Call the Midwife [Paperback]

Jennifer Worth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2004

Jennifer Worth came from a sheltered background when she became a midwife in the Docklands in the 1950s. The conditions in which many women gave birth just half a century ago were horrifying, not only because of their grimly impoverished surroundings, but also because of what they were expected to endure. But while Jennifer witnessed brutality and tragedy, she also met with amazing kindness and understanding, tempered by a great deal of Cockney humour. She also earned the confidences of some whose lives were truly stranger, more poignant and more terrifying than could ever be recounted in fiction. Attached to an order of nuns who had been working in the slums since the 1870s, Jennifer tells the story not only of the women she treated, but also of the community of nuns (including one who was accused of stealing jewels from Hatton Garden) and the camaraderie of the midwives with whom she trained. Funny, disturbing and incredibly moving, Jennifer's stories bring to life the colourful world of the East End in the 1950s.

--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The descriptive detail and wonderful story-telling makes this tale of a young woman's coming of age a rounded historical but highly engaging account of a community and the health workers at its heart." WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? "The fascinating story of Worth's apprentice years as a midwife among London's poorest families... stuffed with amazing characters and heart-warming experiences." -- Christina Hardyment THE TIMES Working out of a convent of nursing nuns her tale engenders a mixture of laughter and tears as she delivers babies in London's East End slums where poverty, brutality and a great sense of community walked hand-in-hand. -- Kati Nicholl DAILY EXPRESS This is riveting, unforgettable testimony, beautifully read. -- Rachel Redford THE OLDIE "An eye-opening piece of social history, stuffed with unexpected characters and incidents ... Stephanie Cole's slightly plummy, confidently no-nonsense voice is an excellent fit for the text." -- Christina Hardyment BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE Full of amazing characters and hair-raising as well as heart-warming experiences. THE TIMES --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

About the Author

Jennifer Worth trained as a nurse at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, and was later ward sister at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital in London, then the Marie Curie Hospital, also in London. Music had always been her passion, and in 1973 she left nursing in order to study music intensively, teaching piano and singing for about twenty-five years. Jennifer died in May 2011 after a short illness, leaving her husband Philip, two daughters and three grandchildren. Her books have all been bestsellers. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 488 pages
• Publisher: Ulverscroft Large Print (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753198797
• ISBN-13: 978-0753198797
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,802,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rare treasure, September 5, 2008

By 

Dana (Puget Sound, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Call the Midwife (Paperback)

I picked up this book in the London airport on a whim: I was pregnant and it took place in London-- a perfect souvenir. I was immediately drawn into this young midwife's story of her experiences in the poor areas of London during the 1950s. Since she wrote her memoir years later, the insight of an older woman adds a deeper layer to the book that really makes it a treasure. I lent this to my mother upon returning from our trip and haven't seen it since-- it's one of those rare books that will be passed around until it's well worn.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The MIdwife, July 5, 2010

By 

Belinda J. Caldwell "Oliver P. Caldwell" (Rifle, Co. U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A True Story of the East End in the 1950s, Call the Midwife (Paperback)

I loved this book, I bought the whole series and recommend them to anyone interested in transporting yourself to another place and time. It certainly makes me glad for the time we live in now! The characters are real and the books makes you wish you had the chance to meet them.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great interesting experiences, March 23, 2009

By 

Alan Roberts (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Call the Midwife (Paperback)

What an interesting book! Ms. Worth spent a number of years working in London, and she shares her experiences in detail. Fast and interesting read.