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The Book of the Unnamed Midwife

The Road to Nowhere, Book 1

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The Book of the Unnamed Midwife

Written by: Meg Elison
Narrated by: Angela Dawe
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About this listen

Philip K. Dick Award Winner for Distinguished Science Fiction

When she fell asleep, the world was doomed. When she awoke, it was dead.

In the wake of a fever that decimated the earth's population - killing women and children and making childbirth deadly for the mother and infant - the midwife must pick her way through the bones of the world she once knew to find her place in this dangerous new one. Gone are the pillars of civilization. All that remains is power - and the strong who possess it.

A few women like her survived, though they are scarce. Even fewer are safe from the clans of men, who, driven by fear, seek to control those remaining. To preserve her freedom, she dons men's clothing, goes by false names, and avoids as many people as possible. But as the world continues to grapple with its terrible circumstances, she'll discover a role greater than chasing a pale imitation of independence.

After all, if humanity is to be reborn, someone must be its guide.

©2016 Meg Elison. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.
Adventure Dystopian Genre Fiction Medical & Forensic Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Thriller & Suspense Fiction Exciting
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A good story set in the future. Easy listening. The authors annoying habit of comparing things with the word "equals" was definitely irritating towards the end of the book.

"equals"

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Really good story and enjoyable performance. Would recommend for the same audience as the Handmaid’s tale.

Handmaid’s Tale

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couldn't stop listening- the narrator was excellent. looking forward to book two. already pre-ordered third

couldn't stop listening

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I loved listening to this book. Really captured my attention till the end. Wish there was a series or spin to this storyline

Loved it

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This was amazing. I’m a fan of post-apocalyptic stories and finding good ones isn’t easy. I stumbled across this one through an Audible sale and I’m so happy I bought it. The writing is dark because of the obvious subject matter but also painfully human. The queer rep was very well done and refreshing in a sub genre that’s normally 100% hetero. Loved this and am delighted to see that it’s part of a series.

Why haven’t I heard about this book?

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Really enjoyed this book. Great take on the post-apocalyptic theme. Some other commenters complaining about the use of the word “equals” but it’s really not a big deal at all. It may not translate as well to an audiobook but it’s easy to tell that the character is writing in her diary and using “=“ is part of her writing style. Not at all a hindrance to enjoying this book. Highly recommend.

Highly recommended

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do not let the reviews of people being annoyed by the repetition of "equals". The equals comes from a journalism style that may not translate well for some listeners. But I did not find it at all annoying. It makes it easier to discern when it changes from the journal to the story.

This was so intense. A great take on humanity and it's animalistic nature. Fantastic narration. I felt like I was her or I wanted to be friends with her.

Intense = edge of my seat = wow

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Very mediocre storyline. Not a book I will want to revisit or read the next parts.

very mediocre

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Enough with the @$&# equals!!!

Warning, I’m still on chapter one and I’m sure this term has been used at least 40,000 times.

Seems to be a good story, but using the word equals in every other sentence is driving me nuts. Seriously. Both author and editor are equally inept.

Minus 2 stars EQUALS…

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This was a really fascinating and thought provoking story with lots of action and adventure. Definitely worth the credit!

Interesting!

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