Like many novels, "The Midwife" by Tricia Cresswell follows two timelines and the reader is trying to work out how they link. Without giving too much away, it is difficult to see how the stories cross paths until about 2/3rds into the novel. This isn't a problem as both storylines are interesting, although in contrast with each other - the part in Northumberland portrays country life and how Joanna/Mrs Sharp carves out a new life as a midwife for the villagers. On the other hand, life in London, Dr Borthwick and Mrs Bates lead a more privileged life providing services as an "accoucher" to society ladies.

3.5 stars

I spent such a lot of time wondering how the two strands of the book came together... and where our mysterious main character came from,and how she knew what she knew.
I was not in the least disappointed when all my questions were answered.
A great piece of historical fiction,that shows how things really were for women back in the day...this book covers a wide range of circumstances.

Very enjoyable.

This is a totally absorbing historical novel with a very clever twist in the two separate stories and timelines. Full of fascinating insights into the medical and midwifery world of the early 1800's and the vast difference between the rich and the poor. Will definitely read further novels from this author.

The Midwife by Tricia Cresswell

1830. After a violent storm, a woman is found alone, naked and near death, on the Northumberland moors. She has no memory of who she is or how she got there. But she can remember how to help a woman in labour and how to expertly dress a wound, and can speak fluent French. With the odds against her, a penniless single woman, she starts to build her life from scratch, using her skills to help other women around her. She finds a happy place in the world. Until tragedy strikes, and she must run for her life . . .
What a fascinating read for someone completely non medical .
Really enjoyed reading about it in the 19th century . It's a wonder mankind lasted this long.
Brilliant characters , perfect for the timeframe .

Oh this was fascinating! Finding out about how women had babies in the 1800s and how doctors dealt with birth and all the complications that go with it. A woman found wandering on the moors in the north of England and the whole thing tied together with a true historical mystery. Fascinating, really well researched and written so it flows and grabs your interest and, more importantly, keeps it.

Recommended!

The Midwife by Tricia Cresswell is a great historical fiction that gives the reader a gripping narrative delving into 19th century medical care and the role of the female practitioner.

This was such a great read. It honestly had it all: suspense, drama, mystery, intrigue, and such wonderful detail into the medical field in mid-19th century England.

The author did a great job in displaying the landscape of the medical profession, women’s care (sometimes lack of it), and the restrictions/limitations, and place/position of women within these fields of study.

I really enjoyed the twists, turns, and the way the author slowly unraveled the plot, it really kept me coming back for more.

A great historical fiction read.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Mantle/Pan Macmillan for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/17/22.

This was a very good read! Very informative about midwifery/medicine knowledge of the middle of the XIXth century. Village life and London life were well depicted particularly as far as poverty is concerned. Set in two timelines (1838-1841), the novel also accurately reflects the place of women in the medical world. I made a guess quite quickly about what exactly was going on, but was not sure till the conclusion! I will not say whether I was right or wrong! I enjoyed this debut novel very much! A writer to follow!

Thank you, NetGalley for letting me read this novel for free in exchange for an honest review.