Summary
‘Midwives (Oprah’s Book Club)’ by Chris Bohjalian follows the story of a midwife’s trial after a home birth goes wrong.
Book Genre
- Fiction
- Drama
- Legal Thriller
Main Topic of the Book
The main topic of the book is the controversial practice of midwifery and the ethical and legal implications surrounding it, as well as the impact of a tragic event on a small community.
Key Ideas
- The conflict between modern medicine and traditional midwifery
- The importance of trust and communication in a marriage
- The power of a small community and its effects on a legal case
Main Parts of the Book
- Part One: The Night
- Part Two: The Trial
- Part Three: The Aftermath
This part introduces us to the main character, Sibyl Danforth, a midwife, as she is helping a woman give birth at her home. However, complications arise and the woman, Charlotte, tragically dies, leading to a series of events that will change the lives of everyone involved.
The second part of the book focuses on the trial of Sibyl, who is accused of causing Charlotte’s death. We see the legal battle unfold, as well as the effects it has on Sibyl and her family, and the community as a whole.
In the final part of the book, we see the aftermath of the trial and the consequences of the decision made by the jury. As Sibyl tries to rebuild her life, she also reflects on the choices she made and the impact they have had on those around her.
Key Takeaways
- The importance of trusting one’s instincts and standing by one’s beliefs
- The dangers of blindly following medical procedures without questioning them
- The complexities of relationships and the impact of secrets and lies
- The power of community and how it can influence a legal case
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Chris Bohjalian is an American novelist and the author of 20 books, including “Midwives”. He has a background in journalism and has won numerous awards for his writing. Bohjalian is known for tackling controversial and thought-provoking topics in his novels.
Target Audience
This book is targeted towards adult readers who enjoy thought-provoking and morally complex stories. It will also appeal to those interested in the practice of midwifery and its legal implications.
Publisher and First Publication Date
The book ‘Midwives (Oprah’s Book Club)’ was published by Harmony Books on November 5, 1997.