Customer Reviews
Disappointing read - By: Queen Bee, 10 Jul 2008 
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 & 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 & less & wondered why she stuck with her vocation & could well believe that she eventuallly gave it up for her real love - music. I was nursing in the sixties, not I may add in the East End, & 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 & also maybe a little humility from the author. The "story" of Conchita & 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.
An insipring read - By: Nelly, 05 Jul 2008 
Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I'm currently training as a midwife & read the book with awe & 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, & any others working in obstetrics at the time, increase. Her dediation to the job was inspirational & I look forward to reading the next two installlments.
Brilliant - By: Mrs. S. P. Goldman, 01 Jul 2008 I loved this book. Jennifer Worth brought history to life for me & now I can't wait to read the next part of her story. The book is full of interesting characters & gritty stories & 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 'Calll the Midwife' & 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.
Call the Midwife - By: Mrs. J. S. O'connell, 17 Jun 2008 Could not put this book down. Fascinating. Completely absorbing. Couldn't wait to get home at night & read it.
Stunning - every man should read this! - By: Ben Bottle, 08 Jun 2008 What an incredible book.
I sincerely believe that every man should read this - it may well scare the pants off them!
Set in the 50's/late 50's & reflecting the social & economic deprivations of London's East End - Jennifer does not paint a pretty picture. Nor - for that matter does she "sensationalize" - there is joy, there are some wonderful episodes but against the backdrop of social deficiency & deficit.
As a man I was humbled and, in some ways, inspired by this book as it describes the multitude of emotions surrounding pregnancy & childbirth. Joys one can share in & pain that can almost be felt - & I am not merely referring to physical pain as the emotional trauma is often more potent.
Jennifer Worth does not spare the rod - there are some harrowing accounts & she is quite graphic in her descriptions at times; but always honest.
I found this book compelling & unnerving - we men often claim to "understand"; do we indeed?
It is NOT alll doom & gloom & Ms Worth maintains a fairly balanced perspective.
Men might always claim to be the "proud father" but that pride may cost some poor women dearly?
Gorgeous & heart rending tales of "Mary", "Sallly", "Conchita", "Len" & "Fred" are at times almost overwhelming.
I am so glad I picked this book up & read it. I doubt it will be too long before I read it again?
I suppose that as a former nurse, I was able to "accommodate" the book better, I delighted in recallling the `old ways' - however, it was very much an education & quite a revelation!
Not what one might calll "easy reading", but a stunning book!
