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Call the Midwife

Author: Jennifer Worth
Creator: Annie Aldington
Publisher: Soundings Audio Books
Category: Book

Buy New: Ł150.12

New (1) Used (2) from Ł78.01

Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

34 reviews
Sales Rank: 1677803

Format: Audiobook
Media: Audio Cassette
Number Of Items: 10
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 8.9 x 6.4 x 2.4

ISBN: 1845594266
EAN: 9781845594268
ASIN: 1845594266

Publication Date: July 1, 2006
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
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Also Available In:

•	Hardcover - Call The Midwife: A True Story of the East End in the 1950s
•	Hardcover - Call the Midwife
•	Paperback - Call the Midwife
•	Paperback - Call The Midwife: A True Story Of The East End In The 1950s: A True Story of the East End in the 1950s
•	Paperback - Call the Midwife

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Customer Reviews: Read 29 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

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.

5 out of 5 stars

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.

5 out of 5 stars

Call the Midwife June 17, 2008
Could not put this book down. Fascinating. Completely absorbing. Couldn't wait to get home at night and read it.

5 out of 5 stars

Stunning - every man should read this! June 8, 2008
2 out of 2 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!

5 out of 5 stars

excellent but not for the squeamish May 27, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

The book is well constructed. Mrs Worth whets the appetite by introducing fascinating characters briefly then later devotes a whole chapter to them..and there are many such characters ranging from the tragic to the comic. This is also a very detailed social history of life in Docklands in the 50's with the awful post war poverty. Mrs Worth spent several years as a mid wife in the Docklands and did her training with a small group of working nuns who were qualified and very experienced nurses. The nuns are wonderful, worldly and very practical and become an inspiration to the author. She does not pull any punches with her descriptions...she admits to having a weak stomach and the filth and smells she encounters often lead her to rushing out for air! I enjoyed this book immensely and actually learnt a lot about pregnancy and birth and its dangers. I think there may be another book in the pipeline and I shall certainly buy it.