The Wisdom of Call The Midwife: Words of inspiration from the Sisters and midwives of Nonnatus House

by Heidi Thomas

A beautiful collection of the most heartwarming, inspirational and hilarious quotes from Call the Midwife, accompanied by beautiful photographs throughout.

'Love is never the only answer. But it is always the best, the simplest, the one most likely to withstand the test of time.
Love is the beginning. It should be the final word.' Narration by Jennifer, Series 8, Episode 4

Call the Midwife is loved across the world for its moving and intimate insights into the colourful world of midwifery and family life in the East End of London in the 1950s and 60s. The residents of Poplar and of Nonnatus House have brought comfort and joy to millions of people through their words and shared experiences. In this book you will find a collection of the best, most heart-warming and inspiring narrations and life-affirming quotes, taken from the original scripts by Heidi Thomas, alongside beautiful photographs from the show. There are lessons on love, friendship, motherhood, faith, family, home and much more - and we will hear from, among others, the voices of glamorous but vulnerable Trixie, forthright Nurse Crane, the delightfully witty Sisters Evangelina and Monica Joan and of course the wise and iconic narrations of Jennifer. The perfect book to see you through both hard and better times, this lovely collection will inspire and entertain in equal measure.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2021

About the author

Heidi Thomas is a playwright, television executive producer and screenwriter, whose credits include: the 2010 continuation of the popular series Upstairs Downstairs, and period piece Lilies (2007), alongside adaptions of Jennifer Worth's Call the Midwife, Elizabeth Gaskell's Cranford, and a film version of Dodie Smith's I Capture the Castle.

She is married to actor Stephen McGann.

Internet Movie Database page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0858912/

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a visit with a dear friend, this book is a lovely chance to revisit some of the excellent writing in the television show Call the Midwife. As a collector of quotes and someone who consumes the written word as though my very existence depends on it, this is the sort of book that is right up my alley.

What I liked about The Wisdom of Call the Midwife:
The content - This show is easily one of the very best at opening and closing monologues. In addition to that, they frequently have lines that are like heat-seeking missiles aimed right at my heart. To say that I devoured each delicious quote is an understatement.

What I didn't care for:
Lack of context - This is not my first go-round with a book of this nature. This one needed some occasional context to really drive home the emotion of each quote. Even having watched this show, I had times where I struggled to recall what was happening to better appreciate the wisdom being imparted.

I do feel like this book has a very specific target audience: You must watch and like the television show, and you must be someone who eats up quotes. As I am both of those things, I thoroughly enjoyed this little book.

[Krissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐

I love this show and Heidi Thomas' writing is a main reason why. These quotes and photos were a great way to start my days!

[Mary Elizabeth Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful wisdom from one of my favorite TV shows.❤️✝️💙👩‍⚕️🫄👶👨‍⚕️💙✝️❤️

[Lj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book of quotes for anyone, fan of Call the Midwife or not. I appreciate that the quotes are divided into subjects for easy future reference.
The only thing I wish is that full transcripts of Jenny Wren’s opening and closing monologs were a available from the entire series.
I hope that there will be a volume 2 with quotes from series 20 and following in the near future.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wise words that we need to hear again

[NuttyRachy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a signed copy of this book as an anniversary gift as I absolutely love the TV series. This is a wonderful keep sake full of lovely meaningful quotes from the series that can be very motivational. Unfortunately I'm not such a big fan of motivational quote kinda books so it's not my favourite read. I flew through most of the book but lost my motivation (ironically) to finish it. I didn't really remember any of the quotes after reading them, and didn't recollect hearing them whilst watching the series either to be honest! If that kind of thing is for you then so is this book, but for me it's a wonderful keepsake that I'll cherish but probably wouldn't pick up to read again :S

[Christine Winter Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honored profession amidst overwhelming challenges

This is a collection of phrases I vividly remember from watching every episode if this highly acclaimed series, "Call the Midwife." As an RN, I was comforted to be reminded of our purpose to care for patients from all walks of life, never passing judgment, caring with compassion and respect, regardless of their physical or psychological state. Such a refreshing read which I feel most nurses, young and old will enjoy.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful set of memories and tributes of this remarkable series which means so much to so many. The series has brought back into focus how people lived during the 20th century with childbirth being at the centre of each family unit and of their lives and memories that had perhaps been forgotten

[Jenna Gareis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this for Christmas yesterday and just poured o at it. It’s full of quotes and images from the series organized by topic. I LOVE it! This is a treasure of wisdom, laughter, and memory. I can’t rate it this. It’s not that kind of read. However, if you’re a fan of the show you will find this little book something truly dear.

[A Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this book because the British TV series was so rich in inspirational nuggets that I expected each quote to warm my heart. This small text offered too few quotes that I found among the best. I still loved this book and will give it to dear friend who led me to the series. It is a great "coffee table book" even if you have not watched the series.

[Katie Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes. Another Call the Midwife book. This one is a nice and quick one though,as it’s just nice popular, favourite quotes from the series. I ended up highlighting the vast majority of the book. If you the quotes spoken by the cast, then enjoy!

[Kj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading these quotes and remembering the episodes they came from.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really heartwarming book. It reminded me of all the great moments from the TV show. I really enjoyed reading it.

[debbie-anne Hogarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of great quotes.

[Emma Dargue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice little collection of quotes that are inspiring and amazing in there poignancy.

[Julie R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the series, Call the Midwife, so I loved reading their words of wisdom that I had heard on the show.

[Linda Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for fans of Call the Midwife! I could actually hear the quotes being recited by the actors in my head as I was reading them. Gems of wisdom!

[Jennifer Baratta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book!

I seriously enjoyed this book!
I laughed and Sister Monica Joan is a woman not to messed with.
Read this book!

[Rebecca Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

good little book to read back to see different pictures and quotes from the series. have read a couple of times.

[Lottie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic and important words!

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice.

I love Call the Midwife, it’s such a wonderful show and this book of quotes from the nine series thus far is pretty neat. I normally wouldn’t buy something like this, but I couldn’t pass up that Kindle sale. Reading all the quotes reminded me of how much of this show rings true, and how well written it can be. I totally wanted to watch the show right after reading this. The layout is solid, it’s got cute little illustrations and photos from the series. Nice gift for the die hard fan.

[Abigail Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading all of my favourite quotes from the series! Now I have them to keep and look back on whenever I want. If you’ve watched the TV series then I definitely recommend getting this book which is filled with lots of quotes that remind you of moments in their story and your own story too!!💕