THE BIRTH HOUSE

by Ami McKay

Confession: I definitely chose this book for its cover. I was intrigued and almost bought it several times before finally getting it from the library after a long wait. But whatever I thought it would be about, The Birth House sucked me into a world and story that I never dreamed existed, and taught me some Canadian History at the same time.

Set in rural Nova Scotia, The Birth House centers on a small community and an unusual girl who finds her life calling when she meets the town’s midwife and healer. Despite resistance from her family and community, Dora learns the art of healing and becomes the one woman to turn to in times of trouble. But her livelihood and eventually even her life are threatened when a doctor opens up shop in a nearby town and tries to strong-arm the locals into subscribing to his “modern” scientific practices.

McKay makes this story extraordinary by drawing each character with such incredible detail. Each life expands over the course of the book, changing and intertwining with all the others. I felt like a member of the community by the end of the book and felt quite sad not knowing the characters' final stories.

Fun fact: Although this is a work of fiction, Dora’s house is the actual house that the author lives in now! Definitely check this book out for a story of strong women in challenging circumstances. (Lily)