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jess_d84's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is one of the cases where I don't remember placing a hold on it or why, but read the book jacket when it showed up on my desk and decided it sounded intriguing. I'm so glad past-me placed a hold on this because it was such a compelling story inspired by real events in the life of midwife Martha Ballard.
Told from Ballard's POV the book is part historical fiction, part murder mystery, part women's literature.
Lawhon has a delicate, yet practical way with words. One that had me at once nodding and wondering why I'd never thought of "the stuff of life" in that way before.
This is my first by Ariel Lawhon, but certainly won't be my last!
Told from Ballard's POV the book is part historical fiction, part murder mystery, part women's literature.
Lawhon has a delicate, yet practical way with words. One that had me at once nodding and wondering why I'd never thought of "the stuff of life" in that way before.
This is my first by Ariel Lawhon, but certainly won't be my last!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Rape, Medical content, and Misogyny
Minor: Child death, Murder, Xenophobia, Violence, and War
princessblueyes's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Death, Murder, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Miscarriage, Child death, Xenophobia, and Pregnancy
Minor: Terminal illness and Violence
emmehooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I wish this book had a trigger warning for readers. It is historical and beautifully written but it is does not mince words about the experiences and effects of sexual assault.
Overall, wonderful. I loved the feminist lens and disability neutrality (as opposed to inspiration porn or tragedy).
SPOILER <the Justice was a little too poetic, if you know what I mean.>
Overall, wonderful. I loved the feminist lens and disability neutrality (as opposed to inspiration porn or tragedy).
SPOILER <the Justice was a little too poetic, if you know what I mean.>
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Murder, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Child death, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, and Sexism
Moderate: Xenophobia and Grief
Minor: War, Slavery, Vomit, and Blood
bookrecsondeck's review against another edition
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Rape
Moderate: Child death and Xenophobia
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