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The Book of the Unnamed Midwife

The Road to Nowhere, Book 1

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The Book of the Unnamed Midwife

By: Meg Elison
Narrated by: Angela Dawe
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About this listen

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. Action & Adventure Adventure Dystopian Genre Fiction Medical Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Thriller & Suspense Fiction Exciting Scary Emotionally Gripping

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All stars
Most relevant
I had heard nothing about this book and bought it on a whim. Best decision ever. I loved this book. The story line was great and I felt like it was a reality of how this kind of problem would play out. It felt quite close to home what with the new virus that’s out at the moment. The reader was perfect, I will look for more books read by them. So many different voices articulating the characters- it was a great performance. I want more!

Impeccable reading, great story

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As we are in our own pandemic, this book made me realise how lucky we are. The pore women I this book broke my heart. If your a fan of “The Handmaids Tale” this is a book for you too.

Very good

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The unnamed midwife is a beautiful character. Her strength, her bravery,, her resourcefulness and her dedication are all inspirational. Her journey is captivating. I didn't always like her - she was judgemental at times - and I don't think she would necessarily like me. But I did admire her and enjoy listening to her thoughts.

I can't think of anything I would change. I've seen other reviewers say that the prose is repetitive in its language, but I saw that as a reflection of the fact that it was a diary entry and thus would be flawed.

I went on to read The Book of Etta and quite enjoyed it.

Soundbite

#Angela Dawe is a versatile narrator and has evocative interpretations of characters. Mother Scribe was a favourite of mine and I thought the midwife herself was well voiced.

Shall I Compare Thee To...

There are obvious comparisons to The Handmaid's Tale and Children of Men. I'd also recommend Gather The Daughters and Vox as having similar themes.

Powerful and Inspiring

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Dystopian at its very best. Sad, happy, pessimistic, optimistic..... all that and more. Cormac McCarthy 21st century if Cormac was a woman.

Amazing

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this story is so well written and compelling - I couldn't stop listening. just dissappointment it had to end

absolutely brilliant

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