The historical details in this book, especially with regard to medical treatment, is superb. I don't think I can fit this novel into any genre other than 'historical fiction'. The mystery aspect is just okayish, not even suspenseful, and the final revelation (or conclusion?) feels like falling short—and that's why I cannot give the book a full five-star review. But as a debut work, I respect the amount of research Cresswell put into her world-building. So legit, and very believable.

"The Midwife" makes me think. It truly, really makes me think. What if you're a woman worthy of a profession, a talented being with dependable skills and intelligence, not to mention unsuitable to marriage, but you live in the 19th century where every single lady around you is basically Jane Austen's character? Everyone worries about whom to marry or not to marry, who is your perfect match, and after the wedding, everyone expects you to have babies and not just one or two. Women were shamed if they cannot get pregnant, and not everyone stopped to think that it might be the men who are at fault.

But what if you long for a different thing?
What if you feel that your calling is from another side of society, on the path where only men walk?
What if, just to make people respect you, you must be accompanied by a man's protection, reputation, and persuasion?
And what if you have no such man by your side?

I'm glad to be born NOT in the 19th century, I guess.
I'm so relieved to be a part of modern society. We still have mountain loads of homework but we've come THIS far. We're going forward.

She was a woman of exceptional intelligence combined with great skill and compassion. She saved many mothers in childbirth. The times were not kind to her...