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The Birth House

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

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Book Brief

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Ami McKay

The Birth House

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Nova Scotia • 1910s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Birth House by Ami McKay is a historical fiction novel set in early 20th century Scots Bay, Nova Scotia, where Dora Rare, the only girl in a family of six boys, becomes an apprentice to the local midwife Miss B. Facing opposition from Dr. Thomas, who promotes modern obstetrics, Dora navigates personal and professional challenges, ultimately transforming her home into a sanctuary for women to give birth and seek support. Sensitive topics include intimate partner violence and sexual coercion.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Emotional

Mysterious

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

47,772 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ami McKay's debut novel, The Birth House, has been praised for its compelling portrayal of early 20th-century rural Nova Scotia and its strong, evocative female characters. Critics commend McKay's research and storytelling but note occasional predictability and melodrama. The book's exploration of women's issues and historical context provides a rich, immersive read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Birth House ?

Readers who enjoy The Birth House by Ami McKay typically appreciate historical fiction with strong female protagonists and rich, evocative settings. Fans of The Red Tent by Anita Diamant and The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd may find similar thematic resonance and depth in McKay's work.

4.1

47,772 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Dora Rare

The protagonist and narrator, who grows from a young, romance-loving girl into an independent woman, embracing her role as a midwife in Scots Bay.

An elderly midwife from Louisiana, known for her healing practices and reverence for the Virgin Mary, who mentors Dora.

An obstetrician who opens a maternity hospital near Scots Bay, often clashing with the traditional practices of midwifery.

Dora's first husband, considered the most eligible bachelor in town but preoccupied with unsuccessful business ventures.

Archer's older brother, a friend to Dora who supports her through challenging times and becomes a significant presence in her life.

The mother of Archer and Hart, known for her wealth and the belief in the "Bigelow Curse," advocating for Dora's initial marriage to Archer.

A strong-willed friend of Dora, founder of the Occasional Knitters Society, supportive of midwifery.

A member of the Occasional Knitters Society, married with children, who supports Dora and Miss B.’s midwifery practices.

A member of the Occasional Knitters Society whose faith in midwifery is tested by her husband's insurance purchase.

The first woman from Scots Bay to give birth in the Canning Maternity Home, who becomes part of the Occasional Knitters Society.

Dora's father, a shipbuilder who constructs the house that becomes the birth house and is protective of his daughter.

Dora’s mother, a practical figure offering guidance, who initially supports Dora's midwifery aspirations but later advises marriage.

Dora’s close brother, who becomes involved in relief efforts in Boston and marries Maxine Cabott.

A wealthy suffragette in Boston who supports women's rights and becomes a guiding figure for Dora.

Dora's wealthy aunt, head of the White Rose Temperance Society, who is cautious of Miss B. but seeks her aid.

Aunt Fran's daughter, who is loyal to Dora and later joins the Occasional Knitters Society as a junior member.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Nova Scotia • 1910s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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