The Midwife's Revolt

1. What does TMR reveal about the lives of women during the American Revolution?

2. According to TMR, what was the role of the midwife's in America during the 18th century?

3. Why were the people of Braintree slow to trust Lizzie?

4. What do the Boylstons have against Lizzie?

5. Lizzie is often wrong in her judgments. What is she ultimately wrong about, and how does her fallibility make you feel about her?

6. What did you learn about John and Abigail Adams from their portraits in the novel?

7. What values do these characters possess that get them through hard times?

8. How does the subplot of Eliza and her child Johnny add to the novel?

9. Do you think the author creates an authentic "voice" for Lizzie, or should the voice have been more modern? What would be the plusses and minuses of a less "period" voice for Lizzie?

10. What do you takeaway from this novel in terms of its "message"?

11. Did you find the ending satisfying? Why or why not?

Book Club Talking Points:
A story about a strong, unconventional young widow and the struggles of living during the Revolutionary War period. There are also themes of friendships, female bonding and supporting the War.