Goodreads Reviews: The Last Midwife

The Last Midwife by Sandra Dallas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An incredible, heartbreaking novel that just had me riveted from the first chapter!

In 1880, in the small mining town of Swandyke, Colorado, Gracie Brookins is the only midwife for miles. Known affectionately as 'the sagehen,' Gracie has devoted her life to midwifery. From the time she was ten years old, she has been by the sides of women (some of them still girls) as they bring life into the world. Yet, it's not just birthing babies that compels Gracie in her work. She also befriends, cares for and protects as many women as she can from the oftentimes harsh realities of their marriages to the hard mining men. Many of these men who rarely give any thought to the dignity of their wives.

Gracie has had to make some difficult decisions in her career. From fighting domestic abuse, to performing (or not performing) abortions that may save the mother. Many of these decisions have given Gracie the reputation of being a meddler or troublemaker. Yet, nothing in her life can prepare her for the accusation of the murder of a newborn baby.

Now, Gracie must go through a grueling trial of proving her innocence to the town she has devoted her whole life to. Along the way, Gracie reflects on her lifelong journey in midwifery and finally reveals long hidden secrets that have molded her into the formidable women she has become.

An exceptional book! There was a rawness and intense honesty about the story that was so real and compelling. Sandra Dallas did not shy a way from the arduous hardships that women of that time faced. There are many situations of women dealing with abuse, rape and neglect that would rightfully anger the reader. Yet, Gracie is a wonderful example of a women who will not back down from the unjust treatment of others.

A praiseworthy historical fiction! Since reading this novel, I'll definitely be reading more of Sandra Dallas' works!