The Book of the Unnamed Midwife

The Road to Nowhere, Book 1

De: Meg Elison

Narrado por: Angela Dawe

Philip K. Dick Award Winner for Distinguished Science Fiction

When she fell asleep, the world was doomed. When she awoke, it was dead.

In the wake of a fever that decimated the earth's population - killing women and children and making childbirth deadly for the mother and infant - the midwife must pick her way through the bones of the world she once knew to find her place in this dangerous new one. Gone are the pillars of civilization. All that remains is power - and the strong who possess it.

A few women like her survived, though they are scarce. Even fewer are safe from the clans of men, who, driven by fear, seek to control those remaining. To preserve her freedom, she dons men's clothing, goes by false names, and avoids as many people as possible. But as the world continues to grapple with its terrible circumstances, she'll discover a role greater than chasing a pale imitation of independence.

After all, if humanity is to be reborn, someone must be its guide.

©2016 Meg Elison. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

GREAT BOOK !!

There were no reviews when I chose to try this book. Gave it a chance and it was amazing! Being a nurse myself I was really able to relate to the story. it's got everything. excitement mystery suspense drama fear love and end of the world possibilities. you won't regret listening

Amazing read especially right now

With everything going on in the current climate , this book was eerily spot on with life going through an epidemic. Never wanted to put it down.

Great read.

I really enjoyed this story. I didn't realize going in that it is a post-apocalyptic setting, which are hit-and-miss for me. This one's a hit. Interesting, gritty, thought-provoking.

The narrator did an excellent job.

My only regret is that I read it before the second one was released.

Better than expected

The narrative style is a little strange but the author makes it work for the story. it is told primarily as series of journal entries some of which when read are very jarring at first as they are very stream of consciousness and I imagine them printed with equal signs and other conventions of jotted notes that sound unnatural when spoken.

Impressed

Would you listen to The Book of the Unnamed Midwife again? Why?

Yes. I enjoyed the story and have already listened to it twice.

What did you like best about this story?

I thought the main character was complex and deeply portrayed. I felt very much with her in her quest to survive. The plot was riveting.

Have you listened to any of Angela Dawe’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first narration by Angela Dawe that I've heard. She was excellent.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There are many moving moments in the story.

Great narrator and interesting story

I love post-apocalyptic novels like this one, and this was a particularly interesting concept. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the narrator was really spot-on (I heard her on another audio book and that's how I found this one). There are a few minor things that bugged me like the midwife not knowing the date- there wasn't a single working watch with a date that she could have found in one of the sporting goods places? Other than those minor little things (they really didn't detract from the story) the story is pretty solid, but dark. Very dark. If you're looking for a happy story, this isn't it. The author does a great job of portraying what people would turn into with the complete collapse of society and a pandemic plague. I gave it five stars because of how well the author showed the midwifes sexuality and beliefs, especially when she settles down for the winter with people on the opposite end of the spectrum. Overall well written with some definite feminist undertones.

PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW

I am so upset and disappointed that I didn’t read this book sooner, because of the multiple reviews condemning the misandrist plot, stating there are no male protagonists, and the book is anti Christian/ religion. THIS IS NOT THE CASE! There are many protagonist male and female characters, and antag

Not for everyone. Just right for me.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely. Another take on post-apocalyptic survival, with an unlikely protagonist.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a smart, take-charge heroine surviving in the grimmest of circumstances. Not a lighthearted or fun read, but weirdly satisfying. I enjoyed the stream-of-consciousness style. And, like, OMG! One character is a Mormon valley girl?

Have you listened to any of Angela Dawe’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't think so, but will look for her narrations in the future. She did a remarkable job with the midwife's mental monologues, as well as the various genders, ages and accents, especially the aforementioned "valley girl."

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Banned in Salt Lake City!

Any additional comments?

Reminiscent of Sheri Tepper's "The Gate to Women's Country." I was not looking for a doomsday book featuring man's inhumanity to woman, but in a population comprising more than 90% males, the plot was plausible. The scarcer the commodity, the closer it is hoarded (though not necessarily conserved or cherished.) And as for "moral" justifications for immoral acts? Don't get me started.

Interesting take

Interesting take on life after a devastating plague kills most women. Story follows one woman who tries to find her way in a society where women that do survive basically become chattel and baby factories, if they can.
Story held my interest throughout.
Narration was wonderfully done and is probably one of the reasons my interest was held!

The future of women

This was a scary tale of what could happen if a bad strain of flu wiped out most of the world's population.