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Comments (59)

Community comments are the opinions of contributing users. These comments do not represent the opinions of Vancouver Public Library.
What did you think about this title?
1 to 25 of 59 items
Mar 08, 2023jasnadzinic rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I have to say, ‘the birth house’ is easily one of my favourite books now. Ami McKay has done an exceptional job with this story, and I'm truly in awe of it. I'm completely obsessed with it and can't stop thinking about it.
Jun 05, 2021genepy rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Very creative , witty and well written. For openhearted women only.
Mar 12, 2021WPL_Erin rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I really liked this! It wasn't a fast paced story by any means but the novel itself was lovely.
Feb 28, 2020RosalynJD rated this title 1 out of 5 stars
I had expected this book to be about midwifery in Canadian history, stepping back in time, but it suddenly took a turn I didn't expect and became about women's 'personal pleasures.' I was immediately turned off and will not pick this book…
Nov 21, 2017
Wanted to read this for years, definitely waited way to long. A very good book in general, but especially for anyone who likes history. Check out the Author if you liked this one.
Jul 25, 2017frispirit13 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
A super enjoyable read. Filled with history and such believable interesting characters.
Feb 12, 2017
I liked this book. It was easy to read and the addition of historical events such as WWI, the Halifax fire, the Boston Molasses explosion (I had never heard of this incident) made the book more interesting. The characters were well…
Dec 29, 2016dlh1 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I found this novel to be a refreshing change from anything I've ever read. It flowed well and the characters were very believable. It's interesting how many people have the same feelings about doctors today, and for good reason. The…
Jan 26, 2016Chapel_Hill_SarahW rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Loved the setting early 1900s Nova Scotia and the rich interplay between spirituality and midwifery. Strong, independent, creative female heroine.
sydniec
Aug 11, 2015sydniec rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
easy read, very enjoyable
Jun 22, 2015ehbooklover rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
An amazing, compelling, and emotional read. I loved the rural Nova Scotian setting and the numerous interesting and complicated characters. This wasn’t a light read, but it was a total page-turner that opened my eyes to many difficult…
Dec 31, 2014
The Birth House by Ami McKay is the story of Dora Rare. Growing up in Scots Bay, Nova Scotia Dora the first daughter of five generations of Rare families finds herself captivated by Miss Babineau, the town mid-wife whom has exceptional…
Jul 15, 2013nicolenozick rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
good read but pretty typical of the region. feels like i've read this book many times before in varying forms. anne-marie mcdonald does it better (the way the crow flies).
Jul 03, 2013Aliah79 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Loved, loved, loved this book! Reading it was such a treat. The book was really set in the perfect time and place, a small fishing village in Nova Scotia during WWI, to explore the conflict/contrast between traditional midwifery and modern…
Jun 17, 2013WVMLBookClubTitles rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
A young apprentice learns the intricacies of delivering babies and concocting herbal remedies for various womanly afflictions from a Cajun midwife. The midwife’s status in the small Nova Scotia community is unquestioned until a medical…
Mar 23, 2013druby rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I find one of the best ways to decide whether a novel was worth reading is if the characters were beliveable. I loved all of them; they were all very believeable! I found the book a little difficult to get into but by the end I couldn't…
Mar 01, 2013hkuk rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Strong first half, with compelling descriptions of traditional midwifery practices. But the story becomes far-fetched once Dora flees her village to go to the big city. I had a hard time finishing this one.
Jan 09, 2013jennab4 rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I liked this book, it was interesting, the characters were well developed. I just found that the plot flat-lined and it was never amazing or overly exciting.
Oct 10, 2012Pisinga rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
To me this book seemed kind of boring. Without a doubt - this book is for adults. After reading it, many unmarried women will think twice - whether it is worth to marry. Language of the book seemed to me a little bit heavy to read,…
Jun 02, 2012mogie rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
What a fantastic book! I had put off reading it because of the cover. I thought it would be so dreary. I read it in one sitting. The pace of the plot is perfect. I didn't know what to expect and enjoyed the historical aspect of the novel.…
Apr 20, 2012229050009914201 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I received this book as a birthday present. It turned out to be one of the best books I read that year!
Mar 16, 2012happycanuck rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Well written and a believable storyline.
CheyenneLightborn
Feb 27, 2012CheyenneLightborn rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Oh my. This book is really special. It woke something deep inside me, stirred an ancient womb-well of sisterhood, power and knowing. I could smell the nova scotia sea and taste the traditional foods. It was a pleasure to read.
Feb 12, 2012AnneMGannon rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I loved this book! I couldn't put it down! Several of my girlfriends and I swap books and this is definitely one that's made the rounds.
Feb 07, 2012
This book is now one of my all time favorites! If you are someone who enjoys books about childbirth, and historical events I would recommend it! LOVED IT!