Call the Midwife: Farewell to the East End

If anyone has watched the Masterpiece Theater's "Call the Midwife" that's on television right now and wanted more in-depth information about the TV characters, I highly recommend this series. Aside from the writing itself, which flows naturally and is an enjoyable read, this book follows the series very closely and goes into much more depth about the characters on the show, the lives of the midwives and nuns, and about what life and midwifery was like in the East End in the 50s. Not that married (or even unmarried for that matter) women had much of a choice about being pregnant in that time, they all deserve kudos for their bravery and endurance. As a woman living in modern times and in which birth control methods are readily accessible (at least in my state; given the direction of some legislation, I no longer take birth control for granted), as are hospitals with sterile equipment, well-trained doctors and nurses, and pain-numbing medication(!) available, I cannot imagine giving birth under the conditions these women did. I hope we never go back TO a time like that, frankly. Birth is a miracle, and pregnancy wondrous, but it is also always an unknown risk, so kudos to mothers everywhere, then and now.

As a nurse and with an intense interest in the history surrounding WW2 I found this (and her other books) book fascinating. I had heard many of my friends talk about the video series Call the Midwife but had no idea it was based on a true story. As a rule I will not watch a movie or video based on a book before actually reading the book. Even though I am a mother of four children and found childbirth uneventful in my own life, it is not an area of nursing I’m particularly fond of so I dismissed this series initially. What a BIG mistake! I just finished reading all the Call the Midwife books and came away in absolute awe at how this group of ladies (nuns and nurses) cared for and served the poorest of the poor in the Docklands of England. This author is so very gifted in her observations and interactions with staff and patients while living in the convent house. I was very much impressed with the adherence to infection control and medical teaching afforded to the community and setting up a strict schedule so that one nurse was always on call to deliver babies. They also handled other medical emergencies when a doctor was not available. I am embarrassed to say that I thought that midwives were not familiar with medical advances or worked outside established guidelines. This book shoots that belief down! I also learned how effective nuns are in their commitment to the Lord’s service - much respect! We will never know on this side of Heaven how much these ladies contributed to the Kingdom’s work.

Lovely, lovely, lovely. This trilogy is wonderful. It is so well written and sweet. I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first two because it has fewer stories of her patients and became a little repetitive, but I HAD to read it. This is a trilogy that I couldn't leave unfinished. I loved how Ms. Worth brought everything full circle and shared how the relationships faded or grew, where her fellow midwives ended up, how the mission of the sisters changed as the culture changed and expanded on some of the changes in mid-century medicine. If you've read the first two books in this series, then do not hesitate to read this book. If you haven't yet read the first two, do not start with this one, go and read the first books then finish with this one. You won't be disappointed.

Jennifer Worth tells the story of her earlier career (in the late 70's she left nursing to teach music) as a midwife in terms that, at places, made me want to laugh and at others, to cry. It is a story taken right out of the late forties and early fifties and much of the homespun narrative is easy for me to relate to (after, that is, I learn Cockney). Because I was a city boy during that time, the neighborhood camaraderie as well as the childish pranks and the way we amused ourselves before smart phones and electronic tablets, the yelling and even the police presence and the poverty were all part of a memory I cherish. The PBS series has a lot in common with the book but the facts are in the T.V. series rearranged and actually toned down a bit. The book is very descriptive of the work but maintains a profound respect for motherhood, maternity and all decency. A glossary of terms is included in the back. The 50's of the last century saw medical advancements—for which I personally am grateful. But it also reflects the pre-tech age which—not a few—nurses today in reading about might reflectively whisper to themselves 'OMG' as they compare the details of then and now. The reader should develop a deeper appreciation for the Sisters of Nonnatus House as well (and the calling of all the Sisters of the Catholic faith in general) whose commitment and love to God and those in need is unequaled. The church was replete with Sister Teresas—and I say that even though I am not Catholic. I fell in love (both in the T.V. series and the book) with Sister Julienne—played to perfection by Jenny Agutter. And Sister Monica Joan is a hoot! More so in the reading than the T.V. series. The way it all ends and ‘where-are-they-now?’ is only in the books. If you've seen the series, read the trilogy.

I have really enjoyed this book and the others about the life and work of Jennifer Worth. Very interesting. Highly recommended.

Call the Midwifeシリーズの最後となる本作は前の2作とも負けずおとらず、いや時にはそれ以上にそれぞれのエピソードが強烈な印象を残してくれました。貧しい生活のなかでたくましく生きるMegan'mave 姉妹、結核に家族を奪われるThe Master's Armsの娘など、どの章にも忘れがたい物語があります。そして、シリーズに登場しおなじみとなった修道女や助産婦たちの個性も際立って描かれています。第１作目からのChummyが、不器用で失敗を重ねながらも、忍耐強くあきらめず、そして人のためにという固い決意で勇気ある行動をとるThe Captain's Daughter の章、あるいは毎度お騒がせな老修道女Monica Joanの章Taxi など、心惹かれる人々と、人生の不思議を思わせる物語が詰まっています。第二次世界大戦後から1970年代までのロンドンの下町やスラム街の生活を、助産師の目を通して描いた第1級のノンフィクションだと思いました。

In the 60's this area had already changed and the brutal immigration in London began. We didn't understand what was happening around us when we had patients from Bangladesh who had been living in London for several years and spoke no English. Their children of six serving as interpreters. The Jewish population dispersed.Then the port of London went down river to Tilbury and the old port, around Tower Bridge, became the home of Yuppies. I still have to discover in more detail how much more has changed since the 2012 Olympic Games

A wonderful set of stories, improved by the use of two or more chapters for each. I was magically returned to the district where I had learned my own obstetrics . I recalled some of the twenty babies I watched being born, the midnight cycle strides, the flights of stairs climbed and I saw the pains,terror and triumph of birth with the family all around I am a proud ex student of "The London" pains will forever remember the lessons learned on the district.. Thanks Jennifer for a lovely book and a clear memory Peter

How evocative eye witness account of British society and the impact of the National Health