Midwives by Chris Bohjalian

After reading Buffalo Soldier earlier this year, I was curious to read other works by Bohjalian, and this novel came highly recommended.

Sibyl Danforth is a wife, mother, hippie, and accomplished midwife. So what happened on a bitterly cold day in Vermont when a labour goes wrong, a cesarean is performed, a baby lives...and the mother dies?

What follows is a detailed and harrowing account of the life and trial of Sibyl, as told from the point of view of Connie, her fourteen year old daughter. Connie is a wonderful narrator, and Bohjalian weaves in different points of view, diary entries and flashbacks to tell the story.

A wonderfully written, engrossing novel. Recommended!