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The Midwife
1830. After a violent storm, a woman is found alone, naked, near death on the Northumberland moors. She has no memory of who she is or how she got there. But she can remember how to help a woman in labour, how to expertly dress a wound and can speak fluent French. With the odds against her - a penniless single woman - she starts to build her life from scratch, using her skills to help other woman around her. She finds a happy place in the world. Until tragedy strikes, and she must run for her life.
In London, Dr Borthwick lives a solitary life working as an accoucheur together with his midwife, Mrs Bates, dealing with mothers and babies in both the elegant homes of high society, and alongside a young widow, Eleanor Johnson, volunteering in the slums of the Devil's Acre. His professional reputation is spotless and he keeps his private life just as clean, isolating himself from any new acquaintances. He is harbouring a dark secret from his past, one that threatens to spill over everything.
A haunting and moving debut, The Midwife by Tricia Cresswell is perfect for fans of The Familiars and The Binding.
In London, Dr Borthwick lives a solitary life working as an accoucheur together with his midwife, Mrs Bates, dealing with mothers and babies in both the elegant homes of high society, and alongside a young widow, Eleanor Johnson, volunteering in the slums of the Devil's Acre. His professional reputation is spotless and he keeps his private life just as clean, isolating himself from any new acquaintances. He is harbouring a dark secret from his past, one that threatens to spill over everything.
A haunting and moving debut, The Midwife by Tricia Cresswell is perfect for fans of The Familiars and The Binding.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2022
205 people are currently reading
2011 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
February 18, 2022
In a Nutshell: Great in history, okay in mystery. As a debut novel, this aims high but gets mixed results.
Story:
How the two stories are connected to each other is quite intelligently written, especially for a debut writer. I was able to guess the connection very early into the narrative, probably because I have recently read two books using the same trope. Despite this, I enjoyed how the author managed to keep the two timelines and the two characters distinct while steadily moving towards each other.
The historical medical glimpses provided by the book are extremely well written and enlightening. This part of the content offers a look into pregnancies of that time period both for the high class and the poor. But after a while, the medical scenes become monotonous, though the patient’s familial situation and complications are almost always distinct. (Well, except for the fact that most of them are pregnant.) Where the content triumphs is in the spotlight it shines on the attitudes of the society towards women in medicine, and even towards a male midwife, both of which come out strongly.
There are no convoluted twists in the plot or needless flourishes in the writing to reduce your pace. In spite of this, the book feels very slow because there's nothing much happening for a great part. In many chapters, all you see is pregnancy-related scenes with only the complications changing. The story feels almost episodic at such times.
The book started off excellently for me. I enjoyed the development in both the narratives in the first quarter. However, once things start slowing down and become repetitive, I found my attention floating away from the story, but I still was curious about the resolution. The last quarter is where the book fails miserably.
The book could have done with better developmental editing, especially in the second half. The book is written in 3rd person, then it suddenly shifts into 1st person after about 75%, and then goes back into 3rd person towards the end. The ending is abrupt and honestly, a huge letdown. After all the build-up about Joanne’s memory loss for the whole novel, it was disheartening to see everything explained in just a few paragraphs. The epilogue was an even bigger bummer. And a genuine query: why was she naked when she was found? This isn’t addressed at all. Was it just some sort of clickbait to make readers curious about the character?
A minor issue: There are way too many secondary characters, and things get a bit confusing at times. (Thank God for the Search feature on eReaders; a poor memory needs all the support it can get.)
Overall, I loved the historical aspects of the book. Its reflection on Victorian society, poverty and affluence, health conditions, women's rights and homosexual rights is excellently depicted. Where it falls short of expectations is in not developing and tying up the mystery about Joanna’s identity in a better way. The research of the author is impressive. All that is needed is a bit of finetuning in building up the plot to a satisfactory climax.
It will still be a decent read for historical fiction lovers, especially if you want a detailed look at the medical setup of the 1830s-1840s period.
My thanks to Pan Macmillan, Mantle, and NetGalley for the ARC of “The Midwife”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story:
Northumberland, 1838. After a storm, a woman is found naked near the high moor by a local villager. The woman has no memory of who she is or where she came from. But she somehow knows how to act as a midwife, dress up wounds, and even speaks French. With no signs of her memory returning, she settles in the village, going by Joanna (the name given to her by the fellow who found her), and tries to rebuild her life using the skills she remembers. But will she ever be content when she feels so lost about her past?
London 1841. Dr. Borthwick is making a name as a physician and accoucheur (a male midwife), though he is careful to always visit expectant mothers with his female midwife assistant, Mrs. Bates. His official clientele comes from the upper echelons of society, but he doesn’t shy away from volunteering with the darkest and poorest slums of Devil's Acre. However, one of his competitors is determined to ruin his name with various allegations. With a dark secret in his past, will Dr. Borthwick be able to survive the character assassination?
How the two stories are connected to each other is quite intelligently written, especially for a debut writer. I was able to guess the connection very early into the narrative, probably because I have recently read two books using the same trope. Despite this, I enjoyed how the author managed to keep the two timelines and the two characters distinct while steadily moving towards each other.
The historical medical glimpses provided by the book are extremely well written and enlightening. This part of the content offers a look into pregnancies of that time period both for the high class and the poor. But after a while, the medical scenes become monotonous, though the patient’s familial situation and complications are almost always distinct. (Well, except for the fact that most of them are pregnant.) Where the content triumphs is in the spotlight it shines on the attitudes of the society towards women in medicine, and even towards a male midwife, both of which come out strongly.
There are no convoluted twists in the plot or needless flourishes in the writing to reduce your pace. In spite of this, the book feels very slow because there's nothing much happening for a great part. In many chapters, all you see is pregnancy-related scenes with only the complications changing. The story feels almost episodic at such times.
The book started off excellently for me. I enjoyed the development in both the narratives in the first quarter. However, once things start slowing down and become repetitive, I found my attention floating away from the story, but I still was curious about the resolution. The last quarter is where the book fails miserably.
The book could have done with better developmental editing, especially in the second half. The book is written in 3rd person, then it suddenly shifts into 1st person after about 75%, and then goes back into 3rd person towards the end. The ending is abrupt and honestly, a huge letdown. After all the build-up about Joanne’s memory loss for the whole novel, it was disheartening to see everything explained in just a few paragraphs. The epilogue was an even bigger bummer. And a genuine query: why was she naked when she was found? This isn’t addressed at all. Was it just some sort of clickbait to make readers curious about the character?
A minor issue: There are way too many secondary characters, and things get a bit confusing at times. (Thank God for the Search feature on eReaders; a poor memory needs all the support it can get.)
Overall, I loved the historical aspects of the book. Its reflection on Victorian society, poverty and affluence, health conditions, women's rights and homosexual rights is excellently depicted. Where it falls short of expectations is in not developing and tying up the mystery about Joanna’s identity in a better way. The research of the author is impressive. All that is needed is a bit of finetuning in building up the plot to a satisfactory climax.
It will still be a decent read for historical fiction lovers, especially if you want a detailed look at the medical setup of the 1830s-1840s period.
My thanks to Pan Macmillan, Mantle, and NetGalley for the ARC of “The Midwife”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
March 26, 2022
The year is 1841
Victorian society, poverty, restricted life for women, disease and affluence.
As I started in my journey reading this, it kept my interest in that it did centre around childbirth. MyGreat Grandmother was a midwife she died way before I was born. I saw plenty of photos of her from her daughter, my Nan; my mothers mum.
Lots of tales too. Some good, some bad but always how she ran out the door to help someone in labour no matter what the time of day or night it was.
At one time, I envisioned myself as a midwife.
That is my background to being pulled towards this book.
I’m so glad I went with my instincts.
A debut.
I adored the writing and how the author breathed life into these characters. They became very dear to me, very precious.
The descriptions the knowledge the research sure panned the way for me as a reader to easily follow and feel, yes, literally feel emotions of all kinds.
I soon got myself into the Victorian era where Women were looked upon so different then and the laws so far from todays.
What I didn’t expect was the twist in this, the reveal.
I was well into that.
Flicking the pages quickly so that I could glean more insight…
Why?
How?
I loved this book.
I’ve definitely put this author on my radar for future books no matter what road she goes down.
A natural talent that is penned exquisite for any reader.
So, if you love historical fiction with a heart, with mystery and a sting in its tail.
Look no further.
I saw this book come up on Amazon as a new release. Liked the sound of it, debut author, nice cover, why not.
Tricia Cresswell. Remember her name.
Victorian society, poverty, restricted life for women, disease and affluence.
As I started in my journey reading this, it kept my interest in that it did centre around childbirth. MyGreat Grandmother was a midwife she died way before I was born. I saw plenty of photos of her from her daughter, my Nan; my mothers mum.
Lots of tales too. Some good, some bad but always how she ran out the door to help someone in labour no matter what the time of day or night it was.
At one time, I envisioned myself as a midwife.
That is my background to being pulled towards this book.
I’m so glad I went with my instincts.
A debut.
I adored the writing and how the author breathed life into these characters. They became very dear to me, very precious.
The descriptions the knowledge the research sure panned the way for me as a reader to easily follow and feel, yes, literally feel emotions of all kinds.
I soon got myself into the Victorian era where Women were looked upon so different then and the laws so far from todays.
What I didn’t expect was the twist in this, the reveal.
I was well into that.
Flicking the pages quickly so that I could glean more insight…
Why?
How?
I loved this book.
I’ve definitely put this author on my radar for future books no matter what road she goes down.
A natural talent that is penned exquisite for any reader.
So, if you love historical fiction with a heart, with mystery and a sting in its tail.
Look no further.
I saw this book come up on Amazon as a new release. Liked the sound of it, debut author, nice cover, why not.
Tricia Cresswell. Remember her name.
February 17, 2022
link: Booktrail locations in The Midwife
I am always fascinated about how women have had to fight to get where they are today. We have female doctors, firemen and they are in all of the professions traditionally thought of as male. This story is so well crafted and written, the detail of what it was like to be a woman in medicine. So realistic I felt queasy at times, but that is a complement to the author!
There are two threads to the story, set in London and Northumberland, and they come together very nicely indeed. Intrigue and mystery tie them together and it was really insightful getting to know the characters from both sides. Northumberland played a starring role and I was captivated seeing how the woman found on the moors fitted into society and started helping out in the village. However trouble was not far away. Switch to London, and that doctor, well it was obvious he was up to something from day one…
An impressive debut and great research that blended seamlessly into the plot.
I am always fascinated about how women have had to fight to get where they are today. We have female doctors, firemen and they are in all of the professions traditionally thought of as male. This story is so well crafted and written, the detail of what it was like to be a woman in medicine. So realistic I felt queasy at times, but that is a complement to the author!
There are two threads to the story, set in London and Northumberland, and they come together very nicely indeed. Intrigue and mystery tie them together and it was really insightful getting to know the characters from both sides. Northumberland played a starring role and I was captivated seeing how the woman found on the moors fitted into society and started helping out in the village. However trouble was not far away. Switch to London, and that doctor, well it was obvious he was up to something from day one…
An impressive debut and great research that blended seamlessly into the plot.
April 13, 2022
📚Hello Book Friends! THE MIDWIFE is a great debut novel by Tricia Cresswell. I was interested in reading it because my maternal grandmother was a midwife, and it intrigues me to learn more about that important profession. The story of Elizabeth is heart-breaking and fascinating at the same time. Not being able to remember who she is and where she comes from is the first hurdle. But having the medical knowledge to save people and not being able to practice medicine because she is a woman, was shocking. Thank God, times have changed, and women are finally able to become full-fledged doctors. The description of Victorian times felt accurate and painted a very sad picture of these hard times. The POV switches within a chapter were sometimes confusing. Otherwise, the story is well put together and a great read.
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August 28, 2024
This is an outstanding novel on audiobook by the very talented Tricia Cresswell and narrated by the very enjoyable Kristin Atherton.
Set in the mid 1800’s near Northumberland, I was mesmerized from the very beginning when an unknown, naked woman is washed up on the beach, and taken in by a very poor, married couple. She has amnesia but knows how to be a midwife and has other medical skills, and she can fluently speak French.
There are various hurdles ahead for her, now called Joanne, but she manages to make a living, and she eventually is able to move on to a much better life, working with a male doctor, Dr. Borthwick.
She is now called Mrs. Bates (thanks to the clever and kind doctor) continuing to find resilience and finally proud of who she is. Then a disaster hits... And only occasionally does she have flashbacks of being on the ocean on a ship, with a man.
Very compelling and heartbreaking at times, and so worth reading.
Here's the publisher's blurb:
She has no memory of who she is or how she got there. But she can remember how to help a woman in labour, how to expertly dress a wound, and can speak fluent French. With the odds against her - a penniless single woman - she starts to build her life from scratch, using her skills to help other woman around her. She finds a happy place in the world. Until tragedy strikes, and she must run for her life.
Set in the mid 1800’s near Northumberland, I was mesmerized from the very beginning when an unknown, naked woman is washed up on the beach, and taken in by a very poor, married couple. She has amnesia but knows how to be a midwife and has other medical skills, and she can fluently speak French.
There are various hurdles ahead for her, now called Joanne, but she manages to make a living, and she eventually is able to move on to a much better life, working with a male doctor, Dr. Borthwick.
She is now called Mrs. Bates (thanks to the clever and kind doctor) continuing to find resilience and finally proud of who she is. Then a disaster hits... And only occasionally does she have flashbacks of being on the ocean on a ship, with a man.
Very compelling and heartbreaking at times, and so worth reading.
Here's the publisher's blurb:
She has no memory of who she is or how she got there. But she can remember how to help a woman in labour, how to expertly dress a wound, and can speak fluent French. With the odds against her - a penniless single woman - she starts to build her life from scratch, using her skills to help other woman around her. She finds a happy place in the world. Until tragedy strikes, and she must run for her life.
November 26, 2021
The Midwife by Tricia Cresswell is a great historical fiction that gives the reader a gripping narrative delving into 19th century medical care and the role of the female practitioner.
This was such a great read. It honestly had it all: suspense, drama, mystery, intrigue, and such wonderful detail into the medical field in mid-19th century England.
The author did a great job in displaying the landscape of the medical profession, women’s care (sometimes lack of it), and the restrictions/limitations, and place/position of women within these fields of study.
I really enjoyed the twists, turns, and the way the author slowly unraveled the plot, it really kept me coming back for more.
A great historical fiction read.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Mantle/Pan Macmillan for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/17/22.
This was such a great read. It honestly had it all: suspense, drama, mystery, intrigue, and such wonderful detail into the medical field in mid-19th century England.
The author did a great job in displaying the landscape of the medical profession, women’s care (sometimes lack of it), and the restrictions/limitations, and place/position of women within these fields of study.
I really enjoyed the twists, turns, and the way the author slowly unraveled the plot, it really kept me coming back for more.
A great historical fiction read.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Mantle/Pan Macmillan for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/17/22.
July 18, 2022
This is a compelling story with two storylines at different times and places and a very clever plot twist. One is a young woman found naked on the moors who can't remember any details about her life or how she got there but then discovers she instinctively knows how to deliver babies. This is her way to improve her lot until she is forced to move away. The other is of a successful young doctor working as an accoucher with high society mothers and babies in London alongside his midwife assistant Mrs Bates. It is a fascinating insight into women's lives and rights and the attitude of society towards them. I can definitely recommend
March 10, 2022
Well written and interesting in parts, but a bit MFA-workshoppy. I felt like the writer hadn’t discovered her own voice and was sticking to the standard HF formula. And the part where the POV kept switching irritated me even though the reasons for it were clear.
March 8, 2022
Sublime
I am a prolific reader and adore historical books. This one has me engrossed from start to finish and has left me mourning the fact that I have finished it. A brilliant book, bringing the world to life, you can a.m.pay smell, taste and feel the world in which it is set. Rich characters, dialogue that enhances and a plot that is beguiling. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and heartily recommend it.
I am a prolific reader and adore historical books. This one has me engrossed from start to finish and has left me mourning the fact that I have finished it. A brilliant book, bringing the world to life, you can a.m.pay smell, taste and feel the world in which it is set. Rich characters, dialogue that enhances and a plot that is beguiling. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and heartily recommend it.
Read
February 23, 2022This is a totally absorbing historical novel with a very clever twist in the two separate stories and timelines. Full of fascinating insights into the medical and midwifery world of the early 1800s and the vast difference between the way rich and poor were treated.
1838 ‘Joanna’ is found in the bush unresponsive and with no memory of her previous life at all. She is taken in by an impoverished couple and forced to work for them. Gradually she realises she must have a history as a nurse or midwife as she knows what to do women are giving birth or accidents happen in the tiny poor community.
1841 Dr Borthwick works with the mostly wealthy pregnant mothers in London and his midwife Mrs Bates who helps at the birth. He has worked his way up to be one of the most respected doctors in town but he hides a secret past that will one day catch up with him.
A wonderful read for those who like their historical fiction.
- Leanne
1838 ‘Joanna’ is found in the bush unresponsive and with no memory of her previous life at all. She is taken in by an impoverished couple and forced to work for them. Gradually she realises she must have a history as a nurse or midwife as she knows what to do women are giving birth or accidents happen in the tiny poor community.
1841 Dr Borthwick works with the mostly wealthy pregnant mothers in London and his midwife Mrs Bates who helps at the birth. He has worked his way up to be one of the most respected doctors in town but he hides a secret past that will one day catch up with him.
A wonderful read for those who like their historical fiction.
- Leanne
July 12, 2022
Haunting and moving mystery about identity, gender politics and women's place in society. That may sound heavy, but it's really not as Tricia Cresswell utilises a dual narrative to great effect.
There's excellent medical and other period detail and a terrific twist.
Utterly compelling.
There's excellent medical and other period detail and a terrific twist.
Utterly compelling.
September 10, 2023
This had SUCH potential, and the first 3/4 of the book was wonderful... but the last bit and the ending in particular felt rushed and the ending was odd. Would have been a 5 star read if not.
3,5 stars rounded down.
3,5 stars rounded down.
December 10, 2023
Surprising, interesting twist. Based on real events. I enjoyed this historical fiction.
March 28, 2025
This was a great read with a mystery I just didn’t see coming. Fascinating to read about Eleanor Johnson and loved that these women existed. Do read the epilogue as it adds an added twist to the tale. Loved it and would definitely recommend.
May 13, 2022
3.5 stars
This is a well researched well written piece of historical fiction. The author is a retired doctor and this is her first novel.
Set in early/mid Victorian England the story revolves around a woman who is found, without memory, on the Northumberland moors. It exposes the rolls of, and rifts between, doctors, midwifes, apothecaries i.e. those who sort to minister to the health of the population. It also touches on class structure, the place of women, their reproductive rights and their need for education, the risk of pregnancy, and the burgeoning technologies and medical advancements of the day, including the rise of areas such as mesmerism. There are a few twists along the way and admittedly I did cringe slightly with the last chapter/epilogue which I am not sure was really necessary, but overall an enjoyable and entertaining read.
I would certain look to read this authors next work.
This is a well researched well written piece of historical fiction. The author is a retired doctor and this is her first novel.
Set in early/mid Victorian England the story revolves around a woman who is found, without memory, on the Northumberland moors. It exposes the rolls of, and rifts between, doctors, midwifes, apothecaries i.e. those who sort to minister to the health of the population. It also touches on class structure, the place of women, their reproductive rights and their need for education, the risk of pregnancy, and the burgeoning technologies and medical advancements of the day, including the rise of areas such as mesmerism. There are a few twists along the way and admittedly I did cringe slightly with the last chapter/epilogue which I am not sure was really necessary, but overall an enjoyable and entertaining read.
I would certain look to read this authors next work.
March 3, 2022
In Victorian London a young doctor works as an accoucheur, helping both the society ladies and the poor, but his reputation is sullied by rival. In Northumberland a woman is found on the moors with no memory but an ability to treat injuries and act as a midwife. The two are connected but what secret do they share?
For the majority of the book the stories of Mrs Sharp and Dr Borthwick are kept completely separate, the diligent reader will just notice the slight timeshift between the two tales. When they do collide there is a twist (not one that could not be foreseen) which takes this tale to a slightly different place. However it is still an enjoyable read with lots of period detail
For the majority of the book the stories of Mrs Sharp and Dr Borthwick are kept completely separate, the diligent reader will just notice the slight timeshift between the two tales. When they do collide there is a twist (not one that could not be foreseen) which takes this tale to a slightly different place. However it is still an enjoyable read with lots of period detail
March 12, 2022
I thought this was a great historical fiction novel and didn’t deviate into romance which some historical fictions do (and I dislike). The Victorian era was very well conveyed and social status observations and medical details were accurate. I found the first half of the story more absorbing than the latter which seemed a bit drawn out or repetitive in parts, but overall really enjoyed it.
I listened to this on audio and the narrator was a pleasure to listen to. For a debut novel the author should be pleased with her result and I will certainly be seeking future works by the author.
I listened to this on audio and the narrator was a pleasure to listen to. For a debut novel the author should be pleased with her result and I will certainly be seeking future works by the author.
May 22, 2023
The plot of this novel is quite unique. I loved that you never quite knew how all the pieces fit together until the end. Elizabeth is an endearing character: strong, compassionate and intelligent. I am surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
May 9, 2025
I did not finish. It started off with an intriguing plot and seemingly historically accurate depictions, but went off the absolute deep end with strange gender stuff for the main character. Went and read a review that had spoilers and it turns out the story is just utterly bizarre.
March 1, 2022
I received this book from Book Break UK in exchange for an honest review.
In 1838, Northumberland, a young woman is found alone and naked on the moors during a storm. She can't remember who she is and where she came from. The only thing she can recall is the medical knowledge she possesses, and soon she becomes a midwife the town rely on to guide their women through perilous journeys.
In 1840, a young doctor begins to gain recognition as an male midwife among the wealthy. But what is the link between this doctor, and the young woman of an unknown past?
I very much enjoyed this book which is mostly historical fiction with a mild mystery wrapped through it. The writing is very enjoyable to read, and I felt very sucked into the story. The writing was very atmospheric, and I really felt the Northumberland town, and then the 1840 setting of London come alive as well as I read it.
The cast of characters in this book is also great. I liked that there was a vast array of kind, nice characters in this who did their best to look after the young midwife, and then the doctor - people from all walks of life who gave what they could whether it be friendship, supplies or just a listening ear/kind word.
There are some interesting scenes here on childbirth at this time but it's not very graphic or in depth so if anyone has a weak stomach for medical things, you should be okay.
I think the mystery here was weak enough, and did guess what was going on pretty soon (maybe because I have previous knowledge of Dr James Barry and knew if he could do it, it was possible) but I still liked seeing how it all turned out. I felt disappointed that some things still remained a mystery and we didn't get the answers we wanted so the ending was a bit of a dud for me as I just wanted more. I also felt sorry for all of the woman's friends who had looked after her, and she just up and left them!
In 1838, Northumberland, a young woman is found alone and naked on the moors during a storm. She can't remember who she is and where she came from. The only thing she can recall is the medical knowledge she possesses, and soon she becomes a midwife the town rely on to guide their women through perilous journeys.
In 1840, a young doctor begins to gain recognition as an male midwife among the wealthy. But what is the link between this doctor, and the young woman of an unknown past?
I very much enjoyed this book which is mostly historical fiction with a mild mystery wrapped through it. The writing is very enjoyable to read, and I felt very sucked into the story. The writing was very atmospheric, and I really felt the Northumberland town, and then the 1840 setting of London come alive as well as I read it.
The cast of characters in this book is also great. I liked that there was a vast array of kind, nice characters in this who did their best to look after the young midwife, and then the doctor - people from all walks of life who gave what they could whether it be friendship, supplies or just a listening ear/kind word.
There are some interesting scenes here on childbirth at this time but it's not very graphic or in depth so if anyone has a weak stomach for medical things, you should be okay.
I think the mystery here was weak enough, and did guess what was going on pretty soon (maybe because I have previous knowledge of Dr James Barry and knew if he could do it, it was possible) but I still liked seeing how it all turned out. I felt disappointed that some things still remained a mystery and we didn't get the answers we wanted so the ending was a bit of a dud for me as I just wanted more. I also felt sorry for all of the woman's friends who had looked after her, and she just up and left them!
July 2, 2025
1830. After a violent storm, a woman is found alone, naked, near death on the Northumberland moors. She has no memory of who she is or how she got there. But she can remember how to help a woman in labour, how to expertly dress a wound and can speak fluent French.
With the odds against her – a penniless single woman – she starts to build her life from scratch, using her skills to help other woman around her. She finds a happy place in the world. Until tragedy strikes, and she must run for her life.
In London, Dr Borthwick lives a solitary life working as an accoucheur together with his midwife, Mrs Bates, dealing with mothers and babies in both the elegant homes of high society, and alongside a young widow, Eleanor Johnson, volunteering in the slums of the Devil’s Acre. His professional reputation is spotless and he keeps his private life just as clean, isolating himself from any new acquaintances. He is harbouring a dark secret from his past, one that threatens to spill over everything . . .
With the odds against her – a penniless single woman – she starts to build her life from scratch, using her skills to help other woman around her. She finds a happy place in the world. Until tragedy strikes, and she must run for her life.
In London, Dr Borthwick lives a solitary life working as an accoucheur together with his midwife, Mrs Bates, dealing with mothers and babies in both the elegant homes of high society, and alongside a young widow, Eleanor Johnson, volunteering in the slums of the Devil’s Acre. His professional reputation is spotless and he keeps his private life just as clean, isolating himself from any new acquaintances. He is harbouring a dark secret from his past, one that threatens to spill over everything . . .
April 24, 2025
3.75!! Honestly love a good period piece, and midwifery is super interesting to me, so that’s what got me through the first half of the book. I thought it was just gonna be like that the entire book, which I was kind of fine with. It was really slow, but I was listening to the audio version and the narrator was incredible so I kept going. By that point the storyline had me so intrigued, and I wanted to know who Mrs. Sharp was and why they were showing Dr. B. But then the twist of them being the same person?? And the storyline keeps going and I KNOW there is more so honestly the end of the book was painful for that reason. I just feel like the epilogue was the most interesting part of the whole book, so why didn’t they expand on it? Anyway, still liked it, but was frustrated by the end. If there was a sequel? I’d read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2024
This novel had me on the first page. It is a deliciously intriguing Victorian Age mystery. The author skillfully pulls the reader into the story. I could not help but begin to feel an affinity for many of the characters while at the same time trying to figure out the unsaid mystery. The main character is likable and compassionate, even while she deals with her own pain and sometimes shame. Midway through the novel, I was sure that I had it all figured out. However, I was wrong, which made this read even more special. I highly recommend this novel. The author’s sources, which are as interesting as the novel, are revealed at the end of the book. Happy Reading!
April 10, 2023
Absolutely amazing book. Really enjoyed this a lot- I think it’s truly amazing when modern writers are able to write about the past as if they were there, it’s truly an amazing talent. I always feel like they are tapping in on a past life or so as things are written in such known detail it’s bizarre.
I also loved that this was set in the North East of England in the early 1800s, so so many places mentioned were deeply familiar to me so this book was special for that reason. As someone interested in obstetrics and gynaecology this was an added pleasure to read.
I also loved that this was set in the North East of England in the early 1800s, so so many places mentioned were deeply familiar to me so this book was special for that reason. As someone interested in obstetrics and gynaecology this was an added pleasure to read.
November 24, 2024
3.5 —> 4. Really enjoyed the first three-quarters of this book. The ending is not bad, but there is a shift that throws the reader off-guard. I don’t understand the POV change choice. I also wish the ending was more satisfying. It feels abrupt and uneven compared to the build up.
With this said, the writing itself is very lovely. The story is unique and enjoyable.
With this said, the writing itself is very lovely. The story is unique and enjoyable.
August 4, 2023
(Audiobook - wonderfully read by Kristin Atherton whose different accents were an enhancement)
A fascinating, gripping story with much in-depth detail of the times (1800s) - the costumes, the place of women in society at that time, the sorry state of the poor and backward ideas regarding health and sickness and I mostly enjoyed it despite the sometimes horrifying and disturbing descriptions and images (eg the description of how Mrs Sharpe found John Elliott on her last visit to the farm).
However, I was disappointed by the ending, hence 4* instead of 5*.
A fascinating, gripping story with much in-depth detail of the times (1800s) - the costumes, the place of women in society at that time, the sorry state of the poor and backward ideas regarding health and sickness and I mostly enjoyed it despite the sometimes horrifying and disturbing descriptions and images (eg the description of how Mrs Sharpe found John Elliott on her last visit to the farm).
However, I was disappointed by the ending, hence 4* instead of 5*.
April 4, 2022
This dual narrative novel takes place in two different locations too. It is 1838 and a woman is found naked on the Northumbrian moors near Alnwick and is taken in by an impoverished couple. She can't remember anything, how she got there, her past life, nothing however she finds that she does have some knowledge in caring for pregnant women. Jump forward to London in the early 1840's and we follow the story of a Doctor Borthwick who is causing upset amongst his medical colleagues as he is looking after women in pregnancy, he is an accoucher. I don't want to mention the plot any further and instead suggest you buy and read this debut novel. It's well written and gives a fascinating insight into the world of medicine and it's treatment of pregnancy and of course us pesky women!
February 12, 2023
Really loved reading about these characters. , reading about past times and a a surprise to the story. Just devoured it.
June 30, 2023
This book just didn’t interest me. I give it it 2 1/2 stars.
January 23, 2024
3/3.5. I enjoyed this, and the twist 2/3s of the way through came as a surprise, which is always nice. There were a lot of side characters who came and went, and at times I found myself losing focus. I also struggled with the main characters because they were SO reasonable and nice and noble; it felt like they had modern morals while everyone else was of the time.
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