This exquisitely written series makes me want to read the memoirs by the late Jennifer Worth, who landed as a newly qualified nurse/midwife at the charitable Nonnatus House, amidst the poverty and disease of 1950s East End London. Her life had already been disrupted by WWII and an intense affair when she was only 16. Worth's luminous observations on the human condition, our quest for meaning in the darkest despair, her pointing out what really matters, are strewn with keen compassion and intelligence. Her narrative shines amidst. The superb script is written by Heidi Thomas ([[ASIN:B002XTBECY Cranford: The Collection (Cranford/Return to Cranford)]]) and beautifully narrated by Vanessa Redgrave. Jessica Raine is perfection as the naïve, tormented young Worth, and the whole cast is marvelous, from Judy Parfitt ([[ASIN:B0088OP4Q0 Dean Spanley]], [[ASIN:B008OTTTP6 Vera: Set 2]]) as the light-fingered nun, Sister Monica Joan, to the gifted Miranda Hart as the plain, upper-crust yet down to earth Chummy Browne. Chummy is dominated by a cruel mother, yet she overcomes her limitations and discovers love. Among other fine cast members, Jenny Agutter is Sister Julienne, Helen George is Trixie Franklin, Pam Ferris ([[ASIN:B005DVIPY4 Rosemary & Thyme]]) is the cake-loving Sister Evangelina, and Bryony Hannah is perfection as Cynthia Miller. Cynthia is moved by the tragedy of a deeply loving couple expecting their first-born, when the wife suffers from eclampsia. This show isn't for the faint-hearted, blood and birth are vividly depicted, as is the poverty and grime. But this grittiness only adds depth to the subject matter. Highly recommended.