Historical Romance

Ingenious plot! The narration is top class. I can't help falling in love with Hannah, the heroine, the resourceful midwife of Venice. For reasons obscure to myself, this book reminds me of "the tomato rhapsody". I'm not trying to compare them. Reading this book has evoked wonderful memories of the "the tomato rhapsody". Of course one can draw a few parallels between both books. For example, Jew ostracism, ghetto and inquisition of Jews etc

Characters are wonderfully fleshed. The kind of book one can sit back and enjoy. No heavy sentiment or brain whacking subplots. ( )

Set in 1575, a nobleman comes to the Jewish Ghetto to hire Midwife Hannah, which is against papal edict. Going against her Rabbi, Hannah takes the job to earn $$ to ransom her husband, Isaac, who has been sold into slavery in Malta. The story goes back and forth between Venice and Malta, as Hannah tries to save herself and the newborn noble baby & Isaac tries to free himself before he starves. ( )

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 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. ( )

So good! ( )