however the ending wrapped up a bit too tidily.
I also didn’t realize this was the second in a series and would have preferred to read the books in order
I also didn’t realize this was the second in a series and would have preferred to read the books in order
August 21, 2022
Not sure what I expected from this book, considering how cringe-worthy I found the first one. This one is no different - just set in a different place. Two stars out of five.
July 30, 2017
οχι ιδιαίτερα απολαυστικό. κατι με χάλασε και στις 2 μαμες στην αφηγητικη ικανότητα της Ρις. ξεκινά να περιγράψει μια διαδρομή και πρέπει να πει απο που πηραν τις πέτρες και ποιος τις λαξευσε. ουφφφφ. έμαθα ομως κι άλλες φρικαλεοτητες των Οθωμανων που προξένησαν ενα σχετικο ενδιαφέρον... αφτερ ολ
October 31, 2019
Zoals vaak met sequels het geval is, is dit boek minder goed dan het eerste deel. Hoewel blijkbaar ook gebaseerd op behoorlijk wat historisch onderzoek zitten er wat te veel toevalligheden, ongeloofwaardige plotwendingen en bizar uitgewerkte personages in
July 24, 2019
wonderful. I must learn more about the true story!
June 18, 2018
Tema dobra, stil dobar. Ali kraj... Stvarno? Toliko njanjav i smesan.
Neki delovi nisu "razradjeni", samo se "pretrcalo" preko njih. Od mene 3. A volim ovu tematiku.
Neki delovi nisu "razradjeni", samo se "pretrcalo" preko njih. Od mene 3. A volim ovu tematiku.
November 5, 2013
Roberta Rich's debut novel, The Midwife of Venice, was 'richly' received by reading audiences everywhere. I really enjoyed it (my review) and remember writing at the end of my review..." it ended too soon! But it looks like a sequel is in the works - I'll be picking it up for sure."
Well, that sequel - The Harem Midwife - is here. It's just as good as the first book and provided a lovely Sunday afternoon's read for me.
1578. Hannah and her husband Isaac have fled Venice and made a life for themselves in Constantinople. Hannah is a talented midwife and her skills have been noticed by the palace of Sultan Murat III. She is called to ascertain the purity of a new girl purchased for the harem. But Hannah feels pity for the young woman and lies. Will that lie be revealed and threaten everything Hannah and Isaac have together? Or will the threat come from a 'family' member with their own devious agenda?
I like historical fiction, but don't usually go this far back. However, Roberta Rich has changed my mind. She slowly and lavishly paints her settings with the sounds and sights of time and place vividly described. I learned so much from the details woven into her tale - not just of the Ottoman Empire, but of midwifery and Jewish life and customs.
Hannah is a great lead character - warm, caring and yes, fallible - and the reader becomes invested in her life. The love for her husband and depiction of their home life made her even more 'real.' I did question her lying to the palace and her friends' willingness to go along with her seemingly foolhardy plan, but this only added to the wonderful mix of history, suspense and romance Rich has again woven. Here's hoping there's a third book in the works!
Well, that sequel - The Harem Midwife - is here. It's just as good as the first book and provided a lovely Sunday afternoon's read for me.
1578. Hannah and her husband Isaac have fled Venice and made a life for themselves in Constantinople. Hannah is a talented midwife and her skills have been noticed by the palace of Sultan Murat III. She is called to ascertain the purity of a new girl purchased for the harem. But Hannah feels pity for the young woman and lies. Will that lie be revealed and threaten everything Hannah and Isaac have together? Or will the threat come from a 'family' member with their own devious agenda?
I like historical fiction, but don't usually go this far back. However, Roberta Rich has changed my mind. She slowly and lavishly paints her settings with the sounds and sights of time and place vividly described. I learned so much from the details woven into her tale - not just of the Ottoman Empire, but of midwifery and Jewish life and customs.
Hannah is a great lead character - warm, caring and yes, fallible - and the reader becomes invested in her life. The love for her husband and depiction of their home life made her even more 'real.' I did question her lying to the palace and her friends' willingness to go along with her seemingly foolhardy plan, but this only added to the wonderful mix of history, suspense and romance Rich has again woven. Here's hoping there's a third book in the works!
July 21, 2026
This installment takes places in 1578, two years after Hannah arrived in Malta to rescue her husband Isaac from slavery. The couple fled to Constantinople to start a new life with baby Matteo who Hannah had rescued from his Venetian uncles, noblemen who intended to murder him to secure their family inheritance. The couple have now been married fourteen years but despite their efforts, Hannah has failed to conceive.
In their newly adopted country, so different from their former home in Venice, they have discovered Jews are more welcome. They can practice their trade, own their own business, buy and sell property and Hannah can work as a midwife without fear of reprisal, her “birthing spoons” viewed no more harmful than a pair of scissors. The couple have purchased a property that includes their home, a silk workshop, an orchard for the mulberry trees the silkworms need to thrive and hired Moishe, a skilled dyer and weaver.
Hannah is now recognized as a skilled midwife at the Imperial Palace, a huge, opulent and sprawling structure that houses over five thousand people. It is surrounded by large gates, gardens and exotic animals from all over the country. This is the home of the Sultan, his revered mother known as the Valide, his wife Safiye, their daughter and son Mehmet, who remains fragile after contacting typhus. It is also home to the harem where hundreds of concubines wait, hoping to catch the eye of the most powerful man in the empire, guarded by Mustafa, the chief eunuch who ensures that they remain safe and do not escape. The Valide is worried about the future. The Sultan has fallen under the spell of his wife Safiye and has neither the desire nor ability to couple with other women. The empire needs male heirs and if Mehmet does not fully recover or is assassinated, there will be no one to lead the kingdom. So she has created a plan to break Safiye’s spell.
For Isaac and Hannah’s small family life has settled down, Matteo is growing and Isaac continues his silk business. Hannah is still not entirely comfortable in this strange Eastern world, so different from her life in Venice, but is now known as a respected midwife at the palace.
Their quiet world is turned upside down when a woman arrives at their door and introduces herself as Grazia, the wife of Isaac’s brother Leon, who died a few months ago. Hannah and Isaac have never met her before, but Isaac welcomes her into their home and she explains the purpose of her visit. She has come to claim her dowry, which according to Jewish law, she may reclaim after the death of her husband, since they did not have heirs. Isaac and Hannah are distraught, knowing they have no means to repay the huge sum of one hundred ducats she is demanding. After the three visit the rabbi to examine the prenuptial documents, they discover there is one more piece to the agreement. If Isaac is not able to pay the money, Grazia automatically becomes his wife.
Isaac explains to Hannah how he borrowed money from his brother to begin the silk business and recover the worms they lost to jaundice. The money Leon loaned him came from Grazia’s dowry, which is why she has arrived to reclaim the funds. Isaac has no idea how to raise the money for his sister-in-law, so Grazia offers him a few months reprise to figure it out. Meanwhile she moves into their home and establishes a relationship with him and Matteo.
Hannah is suddenly called to the palace by the Valide who has begun her plan to break her daughter-in-law’s hold over her son. She has purchased a gift for him, a beautiful young peasant girl from the Circassian Mountains she is hoping will couple with her son and break Safiye’s hold over him. But she must first confirm the girl is a virgin and calls upon Hannah to carry out the examination. If the girl is not intact, the Valide will sell her to the Arab brothel keepers down by the docks. When Hannah learns the girl has been the victim of several brutal rapes, she authenticates her virginal status to protect her, knowing if her lie is discovered, she will be executed.
In a parallel ongoing story, readers are introduced to Cesca, a pretty but greedy maid in Grazia and Leon’s household. As she prepares Leon’s body for burial she steals documents, money, jewelry and other items from the home, but since she is illiterate, is unable to determined what the documents mean. She enlists the help of Foscari, a nobleman from Venice and learns about the dowry money due Grazia, money now held by Leon’s brother Isaac, a silk maker in Constantinople. Cesca travels there, disguised as Grazia, planning to demand the money but Foscari has guessed her plan, followed her, and insists on becoming her business partner.
As the story unfolds, Hannah and Isaac’s marriage struggles under the weight of the lie Hannah made to the Valide, Isaac’s need to repay Grazia’s dowry and the upcoming marriage of Grazia and Isaac if the dowry is not repaid. Cesca and Foscari also scrap over their business partnership which has its twists and turns, as each tries to outwit the other and get what they want.
Rich quickly immerses her readers in Hannah and Isaac’s ongoing story and her plot moves quickly as she adds more depth to her characters, evoking increasing sympathy for their plight. Initially readers may find it difficult to adjust to the new setting with its Eastern culture so different from our own. Rich describes the Imperial Palace in striking detail, filled with gold, silks, art and exotic animals, but also as a viper’s nest of intrigue, treachery and conspiracies where no one can be trusted. The entrance to the sprawling grounds are marked by large gates and the sight of human heads that once belonged to people who had offended the Sultan. The site thousands of people, among them the odalisques the young female slaves available for the Sultan’s pleasure, the eunuchs that guard the harem and the dead-mute squads who murder on demand.
Many of the characters and events are based on history, details of which Rich acknowledges at the back, as well as identifying when and if she has altered facts and dates. Like the first book she precedes the narrative with a map which proves helpful in following her character’s movements during the story.
This a good second book in the trilogy, although everything is wrapped up very quickly, with attention paid to every possible narrative thread. It felt forced, a little too pat and easy to be satisfying. Unlike the first book, there is no bridge or enticing hook to the final book, but I will definitely continue with the trilogy.
In their newly adopted country, so different from their former home in Venice, they have discovered Jews are more welcome. They can practice their trade, own their own business, buy and sell property and Hannah can work as a midwife without fear of reprisal, her “birthing spoons” viewed no more harmful than a pair of scissors. The couple have purchased a property that includes their home, a silk workshop, an orchard for the mulberry trees the silkworms need to thrive and hired Moishe, a skilled dyer and weaver.
Hannah is now recognized as a skilled midwife at the Imperial Palace, a huge, opulent and sprawling structure that houses over five thousand people. It is surrounded by large gates, gardens and exotic animals from all over the country. This is the home of the Sultan, his revered mother known as the Valide, his wife Safiye, their daughter and son Mehmet, who remains fragile after contacting typhus. It is also home to the harem where hundreds of concubines wait, hoping to catch the eye of the most powerful man in the empire, guarded by Mustafa, the chief eunuch who ensures that they remain safe and do not escape. The Valide is worried about the future. The Sultan has fallen under the spell of his wife Safiye and has neither the desire nor ability to couple with other women. The empire needs male heirs and if Mehmet does not fully recover or is assassinated, there will be no one to lead the kingdom. So she has created a plan to break Safiye’s spell.
For Isaac and Hannah’s small family life has settled down, Matteo is growing and Isaac continues his silk business. Hannah is still not entirely comfortable in this strange Eastern world, so different from her life in Venice, but is now known as a respected midwife at the palace.
Their quiet world is turned upside down when a woman arrives at their door and introduces herself as Grazia, the wife of Isaac’s brother Leon, who died a few months ago. Hannah and Isaac have never met her before, but Isaac welcomes her into their home and she explains the purpose of her visit. She has come to claim her dowry, which according to Jewish law, she may reclaim after the death of her husband, since they did not have heirs. Isaac and Hannah are distraught, knowing they have no means to repay the huge sum of one hundred ducats she is demanding. After the three visit the rabbi to examine the prenuptial documents, they discover there is one more piece to the agreement. If Isaac is not able to pay the money, Grazia automatically becomes his wife.
Isaac explains to Hannah how he borrowed money from his brother to begin the silk business and recover the worms they lost to jaundice. The money Leon loaned him came from Grazia’s dowry, which is why she has arrived to reclaim the funds. Isaac has no idea how to raise the money for his sister-in-law, so Grazia offers him a few months reprise to figure it out. Meanwhile she moves into their home and establishes a relationship with him and Matteo.
Hannah is suddenly called to the palace by the Valide who has begun her plan to break her daughter-in-law’s hold over her son. She has purchased a gift for him, a beautiful young peasant girl from the Circassian Mountains she is hoping will couple with her son and break Safiye’s hold over him. But she must first confirm the girl is a virgin and calls upon Hannah to carry out the examination. If the girl is not intact, the Valide will sell her to the Arab brothel keepers down by the docks. When Hannah learns the girl has been the victim of several brutal rapes, she authenticates her virginal status to protect her, knowing if her lie is discovered, she will be executed.
In a parallel ongoing story, readers are introduced to Cesca, a pretty but greedy maid in Grazia and Leon’s household. As she prepares Leon’s body for burial she steals documents, money, jewelry and other items from the home, but since she is illiterate, is unable to determined what the documents mean. She enlists the help of Foscari, a nobleman from Venice and learns about the dowry money due Grazia, money now held by Leon’s brother Isaac, a silk maker in Constantinople. Cesca travels there, disguised as Grazia, planning to demand the money but Foscari has guessed her plan, followed her, and insists on becoming her business partner.
As the story unfolds, Hannah and Isaac’s marriage struggles under the weight of the lie Hannah made to the Valide, Isaac’s need to repay Grazia’s dowry and the upcoming marriage of Grazia and Isaac if the dowry is not repaid. Cesca and Foscari also scrap over their business partnership which has its twists and turns, as each tries to outwit the other and get what they want.
Rich quickly immerses her readers in Hannah and Isaac’s ongoing story and her plot moves quickly as she adds more depth to her characters, evoking increasing sympathy for their plight. Initially readers may find it difficult to adjust to the new setting with its Eastern culture so different from our own. Rich describes the Imperial Palace in striking detail, filled with gold, silks, art and exotic animals, but also as a viper’s nest of intrigue, treachery and conspiracies where no one can be trusted. The entrance to the sprawling grounds are marked by large gates and the sight of human heads that once belonged to people who had offended the Sultan. The site thousands of people, among them the odalisques the young female slaves available for the Sultan’s pleasure, the eunuchs that guard the harem and the dead-mute squads who murder on demand.
Many of the characters and events are based on history, details of which Rich acknowledges at the back, as well as identifying when and if she has altered facts and dates. Like the first book she precedes the narrative with a map which proves helpful in following her character’s movements during the story.
This a good second book in the trilogy, although everything is wrapped up very quickly, with attention paid to every possible narrative thread. It felt forced, a little too pat and easy to be satisfying. Unlike the first book, there is no bridge or enticing hook to the final book, but I will definitely continue with the trilogy.
February 15, 2014
I went into this book not knowing it was the second in a series. However, I did not feel it is necessary to read The Midwife of Venice to be able to follow this novel, as the plot stood alone quite well. I don't know much about the Ottoman Empire during this time, so I enjoyed reading Rich's descriptions of Constantinople. I think Rich did an admirable job of describing some of the trials of a minority group in a powerful empire.
While I felt that the overall plot was good--the book did keep my interest--I was disappointed in the conclusion. I mean, it wasn't what the conclusion was that bugged me, but how it was handled. Too many pieces of the story fell together too easily for me to find it believable. Everything is resolved in the last 2 pages...really! I wish Rich would have paced this book a bit better and let things evolve more naturally.
All in all, this was a quick read. And it has made me want to read The Midwife of Venice, although I'm not ready to say that I will read any further books in this series just yet.
I received an electronic copy of this book in return for an honest review. I received no other compensation for this post.
While I felt that the overall plot was good--the book did keep my interest--I was disappointed in the conclusion. I mean, it wasn't what the conclusion was that bugged me, but how it was handled. Too many pieces of the story fell together too easily for me to find it believable. Everything is resolved in the last 2 pages...really! I wish Rich would have paced this book a bit better and let things evolve more naturally.
All in all, this was a quick read. And it has made me want to read The Midwife of Venice, although I'm not ready to say that I will read any further books in this series just yet.
I received an electronic copy of this book in return for an honest review. I received no other compensation for this post.
June 25, 2025
I'm always on the lookout for unique settings and storylines, so I picked The Harem Midwife up at a used bookstore sale. Set in Constantinople in 1578, this was an intriguing read full of unexpected twists. I might have given it 4 stars except for the abrupt ending where everything was conveniently resolved in one final scene.
Regrettably, I only realized that it's a sequel in the Afterword which explained some of my confusion at a couple of points when characters alluded to prior events in the Venice book. For the most part, it was fine as a stand alone volume.
I appreciated that it was not a romance novel. It's nice to read a historical fiction work without a dominant romantic thread.
I also appreciated that the mature content is handled with discretion and is not overly graphic or gratuitous. It's still a book centered around a harem, so not for younger audiences, but it's likely the cleanest harem book you'll find.
It was disappointing that the only Christian characters were wicked.
Possible Trigger Warnings: miscarriage, infertility, rape
Regrettably, I only realized that it's a sequel in the Afterword which explained some of my confusion at a couple of points when characters alluded to prior events in the Venice book. For the most part, it was fine as a stand alone volume.
I appreciated that it was not a romance novel. It's nice to read a historical fiction work without a dominant romantic thread.
I also appreciated that the mature content is handled with discretion and is not overly graphic or gratuitous. It's still a book centered around a harem, so not for younger audiences, but it's likely the cleanest harem book you'll find.
It was disappointing that the only Christian characters were wicked.
Possible Trigger Warnings: miscarriage, infertility, rape
August 2, 2013
This is an advanced read copy. Uncorrected proof as the book will be sold on Sept 29, 2013.
This is the 2nd in a series about Hannah, a Jewish midwife and her husband, Isaac, a silk maker/trader. They are in Constantinople where Hannah is the midwife for the Sultan's harem. The Sultan is enamored with his wife and yet there are no more children being born to the empire. The sultan's mother plots to fix this, by buying a Jewish slave girl, Leah, who was stolen from her people and left an orphan when her village and all who were in it were burned and slaughtered.
Hannah is asked to come to the palace to verify Leah's virginity, but instead becomes faced with a dilemma. Lie to the Queen mother about the girl's true state, and help her to escape, or let Leah and her unborn child be sent to a brothel and possibly death.
Roberta Rich writes with such skill and even has plot twists that I didn't see coming. Easy to read and enjoyable.
This is the 2nd in a series about Hannah, a Jewish midwife and her husband, Isaac, a silk maker/trader. They are in Constantinople where Hannah is the midwife for the Sultan's harem. The Sultan is enamored with his wife and yet there are no more children being born to the empire. The sultan's mother plots to fix this, by buying a Jewish slave girl, Leah, who was stolen from her people and left an orphan when her village and all who were in it were burned and slaughtered.
Hannah is asked to come to the palace to verify Leah's virginity, but instead becomes faced with a dilemma. Lie to the Queen mother about the girl's true state, and help her to escape, or let Leah and her unborn child be sent to a brothel and possibly death.
Roberta Rich writes with such skill and even has plot twists that I didn't see coming. Easy to read and enjoyable.
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