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Call The Midwife: A True Story Of The East End In The 1950s: A True Story of the East End in the 1950s | 
 enlarge | Author: Jennifer Worth
Publisher: Phoenix
Category: Book
List Price: £6.99
Buy New: £2.53
You Save: £4.46 (64%)
New (24) Used (3) from £2.50
Avg. Customer Rating:  35 reviews
Sales Rank: 280
Media: Paperback
Pages: 376
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5 x 1.2
ISBN: 0753823837
EAN: 9780753823835
ASIN: 0753823837
Publication Date: March 6, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand new book delivered in the UK in 2-3 days. Over 1 million sold to Amazon customers!
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| Customer Reviews: Read 30 more reviews...
 Disappointing read July 10, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
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.
An insipring read July 5, 2008
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.
Brilliant July 1, 2008
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.
Call the Midwife June 17, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Could not put this book down. Fascinating. Completely absorbing. Couldn't wait to get home at night and read it.
Stunning - every man should read this! June 8, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
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 and reflecting the social and 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 and deficit.
As a man I was humbled and, in some ways, inspired by this book as it describes the multitude of emotions surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. Joys one can share in and pain that can almost be felt - and 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 and she is quite graphic in her descriptions at times; but always honest.
I found this book compelling and unnerving - we men often claim to "understand"; do we indeed?
It is NOT all doom and gloom and 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 and heart rending tales of "Mary", "Sally", "Conchita", "Len" and "Fred" are at times almost overwhelming.
I am so glad I picked this book up and 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 recalling the `old ways' - however, it was very much an education and quite a revelation!
Not what one might call "easy reading", but a stunning book!
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