The Birth House by Ami McKay

I can honestly state that The Birth House is incredible in all sense of the word. I first learned about this book from a posting on BookLust. Patricia had nothing but good things to say about it. Then the novel started popping up on other book blogs and received good reviews throughout. After Danielle posted a link to the First Look program at the Harper Collins website, I signed up and requested to review this book. The following is what was submitted as my review:

Given that there are numerous book releases that are given much hype as either a “must-read” or “the book of the year”, I was both interested and hesitant to start this well lauded novel (note: the novel has been given much attention on numerous book blogs). I have rushed out to purchase said novels and many times have walked away leaving them unfinished and feeling disappointed. When I read a novel, I want to disappear into it, see what the author is creating, feel what the characters feel, and become immersed in a well-written plot. Provided this, I can honestly state that I was completely blown away by The Birth House.

With The Birth House, Ami McKay has invited us into a place where the tides of change are slowly rolling in, inevitably altering long-held traditions to new methods of living by those who felt that modern vs. traditional birthing methods would be better. Ms. McKay intersperses the novel with journal entries and newspaper clippings as well as brief histories on various characters. Ms. McKay weaves the lives of the inhabitants of Scots Bay with Dora Rare’s journey into understanding herself, her place in the world, and her influence on the lives of the women who surround her.

Venturing into this novel meant committing myself whole-heartedly into Ms. McKay’s entrancing world, and when I reached the end of the book, I yearned for just a bit more. I would have been more that happy to carry around an 800+ page tome just so that I can live a bit more in Scots Bay, peek into different lives again and again, or meet new characters. I only hope that Ms. McKay chooses to continue writing and bestow upon us her gift for storytelling. Advanced praise for The Birth House is well-deserved. I will be sure to pass along praise of this wonderful novel.

I posted my review as opposed to providing a synopsis because I did not feel that I would do the novel any justice by giving away potential spoilers. Just read it. You will not regret it! Also, take a peek at the website for The Birth House. Isn't is nice?!