The Midwife of Venice [Paperback]

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The Midwife of Venice [Paperback]

Product Details

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books (February 14, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451657471
ISBN-13: 978-1451657470
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

By : Roberta Rich
List Price : ~~$15.00~~
Price : $10.20
You Save : $4.80 (32%)

Customer Reviews

The Midwife of Venice is Roberta Rich's debut novel. And it's one I wouldn't have discovered on my own - so, thanks Jessica for the great recommendation!
Hannah Levi is a midwife in the Jewish ghetto of Venice in 1575. When a Christian nobleman asks her to attend his wife, she initially refuses. After all, it is forbidden by law for a Jew to give care to a Christian. But he is desperate - his wife has been labouring for 2 days and is near death. Against the wishes of her rabbi, Hannah agrees - the nobleman has agreed to pay an exorbitant fee. That fee will allow Hannah to buy back her husband Isaac, who has been captured and forced into slavery in Malta.
The Midwife of Venice is full of rich historical detail - the social mores and customs of the time, religious differences and a fascinating look at midwifery. The chapters alternate between Hannah in Venice and Isaac in Malta and their continuing struggle to be together. Isaac's chapters are just as full of historical detail, but the characters in these chapters seemed a little overdrawn, such as the nun who buys Isaac. It is Hannah and her tale I enjoyed the most. Her character came to life on the page.
Rich has successfully combined history, suspense and romance into a fascinating page turner. My only complaint - it ended too soon! But it looks like a sequel is in the works - I'll be picking it up for sure.
Congratulations to Roberta Rich - The Midwife of Venice is 8 on the Globe and Mail hardcover bestseller list!

An interesting story taking place in Venice and Malta in 1575. Discrimination against Jews at that time was highly reminescent of the treatment of African slaves shortly thereafter. These talents were well honed by that time.
While I found the story interesting, some parts didn't make sense to me. Why did the Conte and Lucia leave the newborn Matteo behind to visit Lucia's sick father? Then that scene with Niccolo trying to kill Baby Matteo was strange. Why did Hannah give the knife back to Niccolo? Sometimes I thought the scenes needed more work but othertimes I felt they were much too drawn out. Some parts defied logic (to me). However, it was educational, entertaining and I definitely loved the ending, which for me was a huge plus.