This might not be a hidden gem, though I just found it :)  What an excellent book!  It kept me in suspense until the end.  It had me waffling on how I felt througout.  It's thoughtprovoking and you can't help but put yourself in everyone's position throughout the ordeal.

Anybody else read it?

Loved this book!  Definately makes you think...what would you do if placed in the same situation?  Great reading...  I have this on my shelf in great condition and will consider a 2 for 1...  Pm me...

Deanna, I know what you mean.  But then under the circumstances what could she have done differently? 

(SPOILERS FOR THOSE HOW HAVEN"T READ)

I really liked this book too, just read it about two months ago.  I had a lot of sympathy for the midwife throughout the book, but in the back of my mind had a feeling that she was holding back on the whole story, too.  I loved how the daughter was part of the story, in terms of running back to the house and removing pages from her mom's journal, too.

I just picked this book up a couple days ago at a book sale and am pleasantly surprised to see this thread!  The authors name came up in another thread not too long ago......."I'm looking for an author along lines of Jodi Picoult"  Chris Bohjalian was suggested several times, as a "Readalike" to Picoult.  I think he (his novels) may very well be a "Hidden Gem."  I'm looking forward to reading MIDWIVES.  Has anyone read any of his other novels? 

Suzanne, I agree.  When you take into consideration everything Sybil had to deal with that night, she did what she had to do.  I would hate to have to make a decision like that though. Anna, no I've never read any of his other books.  This was the first one that I picked up.

I have read Midwives, Trans-Sister Radio, and The Double Bind (wow! This one I HAD to read in one sitting it was so fascinating!) and they were all such good, thoughtful reads. He has jumped right to the head of favorite new authors for me. Have three more of his books in my TBR pile, The Law of Similars, The Buffalo Soldier, and Before You Know Kindness that I am anxious to get to. His topics are always fresh. I know a lot of people compare him to Jodi Piccoult (whose books I just can't seem to connect with) -- Chris Bohjalian really resonates with me! I have never been disappointed with him!

Midwives was the first Chris Bohjalian book I read.  I've read The Law of Similars and Before You Know Kindness since and have The Buffalo Soldier in my TBR pile.  I like Jodi Piccoult books, but agree with Sally that Bohjalian resonates with me more.  His books present moral dilemnas that make me wonder what I would do. 

I haven't read the Midwives book. I did see the Lifetime movie. How diffrent and similer are they?

I read Midwives quite some time ago, but it was one that I really enjoyed and it stuck with me.  I have The Law of Similars and The Double Bind on Mt TBR...Picoult's books follow pretty much the exact same formula once you've a few.

I read Trans-Sister Radio and The Law of Similars, I think Midwives was his best.  The first time I read it I was convinced it was a woman writing, and I still can't get over Bohjalian's affinity with his characters.