MIDWIVES by Chris Bohjalian

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BOHJALIAN,C.

Vermont midwife Sybil Danforth performs an emergency Caesarian to save a baby's life when the mother, Charlotte Bedford, dies during a difficult labor in her home, unable to get to a hospital because of an ice storm.

In the aftermath a question arises: Was Charlotte Bedford really dead when Sybil performed the caesarean? Midwives is a gripping story of the ensuing trial from the point of view of Sybil's 14-year old daughter.

HOUSEWRIGHTS, by Art Corriveau, 2002

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CORRIVEAU,A

This charming and challenging book takes place in the early part of the twentieth century in Vermont. Lily Willard is a preteen tomboy enjoying the pleasures of rural life and the prospect of her own room in a soon-to-be-built new homestead. Mr. Pritchard, the housewright, appears on the scene with he young twin sons, Oren and Ian, who have spent their lives on the road knowing only the comfort and familiarity of each other and none of the rudiments of what Lily considers normal life. Lily teaches them reading and riding. hey move on.

Ten years later Lily is the bored town librarian when Oren reappears and they marry. All three, Lily, Oren and Ian, live and cavort together as if they were still children, enjoying an innocent intimacy the small town cannot understand. And therein lies the problem.