The Midwife of Hope River
By Patricia Harman

I usually don’t like books that jump from the present to the past and back again, however, Patricia Harman does it so well in The Midwife of Hope River that I must change my mind. Incorporating births from her own experience as a midwife and seamlessly blending in a framework of history from upper class Chicago at the turn of the century, through union organizing in the coal fields and factories of the northeast and the Great Depression in Appalachia just before WWII, Harmon tells a moving and riveting tale of birth and death. Her well-developed characters and realistic situations carry the reader into harrowing tales of medical practice in an isolated community with sporadic running water or electricity and less money. Yet hope and faith permeate the lives of black, white and ethnic personalities who meet life’s challenges with grace. You will cheer as Patience Murphy grows from a naïve girl to confident midwife.
This book would work well for book groups made of women only, mothers and daughters, medical professionals and even men - who might learn a few things about the women who birthed them, love them and bear their children.

Wonderful read, shows the spirit of the human heart and soul. The writing draws you in to the characters life and pains and shows too that in spite of hardships, deaths, and misfortunes, life goes on for those still living, to take the lessons from those hardships and use them for good. GREAT BOOK Kellie from Kellie's Country Readers

This book raises many issues, midwifery in the 1920's, labor unions, racism. It is easy reading and hooks you immediately.

Very interesting story of the lives of coal mining families in WV. Some of the conditions still exist there. Evolution of the role of midwifery in depressed areas. Payment made by bartering. MD's wouldn't accept patients if they could not pay with money. Racial issues existed.

The Midwife of Hope River left me with mixed feelings. I was fascinated with the birthing stories, Patience’s life as a midwife during the Depression, the union theme, and the evolving interracial relationships. I didn’t care for the way Patience’s back story was told in bits and pieces. Still and all, I recommend this book.

An riveting read that non of the book club members could put down, One can perspective of the life of the midwife in the 1930\\\'s in rural West Virginia plus the joys and hardships the rest of the community lived through.

Great read. The author has an excellent use of descriptions and feelings