I didn’t see this one coming. It started with a conversation about social media that led to the suggestion that I would enjoy this book since I like literary fiction, and to my idea for an author specific social media post. Another conversation about how I would likely enjoy Bohjalian’s work took place, with the caveat that the details about birth might be a turn off for me when it came to this particular book. In the end, I chose to start with “Midwives” with a bit of trepidation that I might be bored with it, or that I might find it slow to read. I cannot say how very misplaced that trepidation was. I couldn’t stop reading. This book is that good. I will absolutely pick up others now. I feel like I have no choice. The ability to pinpoint the appropriate places for detailed description versus when to avoid lingering on necessary, but also not needed details is greatly appreciated. I rather enjoy how Bohjalian traverses time instead of following day by day. That’s how memories would work. I was curious how it would wrap up. I will say that I hoped for and expected one of the big ending moments, if not both, but that didn’t lessen my need to experience them or my enjoyment of that experience. My only disappointment? Bohjalian’s first novel appears to be out of print, and, thus, might be difficult to find. I’d love to make that my next stop in his oeuvre.