THE BOOK FAIR
READ AND FULFILL YOUR LIFE
Chris Bohjalian
The
LAW
of
SIMILARS
Author: Chris Bohjalian
Published: 1995
Genre: Novel
Cover: Paperback
Pages: 321
Review:
The moral driven theme, typical of Bohjalian’s novels, covers the interesting topic of homeopathic treatment verses conventional medicine. The story, clearly and concisely written, reads at a fast pace.
Leland Fowler pieces his life back together after his wife, Elisabeth, died in an auto accident. Left a single parent, Leland cares for his two year old daughter, Abby, while balancing his job as Deputy State Attorney, in a small Vermont town. Tired of battling an ongoing sore throat, he decides to visit Carissa Lake, a homeopathic healer. Taken with the tall, thin blonde, Leland tells her about his cold, his four year old daughter and the unexpected, horrific, death of his wife. Later, he invites her to dinner.
After months of dating, Clarissa confesses a mistake she made in treating a client. Leland, with his office ready to prosecute the homeopathic healer, must choose between the law and the woman of his dreams.
MIDWIVES
Author: Chris Bohjalian
Published: 1997
Genre: Novel
Cover: Paperback
Pages: 372
Review:
Charlotte Bedford goes into labor with her second child on an icy, winter night, in rural Vermont. Sybil Danforth, a midwife, is called to assist the birth. The death of the young, healthy woman will become the focus of a trial.
The story moves back and forth through time, is told by Connie, Sybil’s daughter, a teen during the tragedy who will later graduate medical school. Asa, Charlotte’s husband, witnesses the long labor, his wife’s suffering and her terrible death.
The prosecutor blames the midwife. The defense attorney blames the weather.
Fast-paced, well-written, intriguing plot. Midwife and home birth verses doctor and hospital, an interesting storyline; well plotted with well developed characters although not particularly admirable.