So Many Children

by Anne Baker

Beth Hubble has grown up in extreme poverty in Dock Cottages and although she loves training to become a nurse, problems at home are never far from her mind. Doctors have told her mother that, after fourteen pregnancies, she is too frail to survive another, but they will do nothing more. Beth is determined to help, but, in 1920, birth control is a taboo subject, and her quest for knowledge is thwarted at every turn. Meanwhile Beth has fallen for Andrew Langford, a hospital lab technician, who she hopes will take her away from the tenements for good. But will Beth ever find the love and happiness that she deserves?

Genres: Fiction

480 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2002

About the author

Anne Baker trained as a nurse in England, but after her marriage lived in Libya and Nigeria before returning to Birkenhead, where she worked as a health visitor. She now lives with her husband in Merseyside.

Reviews

[Jill Robbertze · Rating 4 out of 5]

An historical novel with it's theme being that of the early ignorance of family planning and how women suffered having far too many pregnancies resulting in even more poverty. In this story Mary Stopes, who was the founder of the first family planning clinic in Britian, plays a role. This family saga is engaging and the factual historic information interesting leaving me really happy that I was not living in those times !!!!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

Anne Baker does not disappoint. An historical account of the trial and tribulations of the woman battling with pregnancy after pregnancy due to lack of ignorance and the church dictatorship on procreation. The men were no help and only thought of themselves. We have Marie Stopes to thank for her determination and tenacity in sticking to her guns for all us woman today. Anne you rock.

[Norma Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Book

A book that you can't put down. To think that not all that many years ago there were thousands of women in the same situation as the women in the story. A real page turner that ke

[Cherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anne Baker once again delivers a compelling saga, this time tackling the complex and often overlooked subject of birth control in the 1920s. I found the topic deeply engaging—especially since I knew so little about it beforehand. By the end of the novel, I was inspired to learn more, particularly about Marie Stopes and the challenges women faced with repeated pregnancies during times of poverty. The historical context was eye-opening and thought-provoking.

Beth stood out as a particularly memorable character. Her fierce determination to support her mother and sisters in navigating birth control was both admirable and moving, especially given the societal constraints of the era. She brought a strong, empathetic voice to the story and anchored the narrative beautifully.

The novel also weaves in other themes such as poverty, domestic violence, love, and family, adding depth and emotional resonance. While the pacing lagged in places and the large cast of characters occasionally made it hard to keep track, the story’s heart and message remained powerful throughout.

Overall, So Many Children is a poignant and informative read that sheds light on a vital issue through the lens of personal struggle and resilience.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting saga of poverty, suffering, violence, love and heartbreak. Once again Anne Baker introduces us to some lovely, strong independent women who are fighting an uphill struggle to survive and don't have many choices in life and also some disgraceful men who use and abuse people to get what they want and treat women shockingly. The main character in this story is Beth, one of many children in her family, and she faces a battle to get birth control to be available to the women who want it to avoid them having "so many children" and facing even more poverty. All she wants is to help but her plans are scuppered at every opportunity as it is frowned upon at the time to even discuss the matter and even worse as she is not married so it is seen as disgusting to even think about it. When she does find someone who can help she is still faced with a fight from everyone else who thinks it's disgraceful to interfere with nature. A really good read.

[Ella · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are so many people to hate in this book and that made the book engrossing . All the men in this book should go to hell except for Ken but he was so boring and had no substance other than “nice poor boy” . My rage at the fathers actions throughout the book is unmatched like I wanted the book to end with him homeless and dying of tuberculosis, but we all can’t get what we want. ☹️

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit slow going, although it dealt with issues that were relevant and rights that had to be fought for. It clearly showed the poverty of large and unemployed families which was goid.
I had hoped that there would be more of how Beth had helped in the family planning clinic.
But ut was a goid and compelling read.

[Christina Tookey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy reading and very enjoyable.

Reading this book makes you realize how fortunate we are nowadays. It must have been very hard to have so many children and the poverty that came with it. Women now can make their own choices about when or if they want children.

[Catherine Matsubu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed!

Having lived in a large family, short on money, I could relate to this story. Another Anne Baker success! Thanks

[Patty Eagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne is a terrific writer. Again she had me from page one!

[Mrs M J Veljacic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent storyline

Family story of how woman had no rights about how many children they had. sad but a lovely happy ending

[Krishna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad I read this book.

[Tobi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first historical fiction I've read and it got me hooked. It was an easy and entertaining read. Thank you Ms. Anne Baker.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed this book - it had been sitting on my bookshelf for a number of years (!) and I finally decided to read it. Mostly about contraception in the 1920s but it does have a good storyline, if a little long.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

1920's when married women had to suffer one child after another. An easy little tale with a social message.

[norah waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling

It felt I was with Beth all the way,such a good story it kept you wondering and happy for the outcome