Very good read!
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This is an excellent book! The way how Jennifer Worth describes life (hers) as a midwife in the 50's East End is just so real you can almost see it in front of your eyes! Great book!
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Disappointing read
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I only persevered to finish this book as it had been lent to me by a friend who rated it highly. It is a cross between a midwife's manual and an historical account of the East End in the fifties. It may have been of interest to midwives of that era or people living in the East End of London at that time but it certainly didn't give me any pleasure. As the book proceeded I found I liked the author less and less and wondered why she stuck with her vocation and could well believe that she eventually gave it up for her real love - music. I was nursing in the sixties, not I may add in the East End, and could well picture Ms. Worth as the feared Matron of that time. A little humour thrown in at some point would have made the book more enjoyable and also maybe a little humility from the author. The "story" of Conchita and her family was the one redeeming factor in this book. If you have no attachment to the East End or midwifery in the fifties give this book a wide berth.
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An insipring read
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Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I'm currently training as a midwife and read the book with awe and fascination. It's amazing to think how much things have changed in 50 years (I'm glad I don't have to boil urine in a test tube!), but also to see how much is still the same. Not wanting to spoil the book for those who haven't read it, I'll only say that there are situations that she was in that we hopefully will never face, for which I'm glad, but it only makes my respect for her, and any others working in obstetrics at the time, increase. Her dediation to the job was inspirational and I look forward to reading the next two installments.
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Brilliant
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I loved this book. Jennifer Worth brought history to life for me and now I can't wait to read the next part of her story. The book is full of interesting characters and gritty stories and you're hooked from page one. As a result of this book I wanted to find out more about Father Joe Williamson who is mentioned in 'Call the Midwife' and I managed to track down his autobigraphy on Amazon. (once I've read it I'll submit my review. First impressions are favourable!) Anyway, read this book, you won't regret it if you're interested in social history, or like me, the history of the East End of London. It's a real eye opener, makes you realise the kind of lives many of our Grandparents would have lived. I highly recommend this book.
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Call the Midwife
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Could not put this book down. Fascinating. Completely absorbing. Couldn't wait to get home at night and read it.
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