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Call the Midwife: A Labour of Love: Ten Years of Life, Love and Laughter
Learn the up-close and personal story of Call the Midwife as told by the cast and crew. A Labour of Love is a moving journey through beloved series and features personal reflections, stills of fan-favorite moments, and anecdotes and insights from co-stars, producers, technical crew, and guests. Each chapter, spanning each of the ten years of Call the Midwife—set from 1957–1966 and filmed from 2011–2021—takes a deep dive into the themes, locations, fun times and technical challenges from each season. Author Stephen McGann, who plays the indefatigable Dr. Turner, intersperses personal interviews with key cast and crew about their feelings, thoughts, and memories of filming key moments of the drama. MUST-HAVE FOR ALL From Trixie’s mod outfits to The Buckle’s courtship to Sister Monica Julienne’s wise words, fans of Call the Midwife will revel in favorite moments, images, stories and quotes. EXCLUSIVE Includes original interviews and reflections from the cast and crew. LAVISHLY With stunning photos from both behind and in front of the camera, Labor of Love reveals rare behind-the-scenes moments and captures favorite scenes. SIGNS OF THE Like the series it commemorates, Labor of Love explores the changing attitudes of the late 50s to the mid-60s and the impact on women’s health, family life, and British culture and the realities working-class women’s life in mid-century England. FROM THE DESK OF DR. Author and actor Stephen McCann has played beloved Dr. Patrick Turner on all nine seasons of Call the Midwife and offers an insiders’ perspective and unprecedented access to the cast and creators.
- GenresNonfictionMedicalTv
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2021
25 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Stephen McGann
8 books24 followersStephen McGann is an English actor best known for his work on Call the Midwife. His three elder brothers -Joe, Paul, and Mark- are also actors. Stephen is married to screenwriter Heidi Thomas.
McGann is also a public speaker and communicator of science, having graduated from Imperial College London with a masters degree in Science Communication.
Internet Movie Database page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0568914/
McGann is also a public speaker and communicator of science, having graduated from Imperial College London with a masters degree in Science Communication.
Internet Movie Database page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0568914/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 19, 2022
A lovely, loving look at the past ten years of Call the Midwife. Reflections from the cast and crew combine with luscious photographic stills and production photos round out the storytelling and technique that go into making the show.
Heidi Thomas's book, The Life and Times of Call the Midwife, was written after the first seasons of the show, and in my opinion is a bit more rewarding than this one. She details the process of connecting with Jennifer Worth, whose memoirs inspired the show, and how the whole thing came into production. Plentiful historical notes made me really appreciate the effort that goes into producing a show like this. A Labour of Love, however, has episode summaries (why???) and the photographs are not always coordinated to the text--a reflection from an actor will be accompanied by a photograph of a different actor.
However, it's still an enjoyable read for fans of the show, though I wouldn't call it "an official behind-the-scenes guide" like the cover claims. Thomas's book does that much better. (Fun fact: Heidi Thomas, the showrunner, is married to Stephen McGann, aka Dr. Turner, who edited this volume.) A Labour of Love is thicker, but less dense than the other book.
One of my favorite things I learned was that Terri Coates, a teacher of midwifery, wrote an article on midwifery in literature, deeply dissatisfied with the classic examples. Coates asked for someone "to do for midwives what James Herriot did for veterinarians," and Jennifer Worth was compelled to respond with The Midwife. Because the subject matter of 1950s East End midwifery is so much darker than 1930s Yorkshire farming, the two are not exactly equivalent, but Worth did memorialize and preserve her profession in a way similar to Herriot.
All in all, it makes me want to read Worth's memoirs again. As sad as they are, the truths they contain have stayed with me years later. And I will always, always love a woman-driven, women-centric show that's not about marrying people off. The fact that I can turn on Call the Midwife and count on human stories about women supporting women is one I don't take for granted, and it's one of two currently-running shows that I think deserves another ten years.
Heidi Thomas's book, The Life and Times of Call the Midwife, was written after the first seasons of the show, and in my opinion is a bit more rewarding than this one. She details the process of connecting with Jennifer Worth, whose memoirs inspired the show, and how the whole thing came into production. Plentiful historical notes made me really appreciate the effort that goes into producing a show like this. A Labour of Love, however, has episode summaries (why???) and the photographs are not always coordinated to the text--a reflection from an actor will be accompanied by a photograph of a different actor.
However, it's still an enjoyable read for fans of the show, though I wouldn't call it "an official behind-the-scenes guide" like the cover claims. Thomas's book does that much better. (Fun fact: Heidi Thomas, the showrunner, is married to Stephen McGann, aka Dr. Turner, who edited this volume.) A Labour of Love is thicker, but less dense than the other book.
One of my favorite things I learned was that Terri Coates, a teacher of midwifery, wrote an article on midwifery in literature, deeply dissatisfied with the classic examples. Coates asked for someone "to do for midwives what James Herriot did for veterinarians," and Jennifer Worth was compelled to respond with The Midwife. Because the subject matter of 1950s East End midwifery is so much darker than 1930s Yorkshire farming, the two are not exactly equivalent, but Worth did memorialize and preserve her profession in a way similar to Herriot.
All in all, it makes me want to read Worth's memoirs again. As sad as they are, the truths they contain have stayed with me years later. And I will always, always love a woman-driven, women-centric show that's not about marrying people off. The fact that I can turn on Call the Midwife and count on human stories about women supporting women is one I don't take for granted, and it's one of two currently-running shows that I think deserves another ten years.
April 23, 2022
Yes - Katie reading another Call the Midwife book. And somehow managed to read it in a day. Admittedly this does contain a lot of images - but that's fine. I loved seeing the behind the scenes photos, and the love the cast and crew have for each other. There are some such nice 'family' photos of the Turners, and the Buckles. With behind the scenes chat from the directors, producers and writers, and the cast (past and present!), this book talks from day dot, to series 10. Stephen McGann takes the role as centre stage, starting most chapters as himself. There was one chapter I nearly highlighted the full section, as it was about how McGann's real son and on screen son interact with each other, and I think this is a lovely touch. A worthwhile read for any Call the Midwife fan!
February 12, 2023
this was so so good! call the midwife is one of my comfort shows, i love it so much and it’s done so well! this book was very much the same! great info, behind the scenes stuff, photos & i loved that particular moments were singled out.
4 stars because i found the episode summaries quite boring- there must be a better way to do them
4 stars because i found the episode summaries quite boring- there must be a better way to do them
August 15, 2023
A celebration of the first ten seasons of the tv series "Call the Midwife." It goes season by season with episode guides, cast and crew interviews, lots of photographs and commentary tying it all together by Stephen McGann, the actor who plays Dr. Turner. I loved taking this trip down memory lane and learning behind the scenes stories about the show and how it has evolved through the years. Mr. McGann's writing is fantastic and it is clear he loves being a part of this show. A wonderful companion to the series sure to please any fan.
January 3, 2022
This beautiful, glossy hardback is an anniversary book celebrating ten years of this incredibly popular BBC TV series. I've watched it from the very first episode, as I'm sure many of you have too, and each and every one has been a complete joy (even when sometimes I'm left sobbing at the emotional scenes).
We are treated to a précis of each episode series by series, punctuated by reminiscences from the cast and crew, past and present, taking us from that first episode when Jenny Lee joins the nuns and nurses at Nonnatus House in the East End of London, right up to the end of series 10 (so just before the gorgeous Christmas episode last weekend). Whilst it clearly can't go on for ever, I was encouraged to read that another two series have been commissioned, taking us up to 1969.
I was reminded of some of the scenes and storylines that stick out most in my mind: Trixie's battle with alcoholism, Barbara and Tom's romance and Barbara's unexpected and shocking death, Shelagh and Dr Turner's relationship and her leaving the order, and perhaps most memorable of all, the first time the new 'wonder-drug' Thalidomide was mentioned which sent a shockwave through me as I knew what was to come.
From those early days through to the challenges of filming through Covid-19, this is a comprehensive look at the series through the eyes of one of the best-loved actors and his colleagues. It's almost as much of a joy as the series itself!
We are treated to a précis of each episode series by series, punctuated by reminiscences from the cast and crew, past and present, taking us from that first episode when Jenny Lee joins the nuns and nurses at Nonnatus House in the East End of London, right up to the end of series 10 (so just before the gorgeous Christmas episode last weekend). Whilst it clearly can't go on for ever, I was encouraged to read that another two series have been commissioned, taking us up to 1969.
I was reminded of some of the scenes and storylines that stick out most in my mind: Trixie's battle with alcoholism, Barbara and Tom's romance and Barbara's unexpected and shocking death, Shelagh and Dr Turner's relationship and her leaving the order, and perhaps most memorable of all, the first time the new 'wonder-drug' Thalidomide was mentioned which sent a shockwave through me as I knew what was to come.
From those early days through to the challenges of filming through Covid-19, this is a comprehensive look at the series through the eyes of one of the best-loved actors and his colleagues. It's almost as much of a joy as the series itself!
June 21, 2022
If you are a fan of Call The Midwife, as I am, you need this book! A heavy and full of great stuff book, it is a must for fans of the wonderful show. I read Jennifer Worth’s book, The Midwife, many years ago and was fascinated by it. Then the series came along and I was hooked. I have all her books and all the show’s companion books. I highly recommend them all!
February 14, 2023
A great look behind the scenes of one of my favourite shows. This book is lovely, it's large and heavy and filled with pictures. I loved all the different points of view, with cast and crew from the entire run sharing their experiences. My only complaint, which also doubles as a compliment I guess, is that I wish it was longer. The book has to cover a lot of ground, from the real stories that inspired the show and milestones in history (medical or otherwise), to practical things like set design or music, to fun anecdotes and tales from 10 years of filming. I feel like I've only skimmed the surface and I wish the book went a bit deeper at least sometimes. It was still a great read though and it motivated me to finally seek out Jennifer Worth's original memoirs so I'll be diving into them next :)
February 13, 2023
I really enjoyed how the author wrote this book, letting the reader know how the actors, directors, producers felt about different aspects of the show, also, showed how everyone worked as a team and got along great. This book touched on the different issues came up in the late 50's and sixties dealing with midwifery, and the people who lived in poor section of England. It was interesting to see how the sets were designed and how they chose the clothes the actors wore. Also how certain story lines affected the everyone involved with that particular episode. All in all a very interesting book, and lots of photos!
December 1, 2024
This was delightful and I very much enjoyed all the behind the scenes and reflections on a decade of Call the Midwife, as a self-described behind the scenes slut lol
Surprisingly text-heavy as well, which I actually loved a lot (the episode summaries could have been condensed though, I would have been happy with an individual series summary). It’s clear that everyone involved has put their hearts and souls into this wonderful show. Can’t wait to give this book to my Grammie for Christmas hehehe
Surprisingly text-heavy as well, which I actually loved a lot (the episode summaries could have been condensed though, I would have been happy with an individual series summary). It’s clear that everyone involved has put their hearts and souls into this wonderful show. Can’t wait to give this book to my Grammie for Christmas hehehe
March 24, 2022
A resounding 5 stars for this brilliant, informative and entertaining book looking at ten wonderful years of Call the Midwife. Packed with interviews, insights and photos from cast, crew, producers, and just about everybody in front of and behind the camera. I loved it.
June 11, 2022
This is such a lovely book and perfect for any fan of Call the Midwife. It is a beautiful big hardback book filled with glossy pages of text, some illustrations and lots of lovely photos, though I do warn you because of the glossy pages it is rather heavy! There is a lovely introduction by author Stephen McGann who appears on the show as Dr Turner and then the rest of the book is separated into small sections where we learn all about how the show is made, some of the most important and memorable moments and a lot interesting extra things explained by the show’s cast.
I have loved watching Call the Midwife ever since it first aired and have followed the ups and downs of the many families and people that make an appearance on the show. The world of the midwifes and nuns at Nonnatus house have kept me and so many other people so engaged and entertained for a decade now, and this book is the perfect accompaniment to the show. The book talks about how the idea to create the show came about and how it was eventually filmed. There is a brief explanation of each of the series throughout the book along with different cast and crew members giving their insights into what is was like to film certain roles, the research that was done to create the storylines and the introductions and departures of some characters. The book is filled with so many lovely photographs taken on set and almost every page is filled with some pictures along with so many double pages of photos both in front of the cameras and behind.
From the start of the book what I found so wonderful about reading this is that each section is quite short and so you can read the book in quick bursts rather than having long chapters of text. The way the book is written is so interesting, I found myself so immersed and engrossed in reading about the show that I found myself losing hours in my day as I just devoured the whole book in almost one day!
There are so many interesting things that I learned from this book. It was wonderful to find out more about the cast and how they felt in their roles as well as insights into their own personalities. There was also a lot about how they go about filming certain things and I found myself so moved by the part of the book about the thalidomide story, the detail that went into creating that on-screen was amazing. There are lots of interesting and funny moments too, I loved reading about how much fun the cast get up to sometimes and how difficult and different the filming was in the last year due to the pandemic. There are so many interesting things to read and it feels so wonderful to have had a behind-the-scenes look at how the show is made and how many people are involved in making this such a great show and series.
Overall this is such a wonderful book, it really is a book that anyone who has watched the show and is a fan of Call the Midwife will simply love! It is the perfect book to read at any time, the writing is so interesting and the way the book looks is so special with so many wonderful photos and images to look at too. I don’t think anyone will be disappointed with this book, it is a wonderful read and one which I will treasure and look back at again and again!
-Thanks to the publisher for a free copy for review.
I have loved watching Call the Midwife ever since it first aired and have followed the ups and downs of the many families and people that make an appearance on the show. The world of the midwifes and nuns at Nonnatus house have kept me and so many other people so engaged and entertained for a decade now, and this book is the perfect accompaniment to the show. The book talks about how the idea to create the show came about and how it was eventually filmed. There is a brief explanation of each of the series throughout the book along with different cast and crew members giving their insights into what is was like to film certain roles, the research that was done to create the storylines and the introductions and departures of some characters. The book is filled with so many lovely photographs taken on set and almost every page is filled with some pictures along with so many double pages of photos both in front of the cameras and behind.
From the start of the book what I found so wonderful about reading this is that each section is quite short and so you can read the book in quick bursts rather than having long chapters of text. The way the book is written is so interesting, I found myself so immersed and engrossed in reading about the show that I found myself losing hours in my day as I just devoured the whole book in almost one day!
There are so many interesting things that I learned from this book. It was wonderful to find out more about the cast and how they felt in their roles as well as insights into their own personalities. There was also a lot about how they go about filming certain things and I found myself so moved by the part of the book about the thalidomide story, the detail that went into creating that on-screen was amazing. There are lots of interesting and funny moments too, I loved reading about how much fun the cast get up to sometimes and how difficult and different the filming was in the last year due to the pandemic. There are so many interesting things to read and it feels so wonderful to have had a behind-the-scenes look at how the show is made and how many people are involved in making this such a great show and series.
Overall this is such a wonderful book, it really is a book that anyone who has watched the show and is a fan of Call the Midwife will simply love! It is the perfect book to read at any time, the writing is so interesting and the way the book looks is so special with so many wonderful photos and images to look at too. I don’t think anyone will be disappointed with this book, it is a wonderful read and one which I will treasure and look back at again and again!
-Thanks to the publisher for a free copy for review.
June 11, 2022
This gorgeous volume, a reflection of ten years of the magnificent British television series "Call the Midwife," is a treasure trove of information for any fan. Compiled by actor Stephen McGann, who plays Dr. Turner on the program, Call the Midwife: A Labour of Love is filled with beautiful full color photographs, lovely line drawings, and thoughtful essays by actors and production staffs members, both creative and technical.
Each of the ten chapters covers a single season. The writing is far more than typical "behind the scenes" information, although that is included. It is chock full of thoughtful and insightful reflections from many involved in creating the series. Particularly moving is reading of the unusually close, family-like comradery among all connected with the program. Heidi Thomas' (the head writer) approach to each character and how individual actors incorporate the personal into their portrayals, as well as the series' goal of addressing serious societal issues in a realistic manner, is captivating.
Each chapter begins with an episode by episode synopsis, followed by long essay by McGann, after which are shorter pieces by others.
Every page enthralls.
Highly recommended.
Each of the ten chapters covers a single season. The writing is far more than typical "behind the scenes" information, although that is included. It is chock full of thoughtful and insightful reflections from many involved in creating the series. Particularly moving is reading of the unusually close, family-like comradery among all connected with the program. Heidi Thomas' (the head writer) approach to each character and how individual actors incorporate the personal into their portrayals, as well as the series' goal of addressing serious societal issues in a realistic manner, is captivating.
Each chapter begins with an episode by episode synopsis, followed by long essay by McGann, after which are shorter pieces by others.
Every page enthralls.
Highly recommended.
January 19, 2023
Great collection of thoughts from many of the people involved in bringing us 10 years of Call of the Midwife, spearheaded by the actor who plays the doctor and his partner who is the main writer, interspersed with brief synopses of each episode. Plenty of full-page colour photographs (and oddly enough some graphic art). If you've seen the special features on the Season 10 DVD/Blu-Ray set, then you'll have gotten a small taste of the recollections and reminiscences provided here. A lovely 'behind the scenes' memento. The only thing it's missing is proper captions on the photos - the text by one actor is often paired with a photo of a different actor, making it quite confusing, and this would be solved simply by labeling who (actors and characters they're playing) is in each photo. It would also have been nice to get some group photos from each season with the actors and characters names labeled, especially for those who only stayed a short while. At least there are contributions from some of those actors, including the two main characters (Barbara and Sister Evangelina) whose deaths were so deeply felt.
January 28, 2023
This book. Oh. I loved it. The actors who play such lovable characters in the series seem to be just as lovely and sincere in real life. It was so fun to read the perspectives of so many who participate in the making of the show, both in front of and behind the screen. And there’s no doubt about it: Call the Midwife is special. As Stephen McGann identifies, “I think a key reason for the success of Call the Midwife is precisely that it doesn’t subscribe to what you might call ‘proper drama syndrome.’ . . . . Our drama understands that most humans strive for light, even when assaulted by darkness . . . If ordinary goodness beset by life is not a ‘proper’ subject for drama then perhaps drama has ceased to speak properly to us.”
Conclusion: Call the Midwife is truly the best TV series ever. No hyperbole there.
Conclusion: Call the Midwife is truly the best TV series ever. No hyperbole there.
February 1, 2023
I will put it out there right now that if you want hardcover and have $50 CAD to spend, be my guest . However if you just want the content and want to save money you can get the ebook from kobo for $14.99CAD . It is a shame that the online vendors didn’t make that an option for pre order . Only after my dog ripped the binding and the last 15 pages of the book before I even got to it .. did I figure out there was an ebook .
Anyway story aside this book is well written with beautiful pictures but kind of boring . Most of the content isn’t from Stephen himself but from other members of the cast and their feelings . Still good to learn about the show .
Anyway story aside this book is well written with beautiful pictures but kind of boring . Most of the content isn’t from Stephen himself but from other members of the cast and their feelings . Still good to learn about the show .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2025
An absolute must read for any Call the Midwife fan!
Full of interviews from cast and crew, and with chapter introductions by Stephen McGann, this book is packed with so much information about the programme.
Each chapter covers a different series which allows for each series to be looked at in great depth-from inspiration/background to storylines, character development, music, costumes, production design, etc.
I particularly enjoyed reading about how the programme was careful to accurately represent the society of the time and the changes/historic events that took place in both medicine and society as a whole during the 1960s.
Will definitely return for a second read!
Full of interviews from cast and crew, and with chapter introductions by Stephen McGann, this book is packed with so much information about the programme.
Each chapter covers a different series which allows for each series to be looked at in great depth-from inspiration/background to storylines, character development, music, costumes, production design, etc.
I particularly enjoyed reading about how the programme was careful to accurately represent the society of the time and the changes/historic events that took place in both medicine and society as a whole during the 1960s.
Will definitely return for a second read!
April 2, 2022
This book landed on my doorstep yesterday afternoon and I thought I'd leisurely read through it enjoying all the reminiscenses and photos. Next thing I knew, four hours had passed and I read through the whole thing. It was a lovely refresher of all the past episodes and I enjoyed the background of how the whole series came about and evolved over time. The only thing I wish had been included is maybe commentary from some of the guest actresses who played pregnant women and their experience simulating childbirth and what their acting backgrounds are because there have always been phenomenal actresses on the show.
August 13, 2023
I have been a huge fan of Call the Midwife from the first season. It is an absolutely beautiful show and one I highly prize for its accuracy, attention to detail and extremely important topics. It was such a joy to glimpse behind-the-scenes of this amazing show and read about the research, the thought and the dedication that has gone into it. Revisiting each episode of the first 10 seasons and looking at the numerous photographs shared was all so special. I feel like this is a must have book for anyone who calls themselves a fan of Call the Midwife.
April 30, 2023
I have become obsessed with this show in the last year, happily watching reruns (thank you CBC) every day since I retired. I’m all caught up now, so on season 12. This book is a reflection on the first 10 years. It’s an amazing show, and I loved reading all the behind the scenes info. It’s quite the job to produce a period piece like this. They are into the late 60’s now so it’s fun to see life that I was actually alive for. I hope it keeps going for years to come.
May 23, 2022
Much better than the earlier collection about Call the Midwife that I read. This book extended through the first ten seasons and included interviews with all the actors and many of the staff. Hearing from the costumer, set designer, director, and others added valuable information. This book is reflective of the series, which has been very educational and interesting to me.
July 3, 2024
What a wonderful visit I just had with the cast, crew and writers of my favorite TV series! Now I’m going to have to watch the entire series again! This book is a beautiful scrapbook of episode summaries, memories and photos of the first ten seasons. What a joy! Did not want it to end! Hope Stephen McGann will do another!
January 10, 2022
An absolutely must for any call the midwife fan. Such a beautiful insight into these amazing series. Beautiful illustrated with wonderful full colour pictures.
March 5, 2022
A wonderful and memorable look back on ten thrilling, magical, sad, happy and joyous years of tv viewing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2022
What a treasure of memories. Now I want to re-meet all the midwifes who had left for other jobs. I miss them!
September 21, 2022
5 ⭐
A gorgeous look behind the scenes of one of my favorite shows! Large, glossy pages, full page color photos, and insights from many characters and those behind the camera.
A gorgeous look behind the scenes of one of my favorite shows! Large, glossy pages, full page color photos, and insights from many characters and those behind the camera.
October 2, 2022
Excellent - I laughed and cried and remembered. Such a wonderful show and the cast & crew seem like lovely people.
December 28, 2022
Loved this, because I love the series! Great to hear from the actors and production team as well.
January 29, 2023
I loved reading this love letter to my favourite show! I felt like this book gave me a hug!
February 13, 2023
Watching Call the Midwife is so sweet reading about it is even sweeter ❤️
June 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this audiobook, it was lovely to have some insight into the people in the cast and the characters. Makes me hope Call the Midwife never ends!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews