Roberta Rich (1)
Author of The Midwife of Venice
For other authors named Roberta Rich, see the disambiguation page.
About the Author
Image credit: blog - google images
Series
Works by Roberta Rich
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Gender
- female
- Occupations
- lawyer
- Short biography
- I was born on January 9th. Not the best time to be born if your birthplace happens to be the buckle on the snow belt, Buffalo, New York. Buffalo remained my home until I struck out on my own and managed to get 73 miles down the New York State Freeway to Rochester. My life took a turn for the better- better climate, better opportunities.
Writers of a certain vintage always seem to boast of the variety of interesting jobs they held before settling down to write. Jobs like fire breather on the Reforma in Mexico City, or turkey plucker. I have not done anything so exotic. Moving from present to past, I have been: a divorce lawyer, student, waitress, nurses’ aide, hospital admitting clerk, factory assembly line worker and child.
I live in Vancouver, B.C. and in Colima, Mexico. I have one husband, one daughter, three step-children, a German Shepherd, tropical fish and many over sexed parakeets. When in Mexico, I nurture my husband, and my vanilla vines. When in Vancouver I try to keep dry - Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- Buffalo, New York, USA
- Places of residence
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Colima, Mexico
Rochester, New York, USA - Associated Place (for map)
- USA
Members
Reviews
Roberta Rich's debut novel, The Midwife of Venice, was 'richly' received by reading audiences everywhere. I really enjoyed it (my review) and remember writing at the end of my review..." it ended too soon! But it looks like a sequel is in the works - I'll be picking it up for sure."
Well, that sequel - The Harem Midwife - is here. It's just as good as the first book and provided a lovely Sunday afternoon's read for me.
1578. Hannah and her husband Isaac have fled Venice and made a life for show more themselves in Constantinople. Hannah is a talented midwife and her skills have been noticed by the palace of Sultan Murat III. She is called to ascertain the purity of a new girl purchased for the harem. But Hannah feels pity for the young woman and lies. Will that lie be revealed and threaten everything Hannah and Isaac have together? Or will the threat come from a 'family' member with their own devious agenda?
I like historical fiction, but don't usually go this far back. However, Roberta Rich has changed my mind. She slowly and lavishly paints her settings with the sounds and sights of time and place vividly described. I learned so much from the details woven into her tale - not just of the Ottoman Empire, but of midwifery and Jewish life and customs.
Hannah is a great lead character - warm, caring and yes, fallible - and the reader becomes invested in her life. The love for her husband and depiction of their home life made her even more 'real.' I did question her lying to the palace and her friends' willingness to go along with her seemingly foolhardy plan, but this only added to the wonderful mix of history, suspense and romance Rich has again woven. Here's hoping there's a third book in the works! show less
Well, that sequel - The Harem Midwife - is here. It's just as good as the first book and provided a lovely Sunday afternoon's read for me.
1578. Hannah and her husband Isaac have fled Venice and made a life for show more themselves in Constantinople. Hannah is a talented midwife and her skills have been noticed by the palace of Sultan Murat III. She is called to ascertain the purity of a new girl purchased for the harem. But Hannah feels pity for the young woman and lies. Will that lie be revealed and threaten everything Hannah and Isaac have together? Or will the threat come from a 'family' member with their own devious agenda?
I like historical fiction, but don't usually go this far back. However, Roberta Rich has changed my mind. She slowly and lavishly paints her settings with the sounds and sights of time and place vividly described. I learned so much from the details woven into her tale - not just of the Ottoman Empire, but of midwifery and Jewish life and customs.
Hannah is a great lead character - warm, caring and yes, fallible - and the reader becomes invested in her life. The love for her husband and depiction of their home life made her even more 'real.' I did question her lying to the palace and her friends' willingness to go along with her seemingly foolhardy plan, but this only added to the wonderful mix of history, suspense and romance Rich has again woven. Here's hoping there's a third book in the works! show less
I absolutely loved reading this book. It was so beautifully written, the plot was interesting, and the characters were all memorable. Things just seemed to happen one even after another that the book ended up being a page turner and I would definitely recommend this book for those that are going through a ‘reading rut’ at the moment. This is the perfect book to get back on track on your ‘reading roll’.
The descriptions of the city of Venice were wonderful. There were really great show more contrasts between the setting where Hannah lives (the Jewish area) and the Christian area. It’s not to say that Hannah lives in deep poverty she seems to be living comfortable with just the basic needs. However when compared to the places she goes to outside of the Ghetto area, it’s a vast difference and shows how different these two groups of people live. The persecution and hatred that Hannah and her people have to go through on a daily basis is hard to read, and does make you upset while reading them. However, it is historically accurate, and it’s interesting to note the mentioning of the blood libel, and how crimes committed against Jews were hugely ignored (however if it was vice versa, there would have been an uproar). So throughout the novel, everywhere she turns, Hannah is faced with her ‘Jewishness’. It’s what sets her apart from the rest and it’s painfully obvious; however she deals with it accordingly and puts it all aside, especially while she does her duties as a midwife.
I really did enjoy reading about Hannah a lot. She’s such a strong woman and very determined. She even puts aside her beliefs to doing what she feels is the right thing. She was such a strong character and I really enjoyed reading how despite all the odds against her, and the threats she had to face, she managed to survive and to keep a clear head throughout the novel. Not to mention, she had to make out a living on her own while her husband was taken into slavery, and she manages to survive despite all these overwhelming odds against her. I really did admire her, and I really liked reading about her throughout the book.
Isaac’s story line was good, although I wish there was a little more to it. Then again if there was, then it wouldn’t be really called ‘The Midwife of Venice’ would it? Anyway, it was good enough to read, and an interesting story line for a supporting character. Towards the end of the book, I thought it was just a little too rushed at the end, and everything was done just a little too convenient. However, everything did seem to fall into place and I’m wondering if there is going to be a sequel to this. If there is, count me in because I’ll definitely be picking it up!
This was a beautifully written, wonderful book to read. I most definitely recommend this book to all historical fiction lovers. Roberta Rich is one of to keep an eye on if she continues to write as superb as this book. I absolutely loved this one. show less
The descriptions of the city of Venice were wonderful. There were really great show more contrasts between the setting where Hannah lives (the Jewish area) and the Christian area. It’s not to say that Hannah lives in deep poverty she seems to be living comfortable with just the basic needs. However when compared to the places she goes to outside of the Ghetto area, it’s a vast difference and shows how different these two groups of people live. The persecution and hatred that Hannah and her people have to go through on a daily basis is hard to read, and does make you upset while reading them. However, it is historically accurate, and it’s interesting to note the mentioning of the blood libel, and how crimes committed against Jews were hugely ignored (however if it was vice versa, there would have been an uproar). So throughout the novel, everywhere she turns, Hannah is faced with her ‘Jewishness’. It’s what sets her apart from the rest and it’s painfully obvious; however she deals with it accordingly and puts it all aside, especially while she does her duties as a midwife.
I really did enjoy reading about Hannah a lot. She’s such a strong woman and very determined. She even puts aside her beliefs to doing what she feels is the right thing. She was such a strong character and I really enjoyed reading how despite all the odds against her, and the threats she had to face, she managed to survive and to keep a clear head throughout the novel. Not to mention, she had to make out a living on her own while her husband was taken into slavery, and she manages to survive despite all these overwhelming odds against her. I really did admire her, and I really liked reading about her throughout the book.
Isaac’s story line was good, although I wish there was a little more to it. Then again if there was, then it wouldn’t be really called ‘The Midwife of Venice’ would it? Anyway, it was good enough to read, and an interesting story line for a supporting character. Towards the end of the book, I thought it was just a little too rushed at the end, and everything was done just a little too convenient. However, everything did seem to fall into place and I’m wondering if there is going to be a sequel to this. If there is, count me in because I’ll definitely be picking it up!
This was a beautifully written, wonderful book to read. I most definitely recommend this book to all historical fiction lovers. Roberta Rich is one of to keep an eye on if she continues to write as superb as this book. I absolutely loved this one. show less
The Midwife of Venice is Roberta Rich's debut novel. And it's one I wouldn't have discovered on my own - so, thanks Jessica for the great recommendation!
Hannah Levi is a midwife in the Jewish ghetto of Venice in 1575. When a Christian nobleman asks her to attend his wife, she initially refuses. After all, it is forbidden by law for a Jew to give care to a Christian. But he is desperate - his wife has been labouring for 2 days and is near death. Against the wishes of her rabbi, Hannah agrees show more - the nobleman has agreed to pay an exorbitant fee. That fee will allow Hannah to buy back her husband Isaac, who has been captured and forced into slavery in Malta.
The Midwife of Venice is full of rich historical detail - the social mores and customs of the time, religious differences and a fascinating look at midwifery. The chapters alternate between Hannah in Venice and Isaac in Malta and their continuing struggle to be together. Isaac's chapters are just as full of historical detail, but the characters in these chapters seemed a little overdrawn, such as the nun who buys Isaac. It is Hannah and her tale I enjoyed the most. Her character came to life on the page.
Rich has successfully combined history, suspense and romance into a fascinating page turner. My only complaint - it ended too soon! But it looks like a sequel is in the works - I'll be picking it up for sure.
**Congratulations to Roberta Rich - The Midwife of Venice is #8 on the Globe and Mail hardcover bestseller list!** show less
Hannah Levi is a midwife in the Jewish ghetto of Venice in 1575. When a Christian nobleman asks her to attend his wife, she initially refuses. After all, it is forbidden by law for a Jew to give care to a Christian. But he is desperate - his wife has been labouring for 2 days and is near death. Against the wishes of her rabbi, Hannah agrees show more - the nobleman has agreed to pay an exorbitant fee. That fee will allow Hannah to buy back her husband Isaac, who has been captured and forced into slavery in Malta.
The Midwife of Venice is full of rich historical detail - the social mores and customs of the time, religious differences and a fascinating look at midwifery. The chapters alternate between Hannah in Venice and Isaac in Malta and their continuing struggle to be together. Isaac's chapters are just as full of historical detail, but the characters in these chapters seemed a little overdrawn, such as the nun who buys Isaac. It is Hannah and her tale I enjoyed the most. Her character came to life on the page.
Rich has successfully combined history, suspense and romance into a fascinating page turner. My only complaint - it ended too soon! But it looks like a sequel is in the works - I'll be picking it up for sure.
**Congratulations to Roberta Rich - The Midwife of Venice is #8 on the Globe and Mail hardcover bestseller list!** show less
The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich is a historical fiction story that is set in 16th century Venice and Malta as it follows the story of Hannah and her husband Isaac. As Jews they live in the ghetto of Venice and have strict laws that must be followed. In order to get ahead, Isaac has ventured forth on a trade expedition, but unfortunately his ship was captured by the Knights of Malta and he is being held as a slave until he can be ransomed.
When Hannah is approached by a nobleman who is show more desperate for her to come and help his wife, she is reluctant as it is forbidden for Jews to assist at Christian births. She does agree when the Count offers her 200 ducats. This will be enough money to free her husband. Unfortunately her assistance makes her the target of jealous relatives of the Count. The story switches back and forth between Venice and Malta, as both Hannah and Isaac must surmount many difficulties in their quest to be together again.
I enjoyed The Midwife of Venice, finding it a very fast moving and captivating story. It seemed a little simplified, although the author supplies plenty of drama, intrigue and action. I did think that the characters could have been a little more developed as they were rather one dimensional but it did hold my interest and I see there is a sequel that I will definitely plan on reading in the future. show less
When Hannah is approached by a nobleman who is show more desperate for her to come and help his wife, she is reluctant as it is forbidden for Jews to assist at Christian births. She does agree when the Count offers her 200 ducats. This will be enough money to free her husband. Unfortunately her assistance makes her the target of jealous relatives of the Count. The story switches back and forth between Venice and Malta, as both Hannah and Isaac must surmount many difficulties in their quest to be together again.
I enjoyed The Midwife of Venice, finding it a very fast moving and captivating story. It seemed a little simplified, although the author supplies plenty of drama, intrigue and action. I did think that the characters could have been a little more developed as they were rather one dimensional but it did hold my interest and I see there is a sequel that I will definitely plan on reading in the future. show less
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