Early Views on Infertility

Susannah's supposed inability to have children was a reoccurring theme throughout the book. As far as I can figure, at one time, blame was placed solely on the woman if no offspring came from a union. Some even believed, as did Susannah’s mother in that if a wife was barren it was because of her own wickedness or lack of faith. I do not know for sure when it was discovered that fertility was a medical issue and not a spiritual one, or when the idea evolved that a man's fertility also entered into the picture, but I chose to include it in the plot anyway. It seemed a valuable addition to the story and allowed for some sweet moments to be included.