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    The Midwife of Venice
    The Midwife of Venice
    The Midwife of Venice
    Audiobook9 hours

    The Midwife of Venice

    Written by Roberta Rich

    Narrated by Antoinette LaVecchia

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    Hannah Levi is renowned throughout Venice for her gift at coaxing reluctant babies from their mothers-- a gift aided by the secret " birthing spoons" she designed. But when a count implores her to attend to his wife, who has been laboring for days to give birth to their firstborn son, Hannah is torn. A Papal edict forbids Jews from rendering medical treatment to Christians, but the payment he offers is enough to ransom her beloved husband, Isaac, who has been captured at sea. Can Hannah refuse her duty to a suffering woman? Hannah' s choice entangles her in a treacherous family rivalry that endangers the baby and threatens her voyage to Malta, where Isaac, believing her dead in the plague, is preparing to buy his passage to a new life. Not since The Red Tent or People of the Book has a novel transported readers so intimately into the complex lives of women centuries ago or so richly into a story of intrigue that transcends the boundaries of history.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateAug 31, 2012
    ISBN9781470320515
    Author

    Roberta Rich

    Roberta Rich is the #1 bestselling author of The Midwife of Venice, which was published in thirteen countries, The Harem Midwife, and A Trial in Venice. She divides her time between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Colima, Mexico. Visit her at RobertaRich.com.

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    Reviews for The Midwife of Venice

    4/5

    36 ratings23 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This book was a quick read but that doesn't mean it wasn't an richly layered story. The eponymous midwife is Hannah Levi. Her husband, Isaac, had left Venice to sail to the Levant to make his fortune but the ship he was on was boarded by the Knights of Malta. Contrary to their name these knights were little more than pirates. They prayed on ships sailing the eastern Mediterranean, grabbing their cargoes and killing or enslaving the passengers. Some of the passengers would be held for ransom which was Isaac's fate. The Jewish merchants of Venice had a fund to pay these ransoms but they weren't doing anything to free Isaac. When Hannah is visited by a rich Venetian count who asks her to help deliver the baby that his wife has been labouring with for 2 days, Hannah agrees if the count pays her two hundred ducats. With this amount she can sail to Malta and ransom Isaac herself.Jews in the 16th century in Venice were just barely tolerated. They were restricted to the Jewish ghetto and forbidden to have contact with the gentiles. Jewish women were particularly restricted. Hannah wasn't even allowed to help her sister, who had converted to Catholicism, deliver her baby. Jews were blamed for many tragedies such as the plague although very few Jews contracted the plague when the rest of Venice was decimated.So it is against this background that Hannah defies her rabbi and agrees to help the count. Poor Isaac is also suffering miserably on Malta. The love between Hannah and Isaac endures and encourages both of them to take risks. There are many times it seems as though they will fail but I don't think I will be spoiling the ending if I say that they overcome all obstacles. I would love to see a sequel to this story. According to the author's web page she is planning a sequel but there weren't any publication dates that I could see.Highly recommended.
    • 5/5
      I absolutely loved reading this book. It was so beautifully written, the plot was interesting, and the characters were all memorable. Things just seemed to happen one even after another that the book ended up being a page turner and I would definitely recommend this book for those that are going through a ‘reading rut’ at the moment. This is the perfect book to get back on track on your ‘reading roll’.The descriptions of the city of Venice were wonderful. There were really great contrasts between the setting where Hannah lives (the Jewish area) and the Christian area. It’s not to say that Hannah lives in deep poverty she seems to be living comfortable with just the basic needs. However when compared to the places she goes to outside of the Ghetto area, it’s a vast difference and shows how different these two groups of people live. The persecution and hatred that Hannah and her people have to go through on a daily basis is hard to read, and does make you upset while reading them. However, it is historically accurate, and it’s interesting to note the mentioning of the blood libel, and how crimes committed against Jews were hugely ignored (however if it was vice versa, there would have been an uproar). So throughout the novel, everywhere she turns, Hannah is faced with her ‘Jewishness’. It’s what sets her apart from the rest and it’s painfully obvious; however she deals with it accordingly and puts it all aside, especially while she does her duties as a midwife.I really did enjoy reading about Hannah a lot. She’s such a strong woman and very determined. She even puts aside her beliefs to doing what she feels is the right thing. She was such a strong character and I really enjoyed reading how despite all the odds against her, and the threats she had to face, she managed to survive and to keep a clear head throughout the novel. Not to mention, she had to make out a living on her own while her husband was taken into slavery, and she manages to survive despite all these overwhelming odds against her. I really did admire her, and I really liked reading about her throughout the book.Isaac’s story line was good, although I wish there was a little more to it. Then again if there was, then it wouldn’t be really called ‘The Midwife of Venice’ would it? Anyway, it was good enough to read, and an interesting story line for a supporting character. Towards the end of the book, I thought it was just a little too rushed at the end, and everything was done just a little too convenient. However, everything did seem to fall into place and I’m wondering if there is going to be a sequel to this. If there is, count me in because I’ll definitely be picking it up!This was a beautifully written, wonderful book to read. I most definitely recommend this book to all historical fiction lovers. Roberta Rich is one of to keep an eye on if she continues to write as superb as this book. I absolutely loved this one.
    • 5/5
      The Good Stuff Fast paced and intriguing, which surprised me Likeable realistic characters that you cheer for that they will be able to overcome the obstacles and reunite Storyline switches between Issac and Hannah's POV - which keeps you intrigued as many of the chapters end with an almost cliffhanger like ending and than it switches to the other character. Didn't want to put the book down Some beautiful touching moments that made me tear up Author has a gift for making you see the landscape and feel the mood of the story Obviously well researched It still astounds me how often the Jews have been persecuted and this story brings more of these instances to lifeThe Not So Good Stuff Took me a chapter or two to get into the story which might put off a more reluctant readerFavorite Quotes/Passages"Do all Jews reply to a question with another question?"Is there a reason they should not?"Gertrudis gave a a laugh that seemed to issue from deep within her.""This is your last chance. Will you sign?""When all the teeth have fallen out of my head and my beard is down to my waist," Isaac answered"Then my friend make peace with that harsh God of yours. This island will be your graveyard.""And the Society for the Release of Captives offered me my freedom months ago if I signed a divorce. But without you, what was the point of freedom?"Who Should/Shouldn't Read Perfect beach or cold winters night read Definitely for lovers of historical fiction especially Jewish historical fiction This is one that anyone can enjoy even younger readers 13+4.75 Dewey'sMy sister lent this to me because she really enjoyed (And put to the top of my TBR list because of the Random Reader Historical Challenge)
    • 3/5
      I had high hopes for this one with an interesting setting and a strong female protagonist, but it didn't deliver, in my opinion. I found the the writing rushed, the plot twists approaching implausibility, and the characters underdeveloped. The story has lots of promise and now that the author has gotten through her first book, I hope she's learned and will do a better sequel.
    • 3/5
      The Midwife of Venice is a good beach book. I found the title to be deceptive - there is precious little midwifery or Venice to be found other than the fact that the title character, Hannah, is a Jewish Venetian midwife. I found the story to be more of a romance between a childless Jewish married couple who are separated by distance and try to reunite with eachother. There is some intrigue - a wealthy childless couple finally become parents only to have the child's life threatened because of greedy relatives who will now not inherit. In the end the Jewish couple reunite and raise the child of the wealthy couple who have conveniently died of the plague.The best part of the book? The description of the life of Hannah's sister, Jessica who has left the ghetto and is living the life of a Venetian courtesan.This is light reading and very PG13 - I will most likely pass it on to my teenaged niece. The book was fine - but if I left it behind somewhere before finishing it, there is only a 50-50 chance that I would bother to go back and retrieve it.
    • 5/5
      Originally Reviewed at:Mother/Gamer/WriterRating: 5 out of 5 ControllersReview Source: Gallery BooksReviewer: HeatherThe Midwife of Venice is a historically set novel that brings us deep into the life of Hannah and Issac, a childless couple of the late 1500′s. Hannah is a midwife, and Issac is a merchant who has been taken captive. Without a way to raise his ransom Hannah is left in their Venetian home (the ghetto where Jews are forced to live) to fend for herself.One fateful evening she finds herself roused from her bed, and begged to attend to the Conte’s wife who has been laboring for days. While delivering babies, difficult babies, is a specialty of Hannah’s, it is illegal for a Jewish woman (or man) to attend to a Christian. She will risk not only her own life, but also her husband’s and those who reside in the ghetto if she accepts.Will Hannah break Papal law in order to save the man she loves? If the baby dies will the Conte hold her responsible? Can Issac survive the life of a slave, beaten and starved, until Hannah can raise the ransom?Refreshing, informative, historical, and downright touching are the words that come to mind when I think back to the words that graced the pages of this phenomenal romance novel. I enjoyed the religious history as well as the extensive descriptiveness to the point where I may never look at salt, the ocean, or even a silk worm the same way again.The character development was excellent, and I found myself really connecting with Hannah. I think most women will on some level. She wasn’t extraordinary, but she was bright and she had drive. Even when faced with doing the right thing (and breaking the laws of the Catholic Church) Hannah chose to take a leap. These choices continue as the book progresses, but I don’t want to give too much away.Roberta Rich is an author I plan to start following, while I love my paranormal and fantasy reads, I have always loved historical romance. There is something about stepping back in time, and walking in another person’s shoes. At times I find them far more interesting than boring lessons we learned back in school. If only more books graced our desks, than perhaps more would come to love the times that have passed us by, and possibly less would be forgotten about how life used to be
    • 4/5
      Really enjoyed this story of a midwife in old ghettos of venice and the history that backed it up. Very interesting and good story too!
    • 4/5
      This is a book about choices. Hannah is a midwife, a Jewish midwife living in the Ghetto in Venice and she is known to be able to help woman have babies that would usually die. She has created a device that she calls her "birthing spoons" to help ease a baby into the world but that others would see at a tool of the devil. She is a woman far ahead of her time.One night a man, a count no less comes pounding at the door to the Ghetto begging for the famous midwife to come help his wife. She has been in labor for many days and his heir must be born before everything passes to his worthless brothers. But Hannah cannot help by law - no Jew can aid a Christian in this manner. The count does not care; he will protect her. He will pay her anything she asks. Hannah's husband is being held captive for ransom and this may be her chance to acquire the amount needed to free him so she asks - does the count agree to the huge payment? You'll have to read the book to find out.I enjoyed this book. It covered a subject not usually seen in historical fiction. Hannah was an endearing character with a mind of her own; not something I suspect one would truly find in that community at that time but she made for good reading. She loved her husband and would do anything to get him back even if it meant risking her life. Isaac's tale of capture and enslavement was an interesting counterpoint to Hannah's trials as she tried to save him.The plot was a touch contrived at times but that did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. The period detail was interesting and it grounded me in time and place. I was really rooting for Hannah as she fought to reunite with Isaac.
    • 4/5
      Hannah's talent as a midwife is known throughout Venice. In the mid-1500's, childbearing was both a gift, securing heirs of fortunes and status for women. It was also a death sentence for many woman, who experienced complications during the birthing process. It is such the case for the wife of the Conte. But the stakes are higher, as she not only has a type of consumption, but her unborn child is wedged within her, unable to pass through the birth canal. It is in this desperate situation that the two women meet and both their lives, and the life of the unborn child, converge.Although this is Roberta Rich's first book, it was written with the skill of a more experienced author. Her characters were well developed and introduced in a timely manner throughout the story. Rich was descriptive, providing a realistic and often unpleasant sensory experience of Venetian life in the 1500's. She also captured the sense of hatred which Jews were forced to live during this time period. The book moved at a very quick pace and each chapter ended at just the right moment, providing a great cliff-hanger sense.I appreciated the characters of Hannah, Issac and Jessica. Their strengths were incredible as they each faced the reality of life as Jews in a world which saw them as heretics. Hannah, though young and somewhat naive, maneuvered her way through the obstacles which presented themselves, with a confidence and determination that was admirable. Often drawing upon the words she rememberd Issac saying, or her sister Jessica's thoughts and actions, Hannah finds the strength to save Matteo and her husband. Though barren, Jessica in essence, gives birth to Matteo and, in a sense, Issac.Issac's wit is encouraging. Though taken as a slave on the island of Malta, he manages to escape sure death. With the help of Sister Assunta, Issac is rescued, for the time being, and manages to barely survive by his talent of reading and writing. Issac's courage and conviction are evident to those compassionate to see him for the person he is. These characteristics help serve to keep him alive.
    • 3/5
      This was a good book. It had it all: love, romance, excitement, and fear. But I just didn't "click" with it. I liked the characters well enough, and the plot was pretty interesting. However there was just something in this one that I couldn't connect with.Hanna was a brave fierce woman who takes every chance she can get to get her husband back. She's a midwife who uses "unorthodox" (and she's Jewish, so excuse the pun) actions to help babies and mothers who are struggling during childbirth. But she's got her mind set on saving her husband from captivity so against her Rabbi's suggestion, and against the law she goes to deliver a baby that will earn her enough money to save her husband. She was a very strong woman and knows what she wants. There's some twists and turns in the story that are unexpected, but for me the story seemed predictable, and the pace was slow. Even the tense scenes seemed to move slowly. Overall it was ok. Rich does a good job at describing the scenes and explaining the character's emotions. But I just didn't connect with the story. It was readable and even enjoyable, but I just can't say that I loved it.
    • 4/5
      I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel about a Jewish midwife in Venice. News of her great skill leads a wealthy Christian to ask her to help his wife with the birth of their child. The medical detail was fascinating.
    • 2/5
      Summary: Hannah Levi is renowned throughout Venice for her gift at coaxing reluctant babies from their mothers using her secret “birthing spoons.” When a count implores her to attend his dying wife and save their unborn son, she is torn. A Papal edict forbids Jews from rendering medical treatment to Christians, but his payment is enough to ransom her husband Isaac, who has been captured at sea. Can she refuse her duty to a woman who is suffering? Hannah’s choice entangles her in a treacherous family rivalry that endangers the child and threatens her voyage to Malta, where Isaac, believing her dead in the plague, is preparing to buy his passage to a new life.
    • 5/5
      Fabulous, riveting, exciting, beautifully written . . . I don't have space to write all the wonderful adjectives that describe this book.Two parallel stories about a couple, fighting, striving, doing anything to be together.The author is a genius, giving you one mouth watering chapter, only to end it with a cliff hanger, then she masterfully switches to the opposite mate's tale. Of course ending that with a cliff hanger.You'd think it would be repetitive NO!Roberta Rich is a master and you hold your breath until the chapters merge for one exciting conclusion. WOWOWOW.I can't wait to read more of her work.
    • 5/5
      When Hannah is approached in the middle of the night to save a noble Christian woman, she is torn between the law, which criminalizes Jewish midwives from tending to Christians, and doing what is right. To complicate matters, her husband has been enslaved, and she is desperately trying to raise the money to ransom him. With the use of birthing spoons, a type of forceps, she safely delivers the baby boy. The use of such an instrument, could be considered witchcraft among the citizens of Venice.This was a fascinating book with interesting and vibrant characters. I found the novel's setting captivating, and loved reading about Venice. I can't wait to read the sequel!
    • 3/5
      The writing and content of this book were rather tedious, and sometimes too detailed. I enjoyed learning the history, but not the presentation. Luckily, it was easy to read.
    • 4/5
      This is definitly a woman's book. I cannot envisage any man wanting to read the details of a difficult birth. On the other hand, I found the history of 16th century Venice, the suspense between the Jews and Gentiles, the romance between the main characters, Isaac and Hannah, along with the action taking place in a unique setting (very descriptive) enough to keep me enjoying every page. Who cares if your Husband doesn't read it!
    • 1/5
      This book started out okay. The story jumps between a Jewish midwife and her husband who was taken hostage by pirates. The midwife gets in trouble by answering the pleas of help from a Christian family to help their wife in childbirth. She agrees, for the hefty sum of her husbands ransom. She is also using her own contraption "birthing spoons" to help pull babies out that are stuck.
      I read to about halfway in, then got bored silly. The book seems long winded and I really didn't grow to care what the characters were doing with silk worms. It started to seem a bit odd.
      I would like to read the next book in the series,I hope it is better.
    • 2/5
      Predictable book. Whenever I read about Isaac, I was bored. Wouldn't recommend this one.
    • 4/5
      A good read. Story fluxtuates between Hannah and Issac,Jews living in the ghetto of Venice in 1575. Hannah is a midwife who delivers a Christian baby to a noble family, much intrigue follows from this leading Hannah to save the baby Matteo from his evil uncles who wish him dead. Meanwhile Issac has his own misfortunes and we follow his adventures after he looses his savings and is sold as a slave on the island of Malta. His wit and ingenuity saves his skin many times as he tries to escape the island with no success. finally Hannah makes it to Malta and saves her husband. A fun story that does seem to resolve itself rather quickly but maybe that is just because I did not want the story to end.
    • 4/5
      The Midwife of Venice is Roberta Rich's debut novel. And it's one I wouldn't have discovered on my own - so, thanks Jessica for the great recommendation!Hannah Levi is a midwife in the Jewish ghetto of Venice in 1575. When a Christian nobleman asks her to attend his wife, she initially refuses. After all, it is forbidden by law for a Jew to give care to a Christian. But he is desperate - his wife has been labouring for 2 days and is near death. Against the wishes of her rabbi, Hannah agrees - the nobleman has agreed to pay an exorbitant fee. That fee will allow Hannah to buy back her husband Isaac, who has been captured and forced into slavery in Malta.The Midwife of Venice is full of rich historical detail - the social mores and customs of the time, religious differences and a fascinating look at midwifery. The chapters alternate between Hannah in Venice and Isaac in Malta and their continuing struggle to be together. Isaac's chapters are just as full of historical detail, but the characters in these chapters seemed a little overdrawn, such as the nun who buys Isaac. It is Hannah and her tale I enjoyed the most. Her character came to life on the page.Rich has successfully combined history, suspense and romance into a fascinating page turner. My only complaint - it ended too soon! But it looks like a sequel is in the works - I'll be picking it up for sure.**Congratulations to Roberta Rich - The Midwife of Venice is #8 on the Globe and Mail hardcover bestseller list!**
    • 3/5
      This is a combination historical and thriller. Interesting reading about Venice in the mid 1500's, the Jewish ghettos and early midwifery. The rabbi is a bit of a bully, but Hannah, the midwife is a very likable though I do wish there had been more midwifery and a little less drama. The plague is present as well and takes a horrific toll on the people of Venice.
    • 2/5
      Roberta Rich's The Midwife of Venice was recommended to me by a colleague some time ago. It would seem tastes and expectations vary widely.Rich tells the story of a Jewish midwife in 15th century Venice, caught in an intrigue which threatens her life. For the most part the story is well-researched (there were a few hitches over which I stumbled, but I'm critical that way, among others). However, for this reader, the major hitch occurred when the infant the heroine, Hannah, delivers of an aristocratic Christian woman, becomes the major hook on which this story hangs. With the child dead, the two predictable and dissolute brothers-in-law will inherit all. Knowing this, and the proclivities of his brothers, the Conte whisks his lady-wife off to the country shortly after she is delivered, leaving the child behind in the known ambivalent care of the wet-nurse, and in the company of his dastardly uncles.Given the Conte is presented as an intelligent businessman, and one of the patriarchs of Venice's senate, and a man who would do anything to ensure the safety and longevity of his newly-born heir (certainly he has paid an astoundingly handsome fee to Hannah to ensure the child's safe delivery), why would he then abandon the child who ensures his title to the questionable mercies of his uncles?After that dissolution of belief, the entire novel fell apart for me, leaving me with a somewhat saccharine taste come the happily-ever-after ending.
    • 5/5
      I enjoyed The Midwife of Venice very much. It is difficult to find good historical fiction and this book is very well done. The historical period is well portrayed, but not at the expense of an exciting story. The attendance of Hannah at the birth of the Christian child at the beginning of the book was so well depicted that the reader could not help but want to rush on reading to find out what the consequences of her actions would be. Novels with strong female characters are a treat to read.