The Midwifes Revolt ebook
Lizzie Boyleston lives in Braintree, MA during the 1770s - a neighbor of the Adams family (John and Abigail). As the colonies rise against the British Government, and the revolution begins, Lizzie loses her husband. She struggles to survive and find her own place in history.
This book is historical fiction - while the Adams family and some minor characters are right out of history books, Lizzie and others are inventions of the author's imagination. The story is told in diary form - with Lizzie recounting the the early events of the revolution upon the deathbed of her friend Abigail Adams. The story has mystery, intrigue, romance, history and more. Although a slow starter, once it got going, I could hardly put it down.
I admit I am a fan of history and have been thoroughly inundated with the Revolution in my reading this past year. So this was an easy choice for me. But lovers of historical fiction will enjoy the characters. I loved that we got an every day Abigail Adams to put alongside our historical images derived from her letters. Lizzie is also a strong and likable main character - bold and true and honorable. She holds her head high in the hardship she faces.
Details of colonial life and struggles of the wartime living ring true in the pages. Perhaps we've always imagined the era in our minds, but not really understood all it took to live in them. This will fill in those gaps. The story itself is quite intriguing, though not altogether unpredictable. It is good work as a first offering with such an ambitious topic.
It's not a steamy love story type historical fiction, but those who love to read about seemingly real characters from the past should enjoy this one.
I receive a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own!
The seamless integration of historical events and people of interest in the early years of the American Revolution, and the strikingly detailed and portrayed fictional character of Lizzie Boylston in the writer's well-written prose made this book a joy to read, and very difficult to put down.
BalasHapusLizzie is a unique character and not just for 17th century New England. Her strength, courage and plain-spoken manner, as well as her `take charge' attitude feel wholly and completely modern: her willingness to flout convention and place herself in great danger to protect her friends and satisfy her own curiosity were refreshing, if nail-biting to read.
Particularly effective is the life-long friendship with Abagail Adams, and the friendship and support the two shared through the years. In the cleverly portrayed relationship, we see the strength of these two women, and readers will find many correlations to concerns of a more modern day. This is one of those books that has you wishing all history courses were presented in this form: giving a real sense of the trials and challenges faced by the people of the time.
Fiction can open new vistas, and provide a new level of understanding of a situation: whether done wholly from the author's imagination or utilizing real facts and historical references to enhance the story in which their character is starring. Jodi Daynard managed to both enhance Lizzie's story with fact, and enhance fact with this story of Lizzie.
I received an eBook from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
With this fresh historical journey to Colonial days author Jodi Daynard provides a view of town life during the American Revolution. The Midwife's Revolt is a heartwarming story about enduring friendships and women who find their place during revolutionary times. Beautifully written the reader follows the lives of women who become transformed by their circumstances and learn how to rely on each other. As a fan of historical fiction, this quickly became one of my favorite books.
BalasHapusMy husband, Matt, and I loved this wonderfully written work of American heritage. We felt as if we were witnessing first hand the very beginnings of the revolution, with all its attendant heartbreak, mystery, divided loyalties, loves, and overriding determination of the colonialists to gain their freedom from British control. We especially enjoyed the fresh perspective that the book brings to the period through the eyes of the women of the time, particularly those of the protagonist, Lizzie Boylston. Through no fault or devise of her own, Lizzie finds herself thrust alone into the complex web of personalities and events that defined the core of the American revolution. This loving, intricately crafted historical novel paints Lizzie's journey of love and conflict with beautiful colors.
BalasHapus
BalasHapusI got to talk to Jodi and discuss her book before I read it. I was so intrigued that i downloaded it immediately, read it in 2 days and can't wait for the sequel. Great read.
BalasHapusLizzie Boyleston lives in Braintree, MA during the 1770s - a neighbor of the Adams family (John and Abigail). As the colonies rise against the British Government, and the revolution begins, Lizzie loses her husband. She struggles to survive and find her own place in history.
BalasHapusThis book is historical fiction - while the Adams family and some minor characters are right out of history books, Lizzie and others are inventions of the author's imagination. The story is told in diary form - with Lizzie recounting the the early events of the revolution upon the deathbed of her friend Abigail Adams. The story has mystery, intrigue, romance, history and more. Although a slow starter, once it got going, I could hardly put it down.
I admit I am a fan of history and have been thoroughly inundated with the Revolution in my reading this past year. So this was an easy choice for me. But lovers of historical fiction will enjoy the characters. I loved that we got an every day Abigail Adams to put alongside our historical images derived from her letters. Lizzie is also a strong and likable main character - bold and true and honorable. She holds her head high in the hardship she faces.
Details of colonial life and struggles of the wartime living ring true in the pages. Perhaps we've always imagined the era in our minds, but not really understood all it took to live in them. This will fill in those gaps. The story itself is quite intriguing, though not altogether unpredictable. It is good work as a first offering with such an ambitious topic.
It's not a steamy love story type historical fiction, but those who love to read about seemingly real characters from the past should enjoy this one.
I receive a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own!
I read the Midwife's Revolt within a 24 hour period. It was an entirely engrossing and delightfully unpredictable read. Although historical fiction is not typically my cup of tea, I truly loved this book and believe that it can be enjoyed by all.
BalasHapus