Although I'm still not convinced I will become a fan of Amish books, since I had this one on my shelf for 2 years, I decided to give it a try. What a delightful and thought-provoking surprise. My main criticism is that the book is misnamed. THE AMISH MIDWIFE doesn't begin to capture the mystery, the emotion, the lessons packed into this compelling story about adoption, one woman's search for identity, and the ability to trust God with our futures as well as our pasts. Nurse-midwife, Lexie Jaeger has lost her adoptive parents. The bequest of a carved wooden box ignites an intense desire to find her biological family. She must learn her true "story" so she leaves her home and long-time boyfriend in Oregon to travel to the heart of Pennsylvania's Amish country.Amish people in this close-knit community hold fast to "demur"--to let be--and initially refuse to help her. At times her persistence borders on obsessive. The more people try to dissuade her, the more determined she becomes. While she follows the few threads she has, she goes to work for a lay-midwife who may be related. What Lexie discovers about herself turns out to be redemptive for many in the community as toxic secrets are exposed, and wrong conclusions righted. For a while, I did not know if that would be the case. The tension between Lexie and the people who turned out to be family members amped the conflict to a feverish pitch at times, making me want to read more.As an adopted person, I found this is a wonderful expose on the emotional cost of adoption for all concerned. Amish or not, I highly recommend it. "I think sometimes when we grew up with a parent who is deeply flawed....we learn, subconsciously at least, to expect the worst from everyone else as well....Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way forever. We can learn to see with new eyes if we try."Themes: forgiveness, acceptance, etc. Once again, this was not a book written by an Amish writer. However, most of the major characters were Mennonite. (Also neither of the midwives were Amish, although one of them had been raised as such.)
What do You think about The Amish Midwife (2011)?
Entertaining and informative. Both about the Amish and adoption.
—Peanut
Interesting take on family. Interesting read. Library book!
—Abc123doremi
