The Book of the Unnamed Midwife (The Road to Nowhere)

I enjoyed the writing style, and the story was well-paced and plotted, the characters believable and compelling. I probably would've given this book a much higher rating if I hadn't found the first part a thoroughly miserable experience. If you're considering picking it up, you should go into it knowing that the first third to half of the book contains multiple graphic depictions of rape and attempted rape, abduction, violent misogyny, and a constant, unrelenting atmosphere of tension that grows out of constant exposure to those experiences. If you don't have issue with that sort of content, you'll likely find this a very worthwhile read.

Every woman walks around every day with secret and unacknowledged truth that the strongest of us can be strangled by even the weakest man. How does that intensify when an unknown plague kills nearly every female and all of the newborns?

Elison does a masterful job in conjuring that unthinkable world, the choices made, the possibilities manifest. The structure and prose is inventive and absorbing. If you don't finish the book in one sitting, check for a heartbeat.

Looking forward to volume two.

I love dystopian novels and the idea of this was great but I did not enjoy the execution. I did not like the narrator at all and at times felt like a liberal agenda was being pushed on the reader since there was a distrust of men and of religion. And sex is shown to be needed like water. The end changes and becomes more interesting but doesn't make me want to read on.

interesting story about a midwife from San Francisco and her journey after a virus devastates the world's population. She dresses as a man to survive and keeps a journal of her travels and interact toons with other survivors. The plot is believable and the characters are well developed. The script used for the journal parts of the book is poor - it is difficult to read. My kindle would not let me change the font into a more readable version, so I took off a star from my rating.

This is what makes reading a joy. To come across a novel that is imaginative, well-written and gripping like this one is like winning the lottery. If you like Post Apocalyptic novels, or just great novels, this stands along side Station Eleven at the top of the pyramid. You feel you are right there with the unnamed midwife throughout the savage times when civilization crumbles and few men and almost no women are left. There is not a false step in this one.

I loved this book.. really fun and addictive read that gave me some food for thought... gripping, engaging, easy-to-follow fast-paced plot that is only a bit predictable but not boring at all and does have some good twists... terrifying yet not totally depressing like some other post-apocalyptic novels... the main character is well-developed and relatable, easy to root for... overall, I much enjoyed this book and was sorry when it ended..

Really interesting book. The main character is strong and decisive. I LOVE that it’s free read and listen with kindle unlimited so I can listen during chores and read when I’m settled. I have to admit that’s the only reason I gave the book a try but it was worth it. Moving on to 2nd boom

The premise and plot of the book are actually very interesting and entertaining. The many characters are nicely developed. I especially enjoyed how the novel is told in journal format. Yet, most of my enjoyment was stifled by the the main character's callous remarks about life and typical liberal talking points. Her push for birth control and abortion was a bit over done. Women and children are dying and she is a midwife and can now only do one thing I guess and that's dispense birth control . Pretty boring. At one point the character says "Thanks Planned Parenthood"... give me a break. Although maybe many people will disagree with me and enjoy this Unamed Midwife. I found her annoying.

Very thought provoking. What people do in the midst of an epidemic shows their true nature. Babies dying. Mother's giving birth dying. Women dying 20 to 1 of men. What becomes of women in a world no one has laws to govern? The worst happens. Great read. Going to read the sequel. I want find out what happens in these new societies.

This book is one of the ones that really sticks to you. It questions the role/importance of women in society, what happens to us when that society collapses, and how those roles might switch at the end of all things. It is so raw, at times hard to handle, but so deeply compelling. This is an important piece of literature. However, read with caution. Trigger warning for sexual assault and violence against women

I read so many books that I rarely comment or review them. This one though deserves a review. I found it amazing. From the first page to the last, I could imagine this as our future. The main character was gutsy and honest. The journey she took was more than physical but was emotional and heartrending. I am so disappointed there isn't more from the author yet. Get back to your keyboard!!

I stayed up all night reading this book. I could not put it down. I have been thinking about it all day. She goes into the sociological effects of this species ending crisis in great details. The way she shows society degrading really makes a person think. I also live in a city that is a major part of the story and she basically nailed the dominant culture here.
This was just a wonderful read.

Enjoyed this book tremendously. Almost read it on one sitting but needing sleep won. The book was different then other servival stories. Couldn't put it down. Kept my interest throughout the book. Different ways of treating women and different results. Make you wonder why some men would treat women so bad and think they weren't doing anything wrong. If I new I possessed a rare item I would make sure it was well taken care off.

The writing is good, kept me going until the end, but there are some structural problems. In a one character POV novel, you have to accept that there are parts of the story you can't tell. Unexpectedly hitting those chapters pulls the reader out of the story. A pandemic with a high kill rate leaves a lot of mess, not a pristine neutron bomb hit world with only an occasional tidy corpse to walk past.

First and foremost, I would like to thank the store Publishing (47 North) for providing a review copy of this book. I reached out to them for a review copy after reading the synopsis of the book and being really intrigued by it. They were so kind and informative. Now, on to the review!

I have never read anything even remotely like this book before. I'm serious. This book is so unique on its take on what a post-apocalypse society would look like, even the biological nature of the apocalypse itself is different. In this biological apocalypse, something like 99% of the human population is rapidly killed off, with women and children being affected more than men. Now tell me, have you read anything like that before?

This book is clearly an adult dystopian novel, far different than your typical young adult dystopian novel. This book is raw and twisted, really showing the evils that some young adult books cannot touch. The key focus in this book is the treatment of women in this society. Since there are so few women left and all the babies keep dying in childbirth, there is a culture where women are seen as possessions and unfortunately rape is very prevalent. I was so incredibly disgusted while reading this book. Men were such pigs and I couldn't believe the way they were treating these women like there were less than animals, like rape was okay because there are so few of them left and they need to repopulate the world. It really goes to show though that people can do a complete 180 in the most desperate of times and you never know what someone will do to survive.

I really enjoyed the main character in the book, the unnamed midwife. She is this bisexual, diverse, killer feminist who pretends to be a man so that she can help any women she encounters in her journey across the country. Even if she can't save the woman from slavery, she gives them birth control, and that might not seem important, but it is so incredibly necessary in this society that the book has shaped. From the start of the book, it is clear she will do anything to survive and she will put up with no one's nonsense. It's interesting to watch her assume different personas as she travels and how she pretends to be whoever she needs to be to survive.

For the most part of the book, I liked the style of narration, but towards the last third I started having issues. Part of the book is told through the main character's point of view in a journal, but there are interjections where the woman and boys scribing her story tell what's going on, and it's weird because the shifts are very quick and don't necessarily flow too well. There is also a point where the story stops being just about her, and I didn't really like that because it felt like it was taking away from her journey and wasn't necessarily adding anything.

As far as plot, I really enjoyed it overall. Like I said before, it was nothing I have ever read before and it had my attention the entire time. There was a point when I got a little weary though because it seemed like the organization and flow of the story was diverging from the rest of the book. Basically she meets this Mormon community (don't even get me started on them) and from there the book drags and it seems like nothing important is really happening and that the unnamed midwife has kinda last her appealing spark and fire, if that makes sense. I don't know, you've got to read it for it to make sense.

I think if you are a woman, this is something you should pick up because it tells an important narrative and point of view that we hardly think about in dystopians, and it's important that we do think about these things. However, like the warning says, there is a lot of rape, violence, and overall horrible stuff that happens to the women in this book, so if that triggers you, please don't read this because your mental health is more important, however, if you can get past that, then please read this. I really wish more people knew about this book.

Absolutely LOVED this book. I listened to it first, and while there was a part of the writing style I found annoying to listen to I knew reading it would not be the same. The story is great and I needed to own a copy of it in print. I tend to listen to or read kindle books through the library and when a book is really great I will then purchase it. This was one of those books.

I love post apocalyptic books but I usually find them a bit more depressing than entertaining. This is an exception! I loved the main character and found her to be easy to relate to and understand! I can't wait to read the Book of Etta!

I usually don't read dystopian books but let me tell you this one's a doozy...in a very good way! Excellent writing style, superb characters. The author wends her way out of the standard apocryphal settings with stellar results. On my way to book 2. Highly recommend.

By far the best book I have read in a very long time. It was raw, tragic, and beautiful. It left me with no questions on plots or what ifs, nor forgot the story of anyone. There was no epilogue, nor did the ending feel out of place. I was left feeling satisfied and full of the feels and was so, so, so happy to find there was another book even though the story of the Unnamed Midwife felt whole on its own.

I thought is was a different concept but so childish with the F bombs, it became tiresome. The font was very difficult to read. Then her portrayal of the Mormons was so offending. Yes, I am a LDS but that was slanted to make her point and to support her ideology. Do not bother.

Wow. I was loaned this book on the recommendation of a friend and just wow. I've never read anything like it. And I've read a whole lot of post-apocalyptic lit. The narrative structure of the book takes a little getting used to (switching between journal entries, third per

The first person sections are enticing, almost intoxicating. You can feel yourself falling into the mind of this character. She's complicated and lonely and terrified and you can feel the weight in your chest when her mental health starts to suffer due to her own isolation. It's what makes the book so great, and is also why the third-person sections are necessary. Because as a reader I found I needed the breathing room to keep my head from spinning off. So even if the changes in narrative structure seem odd at first, they're important. Keep reading.

I'm really not sure what else to say about this. I read the first 30 pages and then needed to take a break, out of breath. I got busy and walked away from the book for a few days, knowing it put me in a particular mental state. Once I sat back down, I finished it in one sitting. In fact, I just finished it and it affected me so greatly that I immediately sat down to write this review (sometime after midnight) because I can't sleep due to my brain spinning from this novel.

It's not often I get so absorbed in a story. So if you want to fall headfirst into a harsh, realistic, complicated story of survival, settle in. Don't forget a glass of water. You may find yourself parched and unwilling to set the book down.

This is a dark and gritty story of survival and resilience after a sickness decimates the world. It is also a fearless and uncompromising study of human society and culture. There is great desperation and darkness here, but also glimmers of hope for order, balance, and a future in a world turned upside down. I read this story in one day, and I’m so eager to start the next one.

Generally, I like a beginning a middle and an end, so I’m not a big fan of series. This book, the characters and the concept are so well done, so well drawn that I don’t want to read something that carries on forever. But then again, perhaps I do.

I would really love to be able to read this book on my Kindle, and believe it would be pretty darn good. BUT, it's a difficult chore to read the font in which the protagonist's narrative is printed. It's killing my eyes and I had to stop reading the book. Font readability in a book is really important.

An enjoyable dystopian story. If you like The Walking Dead, this is similar (sans the zombies) in that the end-of-the-world scenario brings out some horrific human behaviors and well as some honorable ones and the main character must navigate between the two. Religion and gender issues play a significant role in the plot which made it all the more appealing. I almost never read sequels, but I will probably read the sequel to this one.

I'm not great at writing book reviews--this novel was incredibly gripping, and while at times very dark, I also found myself deeply moved and unable to stop reading. The Audible narration is outstanding.

I am speechless.... this is one of the most chilling books I have read so far... on par with The Handmaid's Tale.

Critique...

Not understanding why some electricity was not addressed; however, the premise is chilling enough to overlook that.

This book is the consummate end of the world novel. I LOVE that it's written from a female point of view. It's really amazing and gut wrenching at the same time. You really want it to work for the unnamed midwife. Can't wait for more of this awesome world.

Amazing. I’m crying. I haven’t devoured a book like this in a long time. Thrilled to find out it’s a trilogy and that some people liked the second book even better. How is that possible?! Meg Elison is a stunning writer of words. Buying the next book now:) buy it, read it. Like, now!!!

I liked this enough to want to read the next one- to hopefully see where this society actually ends up. I liked how the author wrapped up some of the side stories of people the main character interacted with along the way. But there were also some far fetched ideas here- who knows? I hope we never have to face something like this.

Terrifying glimpse of what could be but hopeful. So many of these apocalyptic books portray everyone reduced to savagery but this has more of the balance that I believe would occur. Like the excerpts from the diary that are really effective in revealing the thinking processes and emotions of the midwife. Don't like the font used in the excerpts as it makes it harder to read.

The writing style is so unique that it took a couple of chapters to get settled in. Once you land it's a non stop sprint to the last page. Elison creates a believable world that is familair and horrifying.

With the intellectual weight of Camu's The Plague and the pace of The Hunger Games this book feels smart, and original while delivering a fast paced and satisfying contemporary read. Hard to believe that this is Elison's first book. Can't wait to read more from her.

I am usually a fan of most things go right - in this case it is a very real look at what could happen should women become scarce. I enjoyed the development of the main character and the mystery in the diary. I will read the sequel- and find the ramifications of the society that is developing to be fascinating.

Can not even believe how enthralled I became in this horrible tale!!!!! The epitome of ever gruesome emotion imaginable. Who would have thought that I would be unable to put the story down. Don't know if I was mesmerized by the idea that something more gory would be told next.....this just beats ALL

I enjoyed it. Kept my attention. You can see a flood, hear a volcano, and there are alarms for radiation, but a mutated virus is the scariest thing I know. HIV, Ebola, Zika these are all names that we have come to know in my life time. This story was a good representation of how our world could fall apart in a heartbeat.
Be that said ,I will remember the story, that makes it worth reading.

This is a very readable book that grabs you from the start. The human race needs hope & companionship to sustain an humane & civilized existence. With never ending new outbreaks of new health challenges that can kill off the human race it is a thought provoking book.

Enjoyable and realistic end of the world scenario from disease. A little like The Stand without the hokey bad guy. A little like The Children of Men with more people. The Midwife survives the anarchy by pretending to be a man. As baby after baby does not survive, the Midwife wonders if this will be the last generation.

When I open a book and find myself unable to guess in the first chapter where the storyline leads, it's a winner. It related the dark areas without an over-abundance of unnecessary graphic detail. The practicality and realistic scenarios made it very believable of what could happen.

I inhaled this book in less than a day. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction, especially if you've read and enjoyed Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower, you will love this book. I also loved that it ties up all the loose ends so you're not left wondering about side characters and their stories, Depressingly realistic, but also ultimately uplifting and heart warming. I'm so glad there's a sequel, and I hope Meg Elison writes a whole series set in this world.

I was really impressed by this writer’s work after downloading her work through Kindle Unlimited. I was immediately drawn in from the very first page. the protagonist’s diary is occasionally repetitively tiresome (ie the use of equal signs to describe her thoughts), but the story overall is incredibly engaging. this is the kind of book in which you can lose yourself. I particularly enjoyed her narration of what happens to characters who go their own way - it was like reading a series of short stories intertwined with a novel

So glad I found this captivating, complex gem of a novel. I know I will reread it. If you enjoy gripping suspense and end-of-life-as-we-know-it scenarios, you will quickly become engrossed in the fierce, savvy female protagonist's journey (and her legacy, too).

Very interesting and gripping dystopian story with a strong female protagonist. The premise and how things play out gives you a lot to think about in terms of the best and worst of humanity, and men vs. women.

A very fast paced smart read. Liked the feminist touches throughout. It was a wonderful look at how humans are dependant on each other for love and companionship. Humanity is also full of hate and rage and which side will prevail.

The storyline for this book is really interesting and had potential, but the format was a little rough to get through parts of the book are written and hard to reli The storyline for this book is really interesting and had potential, but the format was a little rough to get through parts of the book are written and hard to read semi cursive like taken from a journal. And then others are printed out which I found distracting, also be aware that this book has a lot of language which I also did not appreciate. I tried to read it sequel and couldn't get through the third chapter it was terrible. If you can get it for free on lending library give it a shot but if not don't waste your money.

This book was a perfect representation of how life would be if there was a pandemic that left few people. The worst traits of humanity show at these times especially where women are scarce as hens' teeth. This was a good story about a horrible possibility.

This is a book about a woman that lives through the end of the world to discover what humanity becomes when there are fewer women than men and no children being born alive. It was sad, triumphant, and scary all mixed up together.

Very much like a roller coaster, this book takes you on highs where you smile or exclaim in joy, curves so fast and frightening that your belly drops to the floor, moments where your heart nearly stops only to speed up to near bursting. GREAT ride.

Intriguing and incredible saga of one woman's survival after a devastating illness kills off most of humanity. Hard to put it down. So well written. The author used interesting journal entries interspersed with the story line to pull you into this story. Loved it!

I read this book in a single sitting based on a friend's recommendation. Damn fine book. Like a harder, meaner Station Eleven. Something in the writing reminded me of The Passage as well, however unlikely that is. Maybe the descriptions of loneliness and empty cities and time passing unmarked by the rhythms of the current world. Anyway, a great read and well worth the time.

Someone gave me this book by accident. However, I am not one who believes in accidents. Meg Elison's words, though at times emotionally hard to read, continue my belief that there are no accidents. I thank my friend, however this got to me.

Elison discusses controversial culturally relevant issues of sexuality, gender identity, reproductive rights, and the extremes of human nature in her genre blending epistolary novel. She confronts the rights of women through the experiences of a lone woman struggling for survival in a world gone mad.
This novel is perfect for book clubs or English classes since it lends itself perfectly to opening deep discussions. The themes are brutal and could trigger painful emotions so mature caution is advisable.

This is one of those books that once you start, you can't stop! To the point that sleep, and basic daily needs... like cooking and childcare become hard to manage cause you can't put the book down! (Slightly exaggerated of course. ?). Can't wait to start the second one!!!

This book was totally readable. Nothin fancy. Just what I was looking for. Post apocalyptic fiction without zombies. It delivered survival, a gritty heroine doing her duty and a bunch of cast members that were just developed enough for the length of their stay in the story. A story that ponders what it would be like "out there" if women were outnumbered by men in the end of world senario. Interesting options.

Follow this brave heroin on her adventure to survive and help others. Once a midwife before the plague that killed almost 98% of humans mostly women and children. Post plague women what few that are left are unable to bear alive children. Will this midwife ever use her skills again or is human race on the brink of extension?

I loved this book. The author has some great insights into people and what things could be like after society collapses. There's a great diversity of interesting multidimensional characters. The main character's journey seems really organic I really enjoyed seeing where she would go and what she would encounter. And it makes a lot of sense- of course the Mormons are the people best prepared for the end of the world (they really are). I'm also really excited about the sequel. There are just some hints about that at the very end, and it sounds awesome.

This is one of the best books I have read recently on Kindle Unlimited. Great story concept and character development. Really liked the aspect of using journals intermixed with story to give differing perspectives of events. Well edited. Recommended to anyone who likes dystopian theme.

Outwardly, Elison's midwife wears many names and the shifting identity demanded by the moment, but it is her ongoing interior struggle to avoid becoming dependent on hope even as compassion guides her onward that is captivating. A character putting all her cunning to use, adjusting to global chaos, and willing to do the things that survival demands, this midwife epitomizes courage - the desire to bring forth life in the midst of death includes violence and delayed launch sometimes. So be it. Hard to put the book down, and looking forward to the sequel.

I couldn't finish this book. The ongoing depression and ranting doesn't come to a point and honestly reading it is like wearing a hair shirt. You do it because you think you should, but you hate it all the same.

It's a little stream of consciousness, a lot of amazing journaling, and an interesting take on a possible post apocalyptic world where there are too few women. Sometimes hard to read but very addictive.

One of the few books I've read in the past couple of years that I had trouble putting down. I finished it in two days. Very compelling story line, good pacing, and fascinating characters. I've read my share of post-apocalyptic tales and I found this one to be one of the best. No spoilers here -- just go read it!

Interesting plot. Got choppy towards the end. I wanted more information about the protagonist and her life at the fort. Also, thought the f word was overused. Could the author occasionally find another word for sex? I've read better books about similar themes.

Seriously, this book was so good. Amazing story, but mostly the fleshing out of the characters was amazing!! I loved the way in which this story unfolded. From journal pages and made you feel like you understood the characters on a base level. Really good!!!!!

At first, The Book of the Unnamed Midwife seems like your typical post-global plague novel. As the story unfolds, however, the twist fuels all that the protagonist thinks and does. Overall, a good read.

This book was along the lines of Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. This is an Interesting and captivating story about the plight of women when the world ends. There was, in my opinion, a bit too much gratuitous sex but perhaps that was the reality the author wanted to capture.

What a surprise! I thought I would be disappointed with this read but I devoured it quickly and excitedly. If you enjoy dystopian/post-apocalyptic literature then don't hesitate to give this novel a go.

I was so surprised by this book. It is written in differing perspectives throughout the book and rather than it feeling arbitrary it adds to the strangeness. If you are a fan of the Stand or other dystopian fiction, this is required reading.

This book is easily in my Top 10 favorites. Elison finally offers a compelling female-centered apocalyptic novel, and I was engaged from Page 1. I strongly encourage readers to join me on the Road to Nowhere.

I absolutely loved this book. It reminded me if the Children of Men, but flipped on its side with the story being told from a female perspective, in a world where women are both treasured and enslaved. Great read!

I do not like end of world stories and
would not have read this if I knew it had a similar theme. However the only thing I didn't like was the script print which I found hard on my eyes. This is well written.

I enjoyed the story and the clarity with which events were described, but found the overly simplistic syntax of the diary entries a bit distracting. There were times where I felt the author had forgotten to mention details and then threw them in at the last minute for sort of unclear reasons or in a kind of deus ex machina fix -- when Dino and Andrea figure out that the main character is a nurse by her tattoos, it's a convenient detail that wasn't mentioned until four fifths of the way into the book. Frustrating for sure. The actual plot and characters were interesting, though I quickly grew annoyed with the depiction of Jodi as stupid for her taste in television -- you can like books AND the Kardashians. That portion became a little "I'm not like other girls" for me.

This book is hands down the best post apocalyptic novel I have ever read. It's gritty in a realistic way. It's honest. In a lot of ways, it's a magnified version of life viewed through the lens of scarcity and decay. I cannot recommend this book enough.

I don't have much to complain about other than I wish there could have been more on her relationship with Jack, but I felt satisfied enough to overlook it. Five stars for wonderful storytelling in third person, realistic perspectives, and a wonderfully refreshing take on the post-apocalyptic genre.

I enjoyed the switch between life and journal but found the "journal", typeset very difficult to read. I would encourage reading this great story. Definitely very intense storyline, may not be suitable for younger eyes or those with trauma.

I received this ARC from netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

The apocalypse happened. A lethal virus that killed nearly every woman and child and left one woman for every ten men. Every baby dies in uterio or immediately following birth as well as the mother. The world is broken, but through the knowledge and care of the unnamed midwife, things are slowly repairing itself. The world is a dark place, but light eventually shines through again.

It was hard for me to believe and accept the way men are portrayed. When the fabric of society breaks apart they immediately revert to caveman behavior, beat and concur women.

I am a big fan of the post-apocalyptic genre, and this is one of the best. It's always interesting to imagine how society would or would not reform after a collapse, and this scenario is unique . Very much worth your time.

I did not bother to get very far in this book. I'm not convinced there is much more to the plot than how often the author can use vulgar language. In one of the very first chapters, the main character 'Karen' wakes up after days? Weeks? Of unconsciousness with the hospital abandoned and she goes home, tries to shower and go to bed. She is woken up by a strange man attempting to rape her, she gets a knife and purposely slashes his neck. Then is suddenly overcome with remorse for her rapist and tries to save him? It just kept going downhill. It reads like a preteen wrote it dropping the F bomb as often as possible to impress his friends. Then other lovely words are added to keep the vulgarity fresh. There wasn't really anything compelling me to TRY to keep reading.

The other reviewers here must be reading the paperback version of this book. The ebook formatting is so horribly messed up that this book is virtually unreadable. The little bit I have been able to read is well written, and might very well have received a higher rating, but the production values give it two stars from me.

Some of the end-of-the-world tropes were less than original but the story made op for it with intensity and an original point of view. There will soon be another story from this world, later and from a far different perspective. I will read it when it arrives.

I am a big fan of the post-apocalyptic genre, and this is one of the best. It's always interesting to imagine how society would or would not reform after a collapse, and this scenario is unique . Very much worth your time.

I did not bother to get very far in this book. I'm not convinced there is much more to the plot than how often the author can use vulgar language. In one of the very first chapters, the main character 'Karen' wakes up after days? Weeks? Of unconsciousness with the hospital abandoned and she goes home, tries to shower and go to bed. She is woken up by a strange man attempting to rape her, she gets a knife and purposely slashes his neck. Then is suddenly overcome with remorse for her rapist and tries to save him? It just kept going downhill. It reads like a preteen wrote it dropping the F bomb as often as possible to impress his friends. Then other lovely words are added to keep the vulgarity fresh. There wasn't really anything compelling me to TRY to keep reading.

The other reviewers here must be reading the paperback version of this book. The ebook formatting is so horribly messed up that this book is virtually unreadable. The little bit I have been able to read is well written, and might very well have received a higher rating, but the production values give it two stars from me.

Some of the end-of-the-world tropes were less than original but the story made op for it with intensity and an original point of view. There will soon be another story from this world, later and from a far different perspective. I will read it when it arrives.

Fair warning: This book is _intense_, but that's what makes it so fantastic. It starts by forcing your knees apart, and kicking you in the gut, then grabs you by the hair and forces you to go on a journey with the unnamed protagonist.

The story is dull and compares very unfavorably with other post-apocalyptic stories, of which I have read many. This particular one more or less plagiarizes "Children of Men" (with a nod to "Handmaiden's Tale") and grafts it directly onto "The Road" with a touch of Max Rockatansky. Waste of time.

Portions of the text are presented in a handwritten font. In the ARC I received I could not read these portions on any setting of my Android tablet. I hope that 47North has reset using a new font for the final release. Perhaps you should check the preview.

I received a review copy of "The Book of the Unnamed Midwife" by Meg Elison (47North) through NetGalley.com.

I only made it through the first chapter and there was so many swear words I could not continue!!! There is no reason for destroying a book with filthy language. I was really looking forward to reading the book based on what it was about and the description. Buyer beware.

I think Bissett was the real winner of the Phillip K. Dick Award, but the novel that won was a rip-off of the Atwood's Handmaiden's Tale and The Walking Dead TV series. The Book of the Unnamed Midwife is novel hackery, and we can only wonder why Meg Elison wrote this story of a woman "wandering America without zombies"--it reads like a screen writer formula written by a "market" writer. Elison is the sci-fi version of Stephen "Mr. Market" King. In any case, Bissett has written a miraculous first novel, which is also pushing the boundaries of alternate realities and computer-tech impositions of virtual reality. Bissett received a "special citation" for this imaginative depiction dystopian futures (most are a dime a dozen) ala. the Phillip K.Dick Award, which reveals the corporate nature of the judges and their bias towards creativity and true novel writing form. Bissett is a great writer and I look forward to other novels, especially in a time in which creativity is under attack and it is being drowned out by corporate Hollywood garbage. Yeah, I won't be taking this award very seriously anymore...that's for sure.

Fair warning: This book is _intense_, but that's what makes it so fantastic. It starts by forcing your knees apart, and kicking you in the gut, then grabs you by the hair and forces you to go on a journey with the unnamed protagonist.

The story is dull and compares very unfavorably with other post-apocalyptic stories, of which I have read many. This particular one more or less plagiarizes "Children of Men" (with a nod to "Handmaiden's Tale") and grafts it directly onto "The Road" with a touch of Max Rockatansky. Waste of time.

Portions of the text are presented in a handwritten font. In the ARC I received I could not read these portions on any setting of my Android tablet. I hope that 47North has reset using a new font for the final release. Perhaps you should check the preview.

I received a review copy of "The Book of the Unnamed Midwife" by Meg Elison (47North) through NetGalley.com.

I only made it through the first chapter and there was so many swear words I could not continue!!! There is no reason for destroying a book with filthy language. I was really looking forward to reading the book based on what it was about and the description. Buyer beware.

I think Bissett was the real winner of the Phillip K. Dick Award, but the novel that won was a rip-off of the Atwood's Handmaiden's Tale and The Walking Dead TV series. The Book of the Unnamed Midwife is novel hackery, and we can only wonder why Meg Elison wrote this story of a woman "wandering America without zombies"--it reads like a screen writer formula written by a "market" writer. Elison is the sci-fi version of Stephen "Mr. Market" King. In any case, Bissett has written a miraculous first novel, which is also pushing the boundaries of alternate realities and computer-tech impositions of virtual reality. Bissett received a "special citation" for this imaginative depiction dystopian futures (most are a dime a dozen) ala. the Phillip K.Dick Award, which reveals the corporate nature of the judges and their bias towards creativity and true novel writing form. Bissett is a great writer and I look forward to other novels, especially in a time in which creativity is under attack and it is being drowned out by corporate Hollywood garbage. Yeah, I won't be taking this award very seriously anymore...that's for sure.