57 pages • 1 hour read
A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812
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Book Brief
444
Biography • Nonfiction
New England • 18th century
1990
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
A Midwife’s Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on her Diary, 1785-1812 by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich chronicles the life of Martha Ballard, a midwife in Hallowell, Maine, through her detailed diary entries from 1785 to 1812. Ulrich uses a microhistorical approach to explore Martha's work, her social interactions, the impact of her midwifery, and her resilience in the face of personal and societal challenges, highlighting themes of social medicine, women's roles in the economy, and religion’s influence on daily life. The book includes references to child/pregnancy loss, mass murder, and sexual assault.
Informative
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ulrich's A Midwife's Tale is widely praised for its meticulous research and insightful portrayal of 18th-century American life through the diary of Martha Ballard. Critics commend the book's vivid detail and historical depth. However, some find the narrative dense and complex, which may deter casual readers. Overall, it is lauded as a significant contribution to social history.
Who Should Read A Midwife's Tale?
A reader who enjoys rich, historical narratives with a focus on women's lives and social history would find A Midwife's Tale by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich compelling. This book appeals to fans of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and Hidden Figures for its detailed reconstruction of marginalized voices from the past.
444
Biography • Nonfiction
New England • 18th century
1990
Adult
16+ years
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