Roxanne's Reviews > The Midwife of Hope River

I began reading this book without looking at the jacket or introduction. About 20 pages into the book I realized I had read Harman's book The Blue Cotton Gown and had not been impressed at all.

This book was everything I was "hoping" for and I'm glad I gave the author a second chance. Her fiction was way better than her non-fiction.

This story is written so well that you don't know you are receiving a history lesson when you really are. I didn't want the book to end to be honest.

I enjoyed the storyline which was well-paced and conveyed the state of the country. Which wasn't a time to be very proud of, but there were many people who were decent and really hard workers just down on their luck.

My husband's family originally settled in Morgantown, West Virginia to work in the coal mines and glass factories. They were forced to move to Gary, Indiana to work in the steel mills. I was able to relate to the characters very easily.

While the subject matter was often not pleasant, the author allowed the reader to see reality through Patience's eyes. Her true and honest demeanor was a relief. The compassion behind her care unmeasurable.

I enjoyed reading about the simple aspects of Patience's life. Running out of food and wood. Getting a horse of her own. Then, getting a car of her own.

I was really pleased with The Midwife of Hope River. I plan to read Patricia Harman's other memoir with an open mind.