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The Country Nurse #3
The Country Nurse Remembers: True Stories of a Troubled Childhood, War, and Becoming a Nurse
From the Bestselling Author of Call the Nurse and Nurse, Come You Here!, the Moving Story of Her Young Life and Her Path to Independence through Training to Be a Nurse—"A Must-Read Suggestion for Fans of the BBC's Call the Midwife" (Booklist)
Mary MacLeod's mother died in childbirth when Mary was five, an event that marked for the child a "before time"—a lost joyful time—and after. She was shunted from one relative to another while her father coped with his grief. He married again only nine months later, perhaps to have a mother for his child, but her new mum, harsh and withholding of her love, quickly exerted complete control over her thoughts and deeds, with her father oblivious. Her name was changed to her stepmother's choice of "Julia." Yet the pale, thin, quiet little girl didn't know she was unhappy: things were just the way they were.
Narrating from the perspective of the child she was but with the understanding and empathy of the nurse and mother she became, the author of Call the Nurse recounts the moving, intimate, indelible story of her young life, growing up in rural England near Bath, relishing the good times when her stepmother was friendly or she helped her father in the garden, experiencing the world war—air raids and blackouts, the war effort, evacuees, German prisoners—winning a scholarship, leaving home to train for three years as a nurse, and gradually finding her way as an independent woman.
Mary MacLeod's mother died in childbirth when Mary was five, an event that marked for the child a "before time"—a lost joyful time—and after. She was shunted from one relative to another while her father coped with his grief. He married again only nine months later, perhaps to have a mother for his child, but her new mum, harsh and withholding of her love, quickly exerted complete control over her thoughts and deeds, with her father oblivious. Her name was changed to her stepmother's choice of "Julia." Yet the pale, thin, quiet little girl didn't know she was unhappy: things were just the way they were.
Narrating from the perspective of the child she was but with the understanding and empathy of the nurse and mother she became, the author of Call the Nurse recounts the moving, intimate, indelible story of her young life, growing up in rural England near Bath, relishing the good times when her stepmother was friendly or she helped her father in the garden, experiencing the world war—air raids and blackouts, the war effort, evacuees, German prisoners—winning a scholarship, leaving home to train for three years as a nurse, and gradually finding her way as an independent woman.
- GenresMemoirMedicineNonfiction
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
137 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 30, 2019
Mary was born in 1932 in England, and tells the story of her life from childhood through nurse’s training. She is like a reminiscing granny, telling us about growing up during World War II with scrap drives and rationing. Sadly, her mother died when she was 5, and her father remarried soon afterward to a very unkind woman—not quite the fabled “wicked stepmother,” but close. The book ends rather abruptly with the end of her 3 year training, but it seems to be offered as a prequel to her other books about nursing in Scotland.
October 27, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 2nd book I've read by Mary MacLeod, the 1st was Call the Nurse. This book is about Mary's childhood and growing up during the war. It was interesting to view the war through a child's point of view. Her home life seemed quite different after her mother died and her father remarried.
The 3rd part of the book is about her leaving home, becoming independent, and training as a nurse. Anyone who likes memoirs of this era will appreciate this book.
This is the 2nd book I've read by Mary MacLeod, the 1st was Call the Nurse. This book is about Mary's childhood and growing up during the war. It was interesting to view the war through a child's point of view. Her home life seemed quite different after her mother died and her father remarried.
The 3rd part of the book is about her leaving home, becoming independent, and training as a nurse. Anyone who likes memoirs of this era will appreciate this book.
October 6, 2016
Quotable:
My mother, whose name was Phyllis, and Mildred were part of the same group. They all had good times together and eventually Daddy and Mummy married. At the time of my mother’s death, Mildred was one of the very few women from that group not already married. And she was 29. In the days of the ‘30s and 40s, almost every woman wanted to marry, have a home and perhaps a family, and if she reached 30 without doing so she was often considered to be ‘on the shelf’.
Spinsterhood was something to be pitied in those days. Aunt Lizzy, for instance, was always ‘Poor Lizzy’. So Mildred was probably delighted when my father started to take notice of her. Did she pause to think, here is a widower with a child and I am about the only woman that he knows who is not already married? Did she wonder if he really only wanted a mother for his child and a housekeeper for himself and his home? Or did she persuade herself that he had suddenly fallen in love with her at that very convenient time?
And did my father not stop to think that there might have been alternative ways of looking after me (perhaps involving more input from him) rather than rushing into a marriage so quickly?
My mother, whose name was Phyllis, and Mildred were part of the same group. They all had good times together and eventually Daddy and Mummy married. At the time of my mother’s death, Mildred was one of the very few women from that group not already married. And she was 29. In the days of the ‘30s and 40s, almost every woman wanted to marry, have a home and perhaps a family, and if she reached 30 without doing so she was often considered to be ‘on the shelf’.
Spinsterhood was something to be pitied in those days. Aunt Lizzy, for instance, was always ‘Poor Lizzy’. So Mildred was probably delighted when my father started to take notice of her. Did she pause to think, here is a widower with a child and I am about the only woman that he knows who is not already married? Did she wonder if he really only wanted a mother for his child and a housekeeper for himself and his home? Or did she persuade herself that he had suddenly fallen in love with her at that very convenient time?
And did my father not stop to think that there might have been alternative ways of looking after me (perhaps involving more input from him) rather than rushing into a marriage so quickly?
February 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this memoir. I read the first 2 books in the series, and although this one is #3, I feel like it could easily be read first so you will know the author before reading of her life in Scotland. She had strange relationships with her adult relatives, especially her stepmother. It’s unbelievable what that woman put her through. The last parts about her nursing career are not as drawn out as her childhood, but I enjoyed the childhood memories more anyway. Overall, an interesting read apart or as part of the series.
December 2, 2020
Though I enjoyed this book I was very frustrated throughout because the author never acknowledges that her step mother was very cruel and abusive toward her. The author tells us of all the injustices that were dealt her and then keeps shrugging it off saying, "that's just the way it was". I kept waiting for the author to say the way she was treated growing up was just WRONG but the author just keeps saying "that's the way it was". I was dumbfounded. This is not a young child writing this book. This is an 80 year old woman. Did she ever grow a spine or go to therapy about the abuse? Why tell us her audience if she wasn't going to deal with it?
I did find the book of some interest in the daily lives during the war, the collection of scrap metal by the children but again, overshadowing everything was the constant abuse.
I did find the book of some interest in the daily lives during the war, the collection of scrap metal by the children but again, overshadowing everything was the constant abuse.
July 24, 2020
I honestly hoped by the end of the book Julia would’ve grown a spine and told her evil, horrid, dictator of a stepmother where to get off, as well as smacking her right in the gob. Sigh.
March 20, 2022
This was the third book in the series but chronologically it is the beginning of her life story and the beginning of her career in nursing during WWII. She discusses her life, the death of her mother and her problems with her stepmother. I really enjoyed this book and the rest of the series. Highly recommended!
November 14, 2023
Let me start off my saying that rating a memoir, especially that of a person’s troublesome & disheartening childhood is difficult because I feel like I’m rating their life experiences for my entertainment. I’ll explain the 3 star rating in a bit…
But first, I’ve listened to Mary MacLeod’s two other books, Nurse, Come You Hear! and Call the Nurse by audiobook and LOVED them. Her true tales are an excellent mixture of hilarious situations, warmhearted characters, and detailed depictions of her time as a nurse on a small island. I didn’t want these two books to end.
This memoir of her young childhood & early school years becoming a nurse is much different. About 2/3 of this entire book was about her highly restrictive and abusive life with her (seemingly oblivious father) and her stepmother who should have been imprisoned for all she did. Mary withstood years of emotional, verbal, and physical (food restriction) abuse by the hands of her stepmom. She was deprived friends, family from her mothers side who loved her dearly, and countless life experiences that children are owned. It’s incredible that Mary was able to accomplish so much in her life in the midst of her childhood.
This book was hard, and oftentimes, so frustrating to listen to because it seemed that Mary still places doubt & fault on herself for many of the ways her stepmom abused her. It’s just overall sad with only little upswings of hope throughout. It’s difficult to relate to childhood Mary & the searing hate you have for her stepmom & father just get stronger with each chapter.
I’m glad I listened to this one after her other books though because in it, you can see how much she accomplished in life.
But first, I’ve listened to Mary MacLeod’s two other books, Nurse, Come You Hear! and Call the Nurse by audiobook and LOVED them. Her true tales are an excellent mixture of hilarious situations, warmhearted characters, and detailed depictions of her time as a nurse on a small island. I didn’t want these two books to end.
This memoir of her young childhood & early school years becoming a nurse is much different. About 2/3 of this entire book was about her highly restrictive and abusive life with her (seemingly oblivious father) and her stepmother who should have been imprisoned for all she did. Mary withstood years of emotional, verbal, and physical (food restriction) abuse by the hands of her stepmom. She was deprived friends, family from her mothers side who loved her dearly, and countless life experiences that children are owned. It’s incredible that Mary was able to accomplish so much in her life in the midst of her childhood.
This book was hard, and oftentimes, so frustrating to listen to because it seemed that Mary still places doubt & fault on herself for many of the ways her stepmom abused her. It’s just overall sad with only little upswings of hope throughout. It’s difficult to relate to childhood Mary & the searing hate you have for her stepmom & father just get stronger with each chapter.
I’m glad I listened to this one after her other books though because in it, you can see how much she accomplished in life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2020
This was more of a memoir of a life than of nurse training and experience. It felt rather self-indulgent (although I suppose all memoirs are by default). There were some interesting anecdotes but this book unfortunately didn't particularly inspire me.
August 31, 2020
Very slow and very dry. I was very bored
September 5, 2020
A sad story of an abused little girl during wartime England. She grows up to be a nurse.
July 19, 2020
This book was interesting but tragically sad. Mary Julia McCleod was born of goodly parents. Tragically, her mother “Mummy” died in childbirth when Mary was only 5 years old. For nine months she was shuffled around among relatives until her Father remarried. His new bride was not at all interested in being the little girl’s mother though and was extremely mean and hateful.
What I liked so much was how she was able to pull herself from the mire and become her own person. Her stepmother did all she could to remove the memory of the little girl’s “life before”. Even to include renaming her, never letting her being around the family of Mummy, having no friends, and limiting her time with her father. He knew very little of his daughter’s situation as she was in bed when he left for work and when he got home.
Julia went on to go to Nursing School where she graduated with certifications and honors. My Mom always told me that “cream will alway rise to the top”. Thus Mary Julia became a successful nurse, mother and wife. Although this book was sad and even maddening at times, It show this girl’s grit and fortitude to “rise to the top.”
Most rewarding.
What I liked so much was how she was able to pull herself from the mire and become her own person. Her stepmother did all she could to remove the memory of the little girl’s “life before”. Even to include renaming her, never letting her being around the family of Mummy, having no friends, and limiting her time with her father. He knew very little of his daughter’s situation as she was in bed when he left for work and when he got home.
Julia went on to go to Nursing School where she graduated with certifications and honors. My Mom always told me that “cream will alway rise to the top”. Thus Mary Julia became a successful nurse, mother and wife. Although this book was sad and even maddening at times, It show this girl’s grit and fortitude to “rise to the top.”
Most rewarding.
March 23, 2025
1st part so very sad --poor little suddenly motherless girl!
I wish her probably well-meaning, but clueless, father had chosen a kinder person for his wife and Mary's mother just 9 months later.
Easier to listen to when her actual nurse's training begins and thru to the end, altho she still is subjected to psychological cruelty when home on breaks. She discusses this, seemingly not to complain, but to try to understand the reason for her stepmother's treatment, altho probably jealousy.
Well narrated. I only wish that the 3-part memoir continued on audio rather than switching to kindle.
I like he say the chapters have a short helpful description rather than just the successive numbers as usual.
I may recommend this to a couple of nurses i know so they can contrast it with their own training, as well as the current medical advances.
overdrive speed 1.15
I wish her probably well-meaning, but clueless, father had chosen a kinder person for his wife and Mary's mother just 9 months later.
Easier to listen to when her actual nurse's training begins and thru to the end, altho she still is subjected to psychological cruelty when home on breaks. She discusses this, seemingly not to complain, but to try to understand the reason for her stepmother's treatment, altho probably jealousy.
Well narrated. I only wish that the 3-part memoir continued on audio rather than switching to kindle.
I like he say the chapters have a short helpful description rather than just the successive numbers as usual.
I may recommend this to a couple of nurses i know so they can contrast it with their own training, as well as the current medical advances.
overdrive speed 1.15
April 17, 2023
I entered the delightful world of Mary J. MacLeod when she wrote of her adventures on a remote blob of land in the New Hebrides Islands off Scotland. Her books "Call the Nurse" and "Nurse, Come You Here" featured a lifestyle unknown anywhere else in the world today. Her love for the rural island people and for the stunning majesty of the land and seascapes shone through and the fact that the stories were real only increased my pleasure. "The Country Nurse Remembers" is summed up completely in the subtitle. My admiration for her only increased as I read of her extremely difficult childhood. It's truly a miracle that she emerged as the empathetic, compassionate and quite practical person she has!
July 31, 2020
Lovely book!
I had read her Scottish island book prior to this one so knew I was in for a treat. Shall now re-read the other one. What a sad, repressed childhood the author had with a mother dying young and a nasty stepmother. Somehow she got on with it, went to nursing school and found she was intelligent and accomplished after all. Told with honesty, good humor and spirits and was very enlightening. I lived for awhile in that area of England so took pleasure in some of the bits I too had experienced. A good read!
I had read her Scottish island book prior to this one so knew I was in for a treat. Shall now re-read the other one. What a sad, repressed childhood the author had with a mother dying young and a nasty stepmother. Somehow she got on with it, went to nursing school and found she was intelligent and accomplished after all. Told with honesty, good humor and spirits and was very enlightening. I lived for awhile in that area of England so took pleasure in some of the bits I too had experienced. A good read!
May 4, 2025
What a cruel upbringing after the tragic death of her mother at a young age. I hope a lot can just be chalked up to the way things were then, and not have seemed outrageous at the time, but it’s also apparent that Mary had a rather cold and demanding stepmother and an out-of-touch father. I wonder if her stepmother suffered from depression or something, certainly jealousy. Praise the Lord that Mary sought a better life for herself and thrived despite it all. Makes you want to give her a big hug!
May 24, 2020
Interesting first person account of what it was like as a child in rural England during WW2. You can't help but feel compassion for young MARY when you learn how she was treated as a virtual unwelcomed servant in her own home. True life wicked stepmother time. But if you've read her previous books you knew she triumphed when she grew to adulthood. She also explains in muted graphic details what becoming a nurse was like in the post-war years.
April 11, 2021
This book was a great memoir! This book was a little difficult to begin, but I pressed on. The story is so sad at times, children are terrified to share their feelings. I enjoyed learning about her nursing school experience since it was different from mine albeit min 40 years later. I really enjoyed her books a district nurse in the Hebrides:
November 22, 2021
Worthwhile Memoir
Mrs. Macleod wrote two books about her life as a nurse on a Scottish island. She was married with children. It was a busy life and a challenging experience adjusting to the culture, language, and geography. Her latest book focuses on her early life, family dynamics, WW 2, and her nursing school years. A very interesting series. I highly recommend it.
Mrs. Macleod wrote two books about her life as a nurse on a Scottish island. She was married with children. It was a busy life and a challenging experience adjusting to the culture, language, and geography. Her latest book focuses on her early life, family dynamics, WW 2, and her nursing school years. A very interesting series. I highly recommend it.
July 11, 2020
Thought Provoking
His book provides a different perspective on WWII - a child's view. It was sometimes a bit hard to follow as it does not adhere to chronological order.
I wonder what circumstances produces Margaret,(Mum).
I had trouble putting the book down.
His book provides a different perspective on WWII - a child's view. It was sometimes a bit hard to follow as it does not adhere to chronological order.
I wonder what circumstances produces Margaret,(Mum).
I had trouble putting the book down.
August 15, 2020
Country Nurse
This story of her life was interesting because of the time in our history and what was happening in the world. It was told simply but with lots of different emotions,but was real. I Really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
This story of her life was interesting because of the time in our history and what was happening in the world. It was told simply but with lots of different emotions,but was real. I Really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
July 16, 2021
She survived and thrived!
Very frank biography. Personal story of a girl growing up with a rather detached father and a severely harsh stepmother. She endured because she had to. Her struggle makes an amazing story of courage and perseverance.
Very frank biography. Personal story of a girl growing up with a rather detached father and a severely harsh stepmother. She endured because she had to. Her struggle makes an amazing story of courage and perseverance.
October 13, 2024
Interesting book, great content, written more like bullets than like a story, jumps around sometimes. Abruptly ends. Would have liked some more story to develop the ending. Narrator is very pleasant to listen to.
February 27, 2025
I loved “Call the Nurse” so I decided to read this one. It definitely did not disappoint! It was really interesting learning about her childhood experiences during WWII. She must have been around my grandmother’s age and my grandmother grew up in Wales 🏴 not far away.
September 1, 2020
Just not my kind of book. It was more of kids book
June 15, 2021
Good first person narrative. Enjoyed it.
June 21, 2021
It's amazing the details she remembers and how successful she became after going thru the mental abuse of her step-mother. This is the second book of hers that I've read and will read a third.
July 24, 2021
Recommend
I enjoyed this I guess because her childhood reminded me of my own a lot but it was my real mother that mentally abused me I did enjoy reading this
I enjoyed this I guess because her childhood reminded me of my own a lot but it was my real mother that mentally abused me I did enjoy reading this
August 23, 2021
An excellent book, very enjoyable! I read this book in two sittings. Would definitely recommend. I Will for sure be reading her other books as well.
December 7, 2021
Fascinating and also depressing story from the Country Nurse. It was so neat reading about the realities during the war from a child's perspective.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews