Title: The Midwife’s Confession
Author: Diane Chamberlain
Publisher: Mira Books
Publication Date: April 26, 2011
Paperback: 432 pages
ISBN: 978-0778329862
Genre: Fiction
Dear Anna,
What I have to tell you is difficult to write, but I know it will be far more difficult for you to hear, and I’m so sorry. . .
The unfinished letter is the only clue Tara and Emerson have to the reason behind their close friend Noelle’s suicide. Everything they knew about Noelle-her calling as a midwife, her passion for causes, her love for her friends and family-described a woman who embraced life.
Yet there was so much they didn’t know.
With the discovery of the letter and its heartbreaking secret, Noelle’s friends begin to uncover the truth about this complex woman who touched each of their lives–and the life of a desperate stranger–with love and betrayal, compassion and deceit.
Told with sensitivity and insight, The Midwife’s Confession will have you turning pages late into the night.
My Review:
The Midwife’s Confession by Diane Chamberlain is a heart-wrenching, masterful work dealing with the very difficult issue of suicide and the questions that remain unanswered when a friend or loved one takes their own life. When Tara’s and Emerson’s very close friend and midwife, Noelle, commits suicide, they are not only shocked because they did not believe this was in Noelle’s character, but they eventually discover that their friend had secrets that ultimately allowed some connection to be made between Noelle’s life and her death. Tara and Emerson discover Noelle’s written confession, a letter that she did not complete before taking her own life, and along with other clues, the two women endeavor to solve the mystery of their friend’s devastating decision. The work is fast paced and rather suspenseful, leading up to the unexpected and most shocking revelation towards the book’s conclusion. Readers will experience a wide range of emotions in this story of love, cruelty, deception, and death. Chamberlain’s character descriptions make these women very real, flawed, and believable, all marks of a master storyteller and I believe The Midwife’s Confession would make for a powerful book for any reading and an extraordinary discussion group choice.
To learn more about author Diane Chamberlain, please visit her website.
I knew when I first saw this book on one of your lists (I think a, It’s Monday! post) that I had to read it but after this review there is no question – it is now at the top of my TBR list!
Oh good! I had been wanting to read the book for some time and was stunned by how moved I was by it.
This book sounds incredibly moving! Great review
I found it to be quite moving and one I will read again. My only regret is I did not have a group to discuss it with.
I have read and loved other Chamberlain books, and this one sounds so captivating. I must read it!
Thanks for sharing.
It was my first and now I will be reading all of them.
Sounds so good! Thanks for the review!
It was absolutely wonderful.
Your review made me regret not taking this book. It sounds fantastic! I’m dying to know the shocking revelation.
I figured I was going to enjoy the book, but I had no idea just how much. I am now looking forward to reading her other works. This book was stunning.
This is one that I am certainly reading. I love Chamberlain’s stories and I’m sure that I will be wrapped up in this one. Thanks for the great review!
You are most welcome. It is such a wonderful book! I look forward to reading her other books.
This sounds very good, I like a book where I can’t figure everything out. I’ve not read anything my Chamberlain either. Thanks for the review Jennifer!
You are most welcome. This book will stay with you and you will want to read her other books. I have heard they are just as well written.
Oh wow… this sounds fantastic and now I must read it – going on my list thanks Jennifer
You are welcome Sheila, it is not one to miss.
I’m glad you enjoyed this one, I couldn’t put it down and was just captivated by Noelle’s story. If you want to try some other books by Diane then definitely read The Bay at Midnight, it’s my favourite of hers.
I shall add that one to my TBR list, thanks.