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  • The Book of the Unnamed Midwife

  • The Road to Nowhere, Book 1
  • By: Meg Elison
  • Narrated by: Angela Dawe
  • Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (212 ratings)

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The Book of the Unnamed Midwife

By: Meg Elison
Narrated by: Angela Dawe
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Publisher's Summary

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.

What listeners say about The Book of the Unnamed Midwife

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Very intriguing!

I am a fan of dystopian fiction and this book was one of the better ones. Wasn't what I had expected but was pleasantly surprised!

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Very different!

I originally downloaded this book, somehow assuming it was an historical tale.... not so! I was rapidly drawn into the unusual story line, and always keen to get back to it when time permitted. I found it thoroughly entertaining throughout, and the thought that this kind of event in the future is always possible, adds to the intrigue and fascination in how the author has created a future of massive uncertainty and peril at every turn as well as how she deals with every encounter and change in fortunes. I certainly highly recommend it.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Should be made into a TV series, it’s THAT good

I have always used audible as a sleeping aid, listening to books stops me thinking and helps me to fall asleep, usually I fall asleep within 10 minutes of beginning to listen, but heres the thing, The Unnamed Midwife is so good I can't fall asleep to it.... Have had more than one extremely late night recently as have just HAD to hear more. Such a great book and have just discovered 2 more books in this series.... can't wait!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Captivating

I haven’t listened a book as quickly as I did this one. Truely, couldn’t stop. Amazing. Dark. Captivating.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Phenomenal.

This is a verbal page turner with one of the best narration performances I have ever heard. I was so inside this story.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A great story

Great dystopian novel, wonderful characterisation. The story is written from the female perspective. The narration is very well done and adds to the story. A captivating story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Love a good dystopian story

I love a good dystopian story and this one didn't disappoint. Narrator was very good.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The best audio book to date!

I loved this story but the audio was captivating. Angela did a stunning job. Put feeling where feeling was needed, pace and anxiety all in their rightful places = fun to listen to. Thanks Meg and Angela. Great team!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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This was so good

Couldn’t stop listening!!! Narrator was amazing and the story was fantastic. Just got into audiobooks and loved this.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable

I really enjoyed this book it kept me wanting to know more and the narration was fantastic!

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