Obstetrix - by Naomi Kritzer (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From the Hugo award-winning author Naomi Kritzer comes a tense portrait of a future we desperately hope to escape.

A Most Anticipated Book: Nerd Daily Goodreads

O Lord, deliver us.

Doctor Liz has just been acquitted for performing the last abortion in North Dakota when she's kidnapped.

They're not just any kidnappers, but a fundamentalist cult, deep in the rural west, without respect for law or decency, and in desperate need of an OB/GYN.

Guarded, isolated, without access to the outside world, Liz nevertheless is treated with respect as the only doctor on the compound, but she is very aware of what happened to the last obstetrician they kidnapped.

She must escape, and bring help to the girls trapped at the compound, if it's the last thing she does.

Review Quotes

Praise for Obstetrix:

"Chilling, gripping, all too real - a perfect thriller with a razor at the core. Kritzer deeply understands - and deftly weaponizes - the sadism of patriarchy and its religious garb." - Cory Doctorow, author of Enshittification

"Obstetrix is timely, frightening, and deeply satisfying. Wrap it in a blanket and take it home while it's still legal in your state." - Meg Elison, author of The Book of the Unnamed Midwife

"A sharp investigation of gender, control, and the ethical demands placed on doctors. Kritzer's novella is intense, thought-provoking, and worryingly plausible." - Emily Tesh, author of The Incandescent

"Absolutely riveting...I couldn't put it down. Kritzer is very good at tense situations and the ways people have to get on with life when things are challenging, and she's absolutely on the top of her form here."--Jo Walton, author of Among Others

"I loved Obstetrix!" - Helene Wecker, author of The Golem and the Jinni

"Tense yet thoughtful, a thriller that's all too appropriate for our times." - Caitlin Rozakis, author of The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association

"Unflinching and utterly empathetic. It is a taut exploration of the guises of evil, who collaborates with it, and the necessity of a sustained, indefatigable fight against it." - John Chu

"Obstetrix is a compelling medical thriller that examines what it takes to survive in a situation beyond one's control. The story tackles trauma, abortion, and religious extremism with warmth and a light touch but also doesn't shy away from the seriousness of these topics. Kritzer has crafted a gripping and propulsive read that's hard to put down!" - S. B. Divya

"By turns grounded and scathing, Obstetrix is the thriller we all deserve to get us through these years. Kritzer's keen eye for character detail is out in full force here." - Marissa Lingen

"An intense, day-after-tomorrow thriller... Obstetrix is worth losing sleep over, and you should absolutely plan to do so."--Ruthanna Emrys

"Chillingly plausible...a tense and timely tale." - Publishers Weekly

"Captivating." - Library Journal

Praise for Naomi Kritzer:

"The political critique is sharp and the mystery is gripping." -- Publishers Weekly on Liberty's Daughter

"Terrific" -- Jo Walton on Chaos on Catnet

"A pure delight...that's as tender and funny as it is gripping and fast-paced. This book is perfect."-- The New York Times Book Review on Catfishing on CatNet

"First-rate." -- Locus Magazine on Catfishing on CatNet

"Bold and absurd and a whole lot of fun." -- NPR on Catfishing on CatNet

"An absolutely charming and incredibly gripping, superbly plotted YA thriller." -- Cory Doctorow, NYT bestselling author of Little Brother, on Catfishing on CatNet

"Wickedly funny and thrilling in turns." -- Kirkus, starred review, on Catfishing on CatNet

"Kritzer's take on a benevolent AI is both whimsical and poignant. An entertaining, heart-filled exploration of today's online existence and privacy concerns." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Catfishing on CatNet