When Martha Hawkins shows up unannounced requesting a position with Bridget’s household, Bridget acquiesces, albeit reluctantly. Soon; however, Martha’s unique set of skills saves the women from the streets of York during the turmoil of the ongoing English civil war. At the same time, Bridget discovers her good friend, Esther, has been charged with the murder of her Puritan husband and is set to be burned alive at the stake. Knowing her friend as she does, Bridget is adamant that Esther is being wrongfully accused. With Martha’s assistance in weaving through the underbelly of society and obtaining the information necessary to free her friend, Bridget becomes a force to be reckoned with!
The Midwife’s Tale offered an unusual glimpse into the world and power yielded by midwives in 1644 York, yet also the powerlessness of women in a society that viewed them as second-class citizens at best, chattel at worst. One interesting tidbit about the author ~ Sam Thomas is male…..yet he has grasped the subtle nuances of women-speak like, well, like a well-seasoned woman! Both Bridget and Martha are tremendously well-developed, fully fleshed-out characters….and a couple of women I would definitely want on my side if ever I were about to be burned at the stake! I’m hoping this is not the last we’ve heard of these two!
Many thanks to Historical Fiction Tours and the publisher for the complimentary review copy!