The arrival of a modern medical doctor in a remote Nova Scotian village triggers a volatile conflict between traditional midwifery and the encroaching practices of clinical obstetrics. Dora Rare, the first daughter in five generations of her family, finds her life path defined by her apprenticeship under the outspoken midwife Miss Babineau. As she navigates the intimate, often difficult realities of the women in her community, she must confront the societal pressures of the World War I era. The narrative, grounded in the physical and social constraints of early 20th-century rural life, follows Dora as she attempts to preserve ancestral wisdom against the promise of technological progress.

Readers often highlight the novel's evocative sense of place and its sensitive handling of the historical tension between traditional care and modern medicine. The narrative is frequently noted for its focus on the female experience and the preservation of knowledge passed down through generations. Many find the protagonist's development from a young apprentice to a steadfast advocate to be the core strength of the story. The book is widely regarded as a thoughtful examination of the struggle for bodily autonomy within a changing social landscape. The historical detail provides a grounded backdrop that enhances the emotional resonance of the central conflict.