What do you think?
Rate this book
The Desert Nurse
A grand love story set in a far-flung theatre of war, from the bestselling Australian author of The War Bride, Pamela Hart
Amid the Australian Army hospitals of World War I Egypt, two deeply determined individuals find the resilience of their love tested to its limits . . .
It's 1911, and 21-year-old Evelyn Northey desperately wants to become a doctor. Her father forbids it, withholding the inheritance that would allow her to attend university. At the outbreak of World War I, Evelyn disobeys her father, enlisting as an army nurse bound for Egypt and the disastrous Gallipoli campaign.
Under the blazing desert sun, Evelyn develops feelings for polio survivor Dr William Brent, who believes his disability makes him unfit to marry. For Evelyn, still pursuing her goal of studying medicine, a man has no place in her future. For two such self-reliant people, relying on someone else for happiness may be the hardest challenge of all . . .
From the casualty tents, the fever wards and the operating theatres of the palace; through the streets of Cairo during Ramadan, to the parched desert and the grim realities of war, Pamela Hart, beloved bestselling Australian author of The War Bride, tells the heart-wrenching story of four years that changed the world forever.
Amid the Australian Army hospitals of World War I Egypt, two deeply determined individuals find the resilience of their love tested to its limits . . .
It's 1911, and 21-year-old Evelyn Northey desperately wants to become a doctor. Her father forbids it, withholding the inheritance that would allow her to attend university. At the outbreak of World War I, Evelyn disobeys her father, enlisting as an army nurse bound for Egypt and the disastrous Gallipoli campaign.
Under the blazing desert sun, Evelyn develops feelings for polio survivor Dr William Brent, who believes his disability makes him unfit to marry. For Evelyn, still pursuing her goal of studying medicine, a man has no place in her future. For two such self-reliant people, relying on someone else for happiness may be the hardest challenge of all . . .
From the casualty tents, the fever wards and the operating theatres of the palace; through the streets of Cairo during Ramadan, to the parched desert and the grim realities of war, Pamela Hart, beloved bestselling Australian author of The War Bride, tells the heart-wrenching story of four years that changed the world forever.
416 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2018
22 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Hart
31 books152 followersPamela is a best-selling, award-winning author of more than 40 books.
As Pamela Hart, she writes the Poppy McGowan Mysteries and historical fiction, including Regency romance.
As Pamela Freeman, she writes children's fiction and non-fiction, and is well known for her fantasy novels for adults, the CASTINGS TRILOGY and her Aurealis Award winning novel EMBER AND ASH.
Pamela lives in Sydney with her husband and their son, and teaches at the Australian Writers' Centre.
She has a Doctorate of Creative Arts from the University of Technology, Sydney, where she has also lectured in creative writing.
Also published under Pamela Freeman - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
As Pamela Hart, she writes the Poppy McGowan Mysteries and historical fiction, including Regency romance.
As Pamela Freeman, she writes children's fiction and non-fiction, and is well known for her fantasy novels for adults, the CASTINGS TRILOGY and her Aurealis Award winning novel EMBER AND ASH.
Pamela lives in Sydney with her husband and their son, and teaches at the Australian Writers' Centre.
She has a Doctorate of Creative Arts from the University of Technology, Sydney, where she has also lectured in creative writing.
Also published under Pamela Freeman - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 8, 2018
Sublime, captivating, heartbreaking, brilliant! These words and more describe Aussie author Pamela Hart’s latest novel. The Desert Nurse is set in the early 1900s when a young Evelyn Northey had just turned twenty-one and expected to receive her mother’s inheritance so that she could study in Sydney to become a doctor – a dream she’d held since she was thirteen years of age. But her father was a staid, old fashioned man, and although a doctor himself, refused to allow his daughter the same privilege. He would hold her money until she turned thirty, or until she married, in which case the money would become her husband’s…
Training with a friend of her father’s in the Taree Manning Base Hospital as a nurse was the best Evelyn could do. She was grateful beyond words for his help – and when she presented the certificate to her father and he ripped it up, she informed him she had another; she was also heading to Cairo as a nurse and there was nothing he could do to stop her. World War I had begun – doctors and nurses would be needed, and Evelyn was determined to do her bit.
As the Heliopolis Palace was turned into the 1st Australian General Hospital, patients began arriving from the disastrous Dardanelles campaign; some were walking wounded, others had shocking injuries. But Dr William Brent, although struggling with a weak leg from polio as a child, was a hard-working, doggedly determined and compassionate doctor, and with Sister Northey by his side, they often worked twenty hours straight in theatre, with barely a break.
Four years of blood, sweat and tears – of heartache and loss; of hope and fear. And feelings that grew, whether they wanted them to or not. What would be the outcome for Evelyn and William – for the many others affected by a horrific and unnecessary war?
Pamela Hart writes historical fiction with seeming ease. The words flow; the research is obvious; the pages turn themselves. I’ve loved her previous historical fiction novels, and this one didn’t disappoint. The cover is perfect for the story; the red-haired beauty is Evelyn to a tee – the background picture of the hospital tents on the front line as I imagined. I can’t recommend The Desert Nurse highly enough.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read and review.
Training with a friend of her father’s in the Taree Manning Base Hospital as a nurse was the best Evelyn could do. She was grateful beyond words for his help – and when she presented the certificate to her father and he ripped it up, she informed him she had another; she was also heading to Cairo as a nurse and there was nothing he could do to stop her. World War I had begun – doctors and nurses would be needed, and Evelyn was determined to do her bit.
As the Heliopolis Palace was turned into the 1st Australian General Hospital, patients began arriving from the disastrous Dardanelles campaign; some were walking wounded, others had shocking injuries. But Dr William Brent, although struggling with a weak leg from polio as a child, was a hard-working, doggedly determined and compassionate doctor, and with Sister Northey by his side, they often worked twenty hours straight in theatre, with barely a break.
Four years of blood, sweat and tears – of heartache and loss; of hope and fear. And feelings that grew, whether they wanted them to or not. What would be the outcome for Evelyn and William – for the many others affected by a horrific and unnecessary war?
Pamela Hart writes historical fiction with seeming ease. The words flow; the research is obvious; the pages turn themselves. I’ve loved her previous historical fiction novels, and this one didn’t disappoint. The cover is perfect for the story; the red-haired beauty is Evelyn to a tee – the background picture of the hospital tents on the front line as I imagined. I can’t recommend The Desert Nurse highly enough.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read and review.
July 13, 2018
The Desert Nurse follows Evelyn Northey, a young girl who aspires to be a doctor, but is instead a nurse because her father forbids it. With no intention of marrying, Evelyn enlists as a nurse during World War I and assists with the casualties in a desert in Egypt. However, she comes to trust Dr William Brent, a survivor of polio with a disability, and falls for his kind nature.
As you read the beginning of the novel, you get an insight into Evelyn's father's messed up views on how society treated women in the early 1900s. He does not allow Evelyn to inherit her dead mother's money until she is thirty, which destroys her plans of becoming a doctor. She tells herself that because of this, she won't marry, as if she does, her husband will have control of her inheritance. The struggles that women faced during this time period is evident throughout the novel and it is difficult not to feel the pain that Evelyn goes through while reading her story.
Some of the story is also told in the perspective of William. His character is kind-hearted and has similar beliefs that aligns with Evelyn's. They initially maintain a professional relationship, as neither of them desire to be married, which is something that most young people want during this time period. I liked William, as he was a breath of fresh air in a love interest. He allows Evelyn to have her independence and make decisions for herself, which further shows Evelyn as a confident and strong-willed protagonist.
At the forefront of this love story is the experience of the war. It was interesting to read about the intricate details of what occurs when helping the wounded, and it was obvious that a lot of research went into ensuring all the facts were accurate. The setting of Egypt during the war was confronting and realistic. I got a good sense of the atmosphere and could easily feel the emotions of Evelyn, William and the wounded soldiers. Hart captured the difficulties of working in a hospital environment while awful things were happening around them.
Although the plot felt slow at times, I got to know each of the characters in the novel and especially enjoyed reading from Evelyn's perspective. The story was moving and enriching, and showed a love story during the war in a unique way.
As you read the beginning of the novel, you get an insight into Evelyn's father's messed up views on how society treated women in the early 1900s. He does not allow Evelyn to inherit her dead mother's money until she is thirty, which destroys her plans of becoming a doctor. She tells herself that because of this, she won't marry, as if she does, her husband will have control of her inheritance. The struggles that women faced during this time period is evident throughout the novel and it is difficult not to feel the pain that Evelyn goes through while reading her story.
Some of the story is also told in the perspective of William. His character is kind-hearted and has similar beliefs that aligns with Evelyn's. They initially maintain a professional relationship, as neither of them desire to be married, which is something that most young people want during this time period. I liked William, as he was a breath of fresh air in a love interest. He allows Evelyn to have her independence and make decisions for herself, which further shows Evelyn as a confident and strong-willed protagonist.
At the forefront of this love story is the experience of the war. It was interesting to read about the intricate details of what occurs when helping the wounded, and it was obvious that a lot of research went into ensuring all the facts were accurate. The setting of Egypt during the war was confronting and realistic. I got a good sense of the atmosphere and could easily feel the emotions of Evelyn, William and the wounded soldiers. Hart captured the difficulties of working in a hospital environment while awful things were happening around them.
Although the plot felt slow at times, I got to know each of the characters in the novel and especially enjoyed reading from Evelyn's perspective. The story was moving and enriching, and showed a love story during the war in a unique way.
October 21, 2020
This is the first time I have read this author. This was a fantastic book and showed me what nursing was like during the war. I am a nurse and it gives a different perspective. It had the right amount of characters and a great story to follow. I am interested in reading some more of her books.
July 9, 2018
If there was ever going to be a novel that I could select out of the thousands that I’ve read, a novel containing my ideal story, with every note being hit with perfection, then this would be my pick. The Desert Nurse by Pamela Hart.
“How long would it be, he wondered as he climbed the wooden steps, before our images stop being warlike?”
You can always rely on Pamela Hart to write an authentic Australian story that is true to its era with a focus on the incredible Australian women who have shaped our nation’s history. With crossovers to characters from her previous WWI novels, Pamela shows just how small our nation was at the time of WWI, highlighting the enormous sacrifice Australians gave to the fight for world peace.
I really liked Evelyn Northey and William Brent, equally as much, and enjoyed how they shared the spotlight within this story. Two hardworking and respectful individuals with a mutual drive to help others and a deep appreciation for the work ethic and skill they each saw in the other. They were so well suited but I was pleased that their relationship was hard fought for. I savoured their connection, but what I really wanted out of this story, and received, was the insight into being a desert nurse during WWI. In this, Pamela delivered in spades.
The research undertaken to ensure authenticity throughout this novel was very much in evidence. The Gallipoli campaign was meticulously recreated, and the four years following it, but from the perspective of those who were on the other end of it, the medical emergency end, where the full horror could be realised. The amount of work, the high expectations placed upon medical teams, the sheer exhaustion and emotional unleashing was all there for the reader to absorb. I loved the truth of this novel, the lack of glorification and glamour, just the bare bones ugly truth of war. The sheer waste, the terror and heartbreak. Any person who willingly signs up to work as a medic on a battlefield is an instant hero in my eyes, and Pamela emphasised, over and over, the incredible work our ANZAC nurses did, under extreme conditions, during WWI. The Desert Nurse is a significant achievement of historical fiction.
There was such a strong sense of time and place throughout The Desert Nurse. From the winds of the desert, to the soaring pyramids, and the Egyptian Luna Park that had been converted into a makeshift hospital; everything to do with the setting was recreated with such realism and I felt completely transported back in time to a place I’ve never been but could picture perfectly. The stunning cover that adorns this novel sets the reader up with high expectations and the story contained within more than lives up to this. On the topic of the cover, it’s one of the best I’ve seen in a very long time in terms of being an authentic representation of its story. So many covers are lovely to look at, but this one has definitely been designed by someone who was familiar with the entire story, not just the blurb. It’s not until you are buried deep into the story that you fully appreciate this.
The relationships between the people in this novel shine, highlighting the indomitable spirit of those who have the passion and bravery to step out and help others even when they are reaching breaking point themselves. All of those broken men, being patched back together as best as they could be, under the direst of circumstances, so far from the shores of their own home. What a great tribute this story is, to our nation’s WWI effort. What an honourable representation of the heroic work done by our desert nurses. I highly recommend The Desert Nurse as one of my top reads of the year so far. I finished this novel with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face, hopeful for the future that Evelyn and William were about to embark upon.
Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing me with a copy of The Desert Nurse for review.
“How long would it be, he wondered as he climbed the wooden steps, before our images stop being warlike?”
You can always rely on Pamela Hart to write an authentic Australian story that is true to its era with a focus on the incredible Australian women who have shaped our nation’s history. With crossovers to characters from her previous WWI novels, Pamela shows just how small our nation was at the time of WWI, highlighting the enormous sacrifice Australians gave to the fight for world peace.
I really liked Evelyn Northey and William Brent, equally as much, and enjoyed how they shared the spotlight within this story. Two hardworking and respectful individuals with a mutual drive to help others and a deep appreciation for the work ethic and skill they each saw in the other. They were so well suited but I was pleased that their relationship was hard fought for. I savoured their connection, but what I really wanted out of this story, and received, was the insight into being a desert nurse during WWI. In this, Pamela delivered in spades.
The research undertaken to ensure authenticity throughout this novel was very much in evidence. The Gallipoli campaign was meticulously recreated, and the four years following it, but from the perspective of those who were on the other end of it, the medical emergency end, where the full horror could be realised. The amount of work, the high expectations placed upon medical teams, the sheer exhaustion and emotional unleashing was all there for the reader to absorb. I loved the truth of this novel, the lack of glorification and glamour, just the bare bones ugly truth of war. The sheer waste, the terror and heartbreak. Any person who willingly signs up to work as a medic on a battlefield is an instant hero in my eyes, and Pamela emphasised, over and over, the incredible work our ANZAC nurses did, under extreme conditions, during WWI. The Desert Nurse is a significant achievement of historical fiction.
There was such a strong sense of time and place throughout The Desert Nurse. From the winds of the desert, to the soaring pyramids, and the Egyptian Luna Park that had been converted into a makeshift hospital; everything to do with the setting was recreated with such realism and I felt completely transported back in time to a place I’ve never been but could picture perfectly. The stunning cover that adorns this novel sets the reader up with high expectations and the story contained within more than lives up to this. On the topic of the cover, it’s one of the best I’ve seen in a very long time in terms of being an authentic representation of its story. So many covers are lovely to look at, but this one has definitely been designed by someone who was familiar with the entire story, not just the blurb. It’s not until you are buried deep into the story that you fully appreciate this.
The relationships between the people in this novel shine, highlighting the indomitable spirit of those who have the passion and bravery to step out and help others even when they are reaching breaking point themselves. All of those broken men, being patched back together as best as they could be, under the direst of circumstances, so far from the shores of their own home. What a great tribute this story is, to our nation’s WWI effort. What an honourable representation of the heroic work done by our desert nurses. I highly recommend The Desert Nurse as one of my top reads of the year so far. I finished this novel with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face, hopeful for the future that Evelyn and William were about to embark upon.
Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing me with a copy of The Desert Nurse for review.
November 14, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Book Bingo 2020 Round 11: ‘Set in an era you’d love to travel back in time to’.
Released in 2018 by Hachette Australia, The Desert Nurse is a rich historical showpiece that presents a vivid historical portrait of WWI, outlining the life of nurses on the front line and a contentious romance. The Desert Nurse is both heartbreaking and revealing, exposing a time when enterprising women fought to gain a place in history. All praise directed to The Desert Nurse is warranted, it is a noteworthy tale.
The Desert Nurse regales the compelling life story of Evelyn Northey, an intelligent and determined woman, who longs for a career in the medical field. When the First World War breaks out, Evelyn deliberately goes against her father’s wishes and she signs up to become a nurse, where she is stationed in the dangerous locale of Egypt. It is in Egypt where Evelyn becomes directly involved in one of the worst campaigns in war history, Gallipoli. Evelyn is dedicated to her calling as an army nurse, but when she crosses paths with a doctor named William Brent, she is drawn to this hardworking medic and polio survivor. But William’s personal issues in regards to his disability seem to cloud his feelings for Evelyn. While Evelyn grapples with making a commitment to marry, when all she wants in life is to become a doctor. Evelyn doesn’t think she can both marry and gain a career as a doctor. These two very individual and spirited souls devote everything they have to the war cause, but can they take a chance on love?
Pamela Hart is without a doubt one of my favourite Australian novelists. It did strike me as odd that I had a copy of Hart’s 2018 release languishing on my shelves for far too long. I have enjoyed each and every previous novel written by Hart. Pamela Hart is a consistent author who never fails to impress me and this was very much the case with The Desert Nurse. Yet again Pamela Hart delivered a tale with a winning combination of wonderful characters, a sublime setting, a fascinating time period and a historically accurate plotline. I have every respect for this author and her writing.
I really warmed to Evelyn Northey. I was immediately struck by her predicament and I detested her father – what a man! However, as much as Evelyn’s father is unnecessary and cruel, Hart provides an accurate depiction of the beliefs men of the same social standing as Evelyn’s father would have endorsed during this time. Although it is frustrating and heartbreaking, Evelyn’s life story highlights the true sacrifice, hard work and determination these women living on the edges of society faced when trying to rise above societal expectations. I did a little cheer when Evelyn defied her father and signed up for duty as an army nurse. There is no questioning Evelyn’s spirit, bravery and can-do attitude. There was no stopping her! I admired Evelyn very much and it was a joy to be a part of her exhaustive, but rewarding story.
Hart marries her leads up well. In William Brent we have a genuine nice guy, with some personal hang ups to deal with. When our leads cross paths, the romance slowly flourishes. There are plenty of will they/won’t they moments and roadblocks to this relationship developing. I think Hart did an excellent job of her characterisation of these two core protagonists in light of the situations they both faced. Hart also introduced a well-drawn cast of supporting characters, who scaffold this novel further. Although frustrating at times, the romance side of things was handled well within the context of war and the personal issues plaguing the leads.
I have a weakness for books set in the Great War era. I was definitely drawn to this tale of life during the First World War, a time period I gravitate towards again and again. Pamela Hart provides a very authentic representation of this world event. In addition, the language, societal expectations, morals, prejudices, gender relations and acts of romance appeared to be a more than satisfactory reflection of era.
The Desert Nurse is just magnificent. It is hard not to be seduced by the exotic beauty of Egypt, the central location of Hart’s novel. I felt the intense heat, the cold nights, the wind and danger of this well drawn locale. Hart really exposes her reader to life as a true and serving front line nurse. We are privy to a great deal, especially the damaging impact of war. Everything from the physical and mental injuries is relayed, along with the lack of medical staff and resources. The long hours of standing and saving life after life is revealed, which makes your heart sink. I gained so much insight from this fictional narrative and it provided me with a deeper appreciation of the fighting spirit of our toiling ancestors. We truly cannot thank them enough for their contribution to the war effort.
After plenty of hard times, personal agonies, individual gains and realisations, The Desert Nurse concludes its very eventful journey. The Desert Nurse is a book that will leave you stained and changed from the experience of reading it. Another simply remarkable tale from Pamela Hart.
The Desert Nurse is book #118 the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Book Bingo 2020 Round 11: ‘Set in an era you’d love to travel back in time to’.
Released in 2018 by Hachette Australia, The Desert Nurse is a rich historical showpiece that presents a vivid historical portrait of WWI, outlining the life of nurses on the front line and a contentious romance. The Desert Nurse is both heartbreaking and revealing, exposing a time when enterprising women fought to gain a place in history. All praise directed to The Desert Nurse is warranted, it is a noteworthy tale.
The Desert Nurse regales the compelling life story of Evelyn Northey, an intelligent and determined woman, who longs for a career in the medical field. When the First World War breaks out, Evelyn deliberately goes against her father’s wishes and she signs up to become a nurse, where she is stationed in the dangerous locale of Egypt. It is in Egypt where Evelyn becomes directly involved in one of the worst campaigns in war history, Gallipoli. Evelyn is dedicated to her calling as an army nurse, but when she crosses paths with a doctor named William Brent, she is drawn to this hardworking medic and polio survivor. But William’s personal issues in regards to his disability seem to cloud his feelings for Evelyn. While Evelyn grapples with making a commitment to marry, when all she wants in life is to become a doctor. Evelyn doesn’t think she can both marry and gain a career as a doctor. These two very individual and spirited souls devote everything they have to the war cause, but can they take a chance on love?
Pamela Hart is without a doubt one of my favourite Australian novelists. It did strike me as odd that I had a copy of Hart’s 2018 release languishing on my shelves for far too long. I have enjoyed each and every previous novel written by Hart. Pamela Hart is a consistent author who never fails to impress me and this was very much the case with The Desert Nurse. Yet again Pamela Hart delivered a tale with a winning combination of wonderful characters, a sublime setting, a fascinating time period and a historically accurate plotline. I have every respect for this author and her writing.
I really warmed to Evelyn Northey. I was immediately struck by her predicament and I detested her father – what a man! However, as much as Evelyn’s father is unnecessary and cruel, Hart provides an accurate depiction of the beliefs men of the same social standing as Evelyn’s father would have endorsed during this time. Although it is frustrating and heartbreaking, Evelyn’s life story highlights the true sacrifice, hard work and determination these women living on the edges of society faced when trying to rise above societal expectations. I did a little cheer when Evelyn defied her father and signed up for duty as an army nurse. There is no questioning Evelyn’s spirit, bravery and can-do attitude. There was no stopping her! I admired Evelyn very much and it was a joy to be a part of her exhaustive, but rewarding story.
Hart marries her leads up well. In William Brent we have a genuine nice guy, with some personal hang ups to deal with. When our leads cross paths, the romance slowly flourishes. There are plenty of will they/won’t they moments and roadblocks to this relationship developing. I think Hart did an excellent job of her characterisation of these two core protagonists in light of the situations they both faced. Hart also introduced a well-drawn cast of supporting characters, who scaffold this novel further. Although frustrating at times, the romance side of things was handled well within the context of war and the personal issues plaguing the leads.
I have a weakness for books set in the Great War era. I was definitely drawn to this tale of life during the First World War, a time period I gravitate towards again and again. Pamela Hart provides a very authentic representation of this world event. In addition, the language, societal expectations, morals, prejudices, gender relations and acts of romance appeared to be a more than satisfactory reflection of era.
The Desert Nurse is just magnificent. It is hard not to be seduced by the exotic beauty of Egypt, the central location of Hart’s novel. I felt the intense heat, the cold nights, the wind and danger of this well drawn locale. Hart really exposes her reader to life as a true and serving front line nurse. We are privy to a great deal, especially the damaging impact of war. Everything from the physical and mental injuries is relayed, along with the lack of medical staff and resources. The long hours of standing and saving life after life is revealed, which makes your heart sink. I gained so much insight from this fictional narrative and it provided me with a deeper appreciation of the fighting spirit of our toiling ancestors. We truly cannot thank them enough for their contribution to the war effort.
After plenty of hard times, personal agonies, individual gains and realisations, The Desert Nurse concludes its very eventful journey. The Desert Nurse is a book that will leave you stained and changed from the experience of reading it. Another simply remarkable tale from Pamela Hart.
The Desert Nurse is book #118 the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
July 9, 2018
This is an amazing story, a story of courage and strength, there are so many emotions throughout this book, it is heart wrenching at times and just so very moving, as MS Hart takes us back to World War 1 and the extraordinary women who nurse our soldiers during a bitter and bloody conflict and the love that they found. I can’t highly recommend this book enough, it is so beautifully written a must read.
Evelyn Northey comes from Taree in country NSW her father is a Doctor and when her mother passes away Evelyn is pulled out of school to assist as her father’s nurse, but it also stops Evelyn from doing what she wants to do most and that is study to become a doctor herself. She is strong and determined and ends up getting her nursing certificate behind her father’s back and when war breaks out, she does the unthinkable and enlists and is sent to Egypt and the Gallipoli campaign. Here Evelyn learns even more about medicine and makes many friends including Dr William Brent whom she becomes very close to.
William Brent is a polio survivor from a middle class family in Parramatta he studies and becomes a doctor and although he cannot enlist with the army he still makes sure that he gets himself to the war front to assist in any way he can, and no amount of pain will stop him from saving as many men as he can working hours in the operating theatre with Evelyn as his nurse. This brings them close together and they become friends along the way.
MS Hart describes the settings so beautifully, the countries torn apart by war, the people that are hurt, their pain and suffering and the medical staff that do what they can in such at times really tough spots, but the feelings of the fabulous characters tell us so much more, I felt so close to Evelyn and Will as they try so hard to deny the love that is growing between them through such a testing time in life. The question do they, or do they not marry, both have their reasons for not wanting to but will love conquer?
I loved this compelling, moving and emotional story from start to finish and honestly cannot highly recommend it enough, MS Hart has a way with words that brings all of her characters to life on the pages, bought me to tears at times, I felt the pain but I also smiled many times as well, thank you MS Hart this one is going to stay with me for a long time.
Evelyn Northey comes from Taree in country NSW her father is a Doctor and when her mother passes away Evelyn is pulled out of school to assist as her father’s nurse, but it also stops Evelyn from doing what she wants to do most and that is study to become a doctor herself. She is strong and determined and ends up getting her nursing certificate behind her father’s back and when war breaks out, she does the unthinkable and enlists and is sent to Egypt and the Gallipoli campaign. Here Evelyn learns even more about medicine and makes many friends including Dr William Brent whom she becomes very close to.
William Brent is a polio survivor from a middle class family in Parramatta he studies and becomes a doctor and although he cannot enlist with the army he still makes sure that he gets himself to the war front to assist in any way he can, and no amount of pain will stop him from saving as many men as he can working hours in the operating theatre with Evelyn as his nurse. This brings them close together and they become friends along the way.
MS Hart describes the settings so beautifully, the countries torn apart by war, the people that are hurt, their pain and suffering and the medical staff that do what they can in such at times really tough spots, but the feelings of the fabulous characters tell us so much more, I felt so close to Evelyn and Will as they try so hard to deny the love that is growing between them through such a testing time in life. The question do they, or do they not marry, both have their reasons for not wanting to but will love conquer?
I loved this compelling, moving and emotional story from start to finish and honestly cannot highly recommend it enough, MS Hart has a way with words that brings all of her characters to life on the pages, bought me to tears at times, I felt the pain but I also smiled many times as well, thank you MS Hart this one is going to stay with me for a long time.
August 9, 2018
This was such a delightful, thought provoking story.
Evelyn Northey is intelligent and driven and desperate to become a doctor. She has the means to do so, having an inheritance from her mother but the terms of her mother’s will mean that Evelyn does not come into her money until she either marries (and then it goes to her husband) or she reaches her majority. Until then it is controlled by her father and he is adamant that medicine is no place for a woman. They can make competent nurses and assistants when trained correctly but they are far too emotional to make the sort of decisions that medicine requires and he completely refuses permission for Evelyn to become a doctor and also to even get any formal nursing qualifications. She can assist him in his practice and that’s it. Unbeknownst to him, Evelyn is assisted by a doctor at the local hospital to get the qualifications she needs. Upon learning that her majority is 30 and not 21 as she first thought, Evelyn cannot face more years ahead working with her domineering father and so when war breaks out, she enlists in the army as a nurse.
World War 1 in terms of history, is not that long ago. Yes it’s 100 years and progress in many areas has been incredibly rapid since then – and this book showcases that one of those areas is women’s rights. Evelyn, as an unmarried woman, is forced to suffer under the authority of her father. He is against her fulfilling her dream to study medicine and become a doctor and no amount of attempting to reason has any impact on him. Evelyn makes up her mind quite early that she wishes to never marry – that will just give another man authority over her and he’ll also be given control of her inheritance from her mother. Having been completely ignored in her wishes, Evelyn has no desire to ever subject herself to that for a second time. Enlisting in the army as a nurse and being sent to Cairo to tend the wounded from places like Gallipoli gives her the first sort of freedom, even though she’s under army regulations. It’s a mix of foreign adventure but also terrible tragedy as they see young man after young man through terrible injuries and worse.
When she enlists, Evelyn meets Dr William Brent. Despite the obvious and immediate attraction between them that continues as they work together in Cairo, both firmly believe there’s no future in marriage for either of them. William is a polio survivor who walks with a limp and has an injured hip. He knows that quite often, polio survivors go downhill with age and he doesn’t want to subject himself onto a wife who may end up with a severely disabled husband. William is kind and supportive of Evelyn in all ways – he offers to help her with her Latin in order to her to fulfil her dream of studying medicine on her own and he seems exactly the sort of man who would not exert authority over his wife in the way that Evelyn’s father did over the women in his life. Evelyn and William are both so tempted but their insecurities, determination and fears hold them back. Evelyn can’t be sure that William wouldn’t change after marriage, want her to have babies and stay home, give up her medicine dream and William doesn’t want to take the risk of giving Evelyn someone to care for in a nurse/patient role rather than being husband/wife.
I absolutely loved this book, it was such a multi-layered read. On one hand, it’s showcasing the fight for equality and women’s rights and the struggle of being in a time where you’re beholden to the men in your life. Evelyn is lucky to have a brother that supports her and the two of them have a great relationship (he also enlists to fight) but her relationship with her father is damaged and broken by his inability to understand her. And even worse, he doesn’t want to understand her or even believe that he should try. I don’t read a lot of books that center around WWI but whenever I do, I always enjoy them so much. This is brutal in terms of showcasing nursing in a place that’s removed from fighting but inundated with serious casualties in a foreign and often challenging location. The pace is relentless but Evelyn thrives -it does amazing things for her confidence and self-belief. I loved her bond with William, how they could talk about anything and the support they each found. I understood Evelyn’s decision not to marry – it made sense for her at the time, given what she wanted out of her life. And I also understood William’s need not to be a burden in the future for someone but at the same time, these are both obstacles that can be overcome, for the right relationship!
This is the second Pamela Hart book I’ve read now (and the characters from the first one that I read, appear very briefly in this book) and there’s also a character in this that has her own book – so that’s now top of my wishlist! This was such a riveting read, I became really invested in Evelyn and her journey towards becoming a doctor – I kept hoping that she wouldn’t let go of her dream and would find a way to make it work, even without her father’s financial and emotional support. The struggle for equality really resonated with me too, made me think about how far things have come in the time since WWI (and how far there is still to go, in many ways). The characters in Hart’s stories are women doing their best to live their dreams, to break through constraints of society and become valuable contributors in the ways that they want to be.
Absolutely fabulous and highly recommended! Especially for anyone who has an interest in WWI, women’s history and feminism as well as a little romance.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
Evelyn Northey is intelligent and driven and desperate to become a doctor. She has the means to do so, having an inheritance from her mother but the terms of her mother’s will mean that Evelyn does not come into her money until she either marries (and then it goes to her husband) or she reaches her majority. Until then it is controlled by her father and he is adamant that medicine is no place for a woman. They can make competent nurses and assistants when trained correctly but they are far too emotional to make the sort of decisions that medicine requires and he completely refuses permission for Evelyn to become a doctor and also to even get any formal nursing qualifications. She can assist him in his practice and that’s it. Unbeknownst to him, Evelyn is assisted by a doctor at the local hospital to get the qualifications she needs. Upon learning that her majority is 30 and not 21 as she first thought, Evelyn cannot face more years ahead working with her domineering father and so when war breaks out, she enlists in the army as a nurse.
World War 1 in terms of history, is not that long ago. Yes it’s 100 years and progress in many areas has been incredibly rapid since then – and this book showcases that one of those areas is women’s rights. Evelyn, as an unmarried woman, is forced to suffer under the authority of her father. He is against her fulfilling her dream to study medicine and become a doctor and no amount of attempting to reason has any impact on him. Evelyn makes up her mind quite early that she wishes to never marry – that will just give another man authority over her and he’ll also be given control of her inheritance from her mother. Having been completely ignored in her wishes, Evelyn has no desire to ever subject herself to that for a second time. Enlisting in the army as a nurse and being sent to Cairo to tend the wounded from places like Gallipoli gives her the first sort of freedom, even though she’s under army regulations. It’s a mix of foreign adventure but also terrible tragedy as they see young man after young man through terrible injuries and worse.
When she enlists, Evelyn meets Dr William Brent. Despite the obvious and immediate attraction between them that continues as they work together in Cairo, both firmly believe there’s no future in marriage for either of them. William is a polio survivor who walks with a limp and has an injured hip. He knows that quite often, polio survivors go downhill with age and he doesn’t want to subject himself onto a wife who may end up with a severely disabled husband. William is kind and supportive of Evelyn in all ways – he offers to help her with her Latin in order to her to fulfil her dream of studying medicine on her own and he seems exactly the sort of man who would not exert authority over his wife in the way that Evelyn’s father did over the women in his life. Evelyn and William are both so tempted but their insecurities, determination and fears hold them back. Evelyn can’t be sure that William wouldn’t change after marriage, want her to have babies and stay home, give up her medicine dream and William doesn’t want to take the risk of giving Evelyn someone to care for in a nurse/patient role rather than being husband/wife.
I absolutely loved this book, it was such a multi-layered read. On one hand, it’s showcasing the fight for equality and women’s rights and the struggle of being in a time where you’re beholden to the men in your life. Evelyn is lucky to have a brother that supports her and the two of them have a great relationship (he also enlists to fight) but her relationship with her father is damaged and broken by his inability to understand her. And even worse, he doesn’t want to understand her or even believe that he should try. I don’t read a lot of books that center around WWI but whenever I do, I always enjoy them so much. This is brutal in terms of showcasing nursing in a place that’s removed from fighting but inundated with serious casualties in a foreign and often challenging location. The pace is relentless but Evelyn thrives -it does amazing things for her confidence and self-belief. I loved her bond with William, how they could talk about anything and the support they each found. I understood Evelyn’s decision not to marry – it made sense for her at the time, given what she wanted out of her life. And I also understood William’s need not to be a burden in the future for someone but at the same time, these are both obstacles that can be overcome, for the right relationship!
This is the second Pamela Hart book I’ve read now (and the characters from the first one that I read, appear very briefly in this book) and there’s also a character in this that has her own book – so that’s now top of my wishlist! This was such a riveting read, I became really invested in Evelyn and her journey towards becoming a doctor – I kept hoping that she wouldn’t let go of her dream and would find a way to make it work, even without her father’s financial and emotional support. The struggle for equality really resonated with me too, made me think about how far things have come in the time since WWI (and how far there is still to go, in many ways). The characters in Hart’s stories are women doing their best to live their dreams, to break through constraints of society and become valuable contributors in the ways that they want to be.
Absolutely fabulous and highly recommended! Especially for anyone who has an interest in WWI, women’s history and feminism as well as a little romance.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
December 29, 2021
I don't actually know what feelings i have towards this book, had to skip a few pages. It gives a detailed description of the war through the eyes of medical professionals, but without the unnecessary medical jargon. I loved how even after man-made medicine was administered to injured and dying soldiers, human qualities shown by nurses and doctors still proved to be an added healing to them. To paraphrase Tina Turner " (thats) what love's got to do, got to do with it "
Quote time( bit cheesy today I'm afraid🤢): " She was angry because her idea of him was wrong, he'd always been so kind to her that she built up this image of his as a paragon, and it hurt when he showed his feet of clay "
Quote time( bit cheesy today I'm afraid🤢): " She was angry because her idea of him was wrong, he'd always been so kind to her that she built up this image of his as a paragon, and it hurt when he showed his feet of clay "
August 8, 2018
Entertaining audiobook with interesting history. Thought it was really interesting that the author chose to focus on this theatre of war rather than on the European story which is more usual.
Now I need to read The War Bride!
Now I need to read The War Bride!
July 24, 2018
Every time I hear that Pamela Hart has a new book coming out, it instantly gets added to my MUST BUY list and I wait anxiously for the day I can get my hands on it; her latest release The Desert Nurse does not disappoint.
With each new book Hart brings out, I always wonder if she can top the book before it, as each book strives a little further, hits a little deeper and educates and re-minds it reader of a time we should never forget. It enlightens us about what it means to endure hardships, and the true strength of human spirit as we look closely at what those brave men and women gave up for us to live the lives we so comfortably live now. What's more, they always leave me inspired, in awe - of both Hart's expert story telling and the characters and their plight themselves - and a little bit baffled that I haven't heard of some of these events before. Inevitable each book leads me to further seek out more about the time period, the people and the battles.
As a reader with quite varied tastes, and a self proclaimed history nut/lover, The Desert Nurse hit all the right beats for me. Not only has Hart delivered a superb and beautifully written and emotionally poignant story about the war effort from the perspective of EVERY ONE involved, but she contrasts the harsh conditions of the army/base hospitals and the war front to those often forgotten about battles fought back at home in Australia by those left behind. There are notes of romance, and romantic suspense elements, a journey of self discovery and acceptance, cameos made by some much loved characters, not to mention the fast paced page turning of a thoroughly gripping and absorbing novel. I simply could not put it down.
It's no secret that during the war, women were expected to step up and take on varied roles to compensate for the men fighting over seas, what often isn't common knowledge however is the sheer lack of rights some of these women faced, and the limiting expectations society placed upon them both during the war effort and well after it.
Hart embodies this battle through the characterisation of Evelyn Northey, a trained Nurse who dreams of becoming a doctor but is shot down at every turn thanks to the time's patriarchal societal structure and values. Evelyn refuses to submit as those around expect her to - to both the roles forced upon her and to romantic inclinations, making her character's strength shine so true and bright throughout the entire story. While all of Hart's story feature strong, unique female leads, Evelyn's character reeled me in just a little bit quicker, and threw some powerful emotional and moral bombs my way throughout the story's arc.
The Desert Nurse is a story for any young girl whose dreamed of becoming something that others believed out of reach, it's a love letter to the brave nurses and doctors who stood along side and in the shadow of the soldiers as they fought the gruelling battle of saving the wounded and dying. It's a book about heart, of learning who you are and your place in the world no matter the personal cost to yourself and those around you. It's about learning to stand up for yourself, and more importantly, what is right.
It's the kind of book you find yourself racing through eagerly awaiting the next twist and turn of the narrative, only to find yourself hitting the end unprecedented quickly despite the books impressive 410 page strong story. I highly recommend this book to everyone; it is perhaps my favourite Hart book to date, and It's a strong contender for my favourite book of the year right now.
With each new book Hart brings out, I always wonder if she can top the book before it, as each book strives a little further, hits a little deeper and educates and re-minds it reader of a time we should never forget. It enlightens us about what it means to endure hardships, and the true strength of human spirit as we look closely at what those brave men and women gave up for us to live the lives we so comfortably live now. What's more, they always leave me inspired, in awe - of both Hart's expert story telling and the characters and their plight themselves - and a little bit baffled that I haven't heard of some of these events before. Inevitable each book leads me to further seek out more about the time period, the people and the battles.
As a reader with quite varied tastes, and a self proclaimed history nut/lover, The Desert Nurse hit all the right beats for me. Not only has Hart delivered a superb and beautifully written and emotionally poignant story about the war effort from the perspective of EVERY ONE involved, but she contrasts the harsh conditions of the army/base hospitals and the war front to those often forgotten about battles fought back at home in Australia by those left behind. There are notes of romance, and romantic suspense elements, a journey of self discovery and acceptance, cameos made by some much loved characters, not to mention the fast paced page turning of a thoroughly gripping and absorbing novel. I simply could not put it down.
It's no secret that during the war, women were expected to step up and take on varied roles to compensate for the men fighting over seas, what often isn't common knowledge however is the sheer lack of rights some of these women faced, and the limiting expectations society placed upon them both during the war effort and well after it.
Hart embodies this battle through the characterisation of Evelyn Northey, a trained Nurse who dreams of becoming a doctor but is shot down at every turn thanks to the time's patriarchal societal structure and values. Evelyn refuses to submit as those around expect her to - to both the roles forced upon her and to romantic inclinations, making her character's strength shine so true and bright throughout the entire story. While all of Hart's story feature strong, unique female leads, Evelyn's character reeled me in just a little bit quicker, and threw some powerful emotional and moral bombs my way throughout the story's arc.
The Desert Nurse is a story for any young girl whose dreamed of becoming something that others believed out of reach, it's a love letter to the brave nurses and doctors who stood along side and in the shadow of the soldiers as they fought the gruelling battle of saving the wounded and dying. It's a book about heart, of learning who you are and your place in the world no matter the personal cost to yourself and those around you. It's about learning to stand up for yourself, and more importantly, what is right.
It's the kind of book you find yourself racing through eagerly awaiting the next twist and turn of the narrative, only to find yourself hitting the end unprecedented quickly despite the books impressive 410 page strong story. I highly recommend this book to everyone; it is perhaps my favourite Hart book to date, and It's a strong contender for my favourite book of the year right now.
September 16, 2018
Absolutely loved it. I couldn't stop reading it, was there every minute I had. So well researched and such a tribute to a courageous set of women who were medical people in the desert in WW1. I couldn't have done it. Loved the characters, the plot, and the way it just sung along.
Oh my, the cover. Beautiful and totally suits the book. Well done Pamela Hart.
Oh my, the cover. Beautiful and totally suits the book. Well done Pamela Hart.
June 21, 2019
This was a lovely story, executed perfectly and with characters to adore. The setting of WW1 Egypt was meticulously researched. Loved it.
July 31, 2018
THE DESERT NURSE is an epic tale set in wartime Egypt. Readers of Hart’s previous three wartime historical novels will really enjoy the links between the books. (The Soldier’s Wife, The War Bride, A Letter From Italy) Don’t feel you have to read those first, though. This book will stand on its own. It spans the entire campaign and is ambitious and breathtaking in scope.
This is the story of Evelyn Northey, a young woman who desperately wants to become a doctor in a time when women become nurses. Evelyn’s father is fundamentally against her plan to become a doctor and witholds her inheritance to prevent her attending University, even though she is 21. He will not release her inheritance until she is 30 or married.
When World War 1 breaks out Evelyn enlists, desperate to be free from the suffocating home environment created by her father. She isn’t so naïve to think it will be easy, having training and experience as a nurse, but sees it rather as a way she can be independent, gain more experience and do some good while waiting for her inheritance.
Evelyn is soon bound for Egypt where she meets Dr. William Brent, the doctor who did her enlistment medical, but could not enlist in the army himself because of his polio injuries. It is here she also meets Dr. Agnes Bennet, the first female captain in the British Army and is inspired by the strong and capable woman.
As the book travels through the war years the romance that develops between William and Evelyn faces triumphs and challenges. Both of them are fiercely independent and have strong core beliefs about themselves and what is acceptable. Their relationship is beautifully handled.
Egypt is such an exotic location, full of mysteries and sorrow, capable of such splendour and also a scene of heartache and human tragedy. The plight of the nurses, who were so resilient and determined despite the times in which they lived, is a story that is wonderfully told.
So often when reading, I’m reminded of how easy it is to forget history that is not the distant past. To take for granted the hard wins that women, like Evelyn and Dr. Bennet, have fought for over time. I love that Hart writes about women who are slightly out of step with their time, but manage to still reach for their dreams and find their way on their own, supported but not controlled by wonderful male characters.
THE DESERT NURSE is a poignant reminder of battles seen, and unseen.
Melissa
LOVEthatBOOK
www.melissa-sargent.com
This is the story of Evelyn Northey, a young woman who desperately wants to become a doctor in a time when women become nurses. Evelyn’s father is fundamentally against her plan to become a doctor and witholds her inheritance to prevent her attending University, even though she is 21. He will not release her inheritance until she is 30 or married.
When World War 1 breaks out Evelyn enlists, desperate to be free from the suffocating home environment created by her father. She isn’t so naïve to think it will be easy, having training and experience as a nurse, but sees it rather as a way she can be independent, gain more experience and do some good while waiting for her inheritance.
Evelyn is soon bound for Egypt where she meets Dr. William Brent, the doctor who did her enlistment medical, but could not enlist in the army himself because of his polio injuries. It is here she also meets Dr. Agnes Bennet, the first female captain in the British Army and is inspired by the strong and capable woman.
As the book travels through the war years the romance that develops between William and Evelyn faces triumphs and challenges. Both of them are fiercely independent and have strong core beliefs about themselves and what is acceptable. Their relationship is beautifully handled.
Egypt is such an exotic location, full of mysteries and sorrow, capable of such splendour and also a scene of heartache and human tragedy. The plight of the nurses, who were so resilient and determined despite the times in which they lived, is a story that is wonderfully told.
So often when reading, I’m reminded of how easy it is to forget history that is not the distant past. To take for granted the hard wins that women, like Evelyn and Dr. Bennet, have fought for over time. I love that Hart writes about women who are slightly out of step with their time, but manage to still reach for their dreams and find their way on their own, supported but not controlled by wonderful male characters.
THE DESERT NURSE is a poignant reminder of battles seen, and unseen.
Melissa
LOVEthatBOOK
www.melissa-sargent.com
May 10, 2022
14/6/2019: Between a 4 and 4.5
An interesting read! It considers the nurses' and doctors' perspective during the first world war for both the war itself and love. The relationship between Evelyn and Will was really lovely and sweet (Except for when they fought). I like how we get insight into what the two are thinking about when thinking of each other, but I thought it was a shame that they made assumptions about each other, which caused them to fight.
After the beginning of the book it was a bit slow, but it started to flow afterwards. There were some words that were terms used by nurses that you had to search up when it came to tending to the injured soldiers but it was definitely interesting to learn a few terms.
10/5/2022: 3.5
An interesting read! It considers the nurses' and doctors' perspective during the first world war for both the war itself and love. The relationship between Evelyn and Will was really lovely and sweet (Except for when they fought). I like how we get insight into what the two are thinking about when thinking of each other, but I thought it was a shame that they made assumptions about each other, which caused them to fight.
After the beginning of the book it was a bit slow, but it started to flow afterwards. There were some words that were terms used by nurses that you had to search up when it came to tending to the injured soldiers but it was definitely interesting to learn a few terms.
10/5/2022: 3.5
July 29, 2018
I love The Desert Nurse! I was up until 4.30 in the morning reading this book because it was impossible to put down. The love story between Evelyn and William is a beautiful contrast to the horrors of war which Pamela has written honestly and sympathetically. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a tender romance that pulls at the heart.
October 27, 2022
3.5 stars
While I enjoyed the descriptions and storylines of the actual nursing, the story of the main characters and their romance was just too repetitive.
It is set during World War I. Evelyn is an Australian nurse who has volunteered to serve and been posted to Egypt. Worth reading for the information about nursing in this arena, but I didn't really care much for the main characters. Maybe I should just read the non-fiction book the author lists as her main reference, More Than Bombs and Bandages by Kirsty Harris.
While I enjoyed the descriptions and storylines of the actual nursing, the story of the main characters and their romance was just too repetitive.
It is set during World War I. Evelyn is an Australian nurse who has volunteered to serve and been posted to Egypt. Worth reading for the information about nursing in this arena, but I didn't really care much for the main characters. Maybe I should just read the non-fiction book the author lists as her main reference, More Than Bombs and Bandages by Kirsty Harris.
July 15, 2018
Pamela Hart’s novels are a fail-safe read for me. I simply know that they will be interesting with strong female characters and a happy ending. Naturally, The Desert Nurse was a great read for me.
The central character in The Desert Nurse is Evelyn Northey. Evelyn is desperate to become a doctor, but her father (also a doctor) is vehemently against it. Her role is to get married and have children – oh, and work for him as an unpaid nurse. Evelyn has money in a trust which would fund her studies, but her father refuses to release it. So Evelyn becomes a nurse while waiting to turn thirty to access her money. When World War I begins, she sees it as a way to escape her father, learn and earn money. Evelyn is shipped off to Egypt where she will learn a lot more than she expected. She also comes into contact with Dr William Brent, who did her army physical. He is a polio survivor, who wasn’t accepted into the army due to the residual effects on his leg. But William is made of sterner stuff, and takes off the Egypt where (as he correctly surmised) they need doctors, no matter where they came from. William and Evelyn make a good team, but neither wanted to fall in love. Evelyn has her future career to think about, while William is convinced that he’s a bad bet, unworthy of love. Can they overcome their fears?
I really enjoy the period that Pamela writes in (around the time of World War I) because I learn things too. This time I found out about Heliopolis Palace, a grand hotel turned into a hospital in Egypt for the Australian Army. (Google it – it’s 100% true). The scenes where the wounded keep rolling in and even the next door amusement park becomes a hospital (complete with operating theatre) are richly detailed. It’s not gory, but matter of fact as the staff do their best with what they have. As Evelyn and William move through different areas and types of hospitals/casualty clearing stations, I got a taste of what life was like on the front line where there wasn’t time to do things delicately or even complete a procedure. It’s an example of war being one dirty great machine that worked well when it came to casualties. You might think stories of wounds and operations would get a bit boring after some time, but it doesn’t. The plot has been carefully planned, entwining the processes of war with the developing relationship between William and Evelyn. Evelyn’s friendship with fellow nurse Hannah is also a key part to the story and a link to A Letter From Italy, through Rebecca’s brother Linus. The finale was also great where Evelyn challenges her inheritance. In the midst of war, I’d forgotten all about it! Evelyn’s fight is a reminder of how far women’s rights have come in just over a century. Can you imagine a woman not being able to access what it rightfully hers today? It simply wouldn’t be allowed to happen.
Overall, The Desert Nurse has it all – memorable characters, exotic settings, gripping plot and a modern love story. It’s both uplifting and a sober reminder of the horrors of war.
Thank you to Hachette for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The central character in The Desert Nurse is Evelyn Northey. Evelyn is desperate to become a doctor, but her father (also a doctor) is vehemently against it. Her role is to get married and have children – oh, and work for him as an unpaid nurse. Evelyn has money in a trust which would fund her studies, but her father refuses to release it. So Evelyn becomes a nurse while waiting to turn thirty to access her money. When World War I begins, she sees it as a way to escape her father, learn and earn money. Evelyn is shipped off to Egypt where she will learn a lot more than she expected. She also comes into contact with Dr William Brent, who did her army physical. He is a polio survivor, who wasn’t accepted into the army due to the residual effects on his leg. But William is made of sterner stuff, and takes off the Egypt where (as he correctly surmised) they need doctors, no matter where they came from. William and Evelyn make a good team, but neither wanted to fall in love. Evelyn has her future career to think about, while William is convinced that he’s a bad bet, unworthy of love. Can they overcome their fears?
I really enjoy the period that Pamela writes in (around the time of World War I) because I learn things too. This time I found out about Heliopolis Palace, a grand hotel turned into a hospital in Egypt for the Australian Army. (Google it – it’s 100% true). The scenes where the wounded keep rolling in and even the next door amusement park becomes a hospital (complete with operating theatre) are richly detailed. It’s not gory, but matter of fact as the staff do their best with what they have. As Evelyn and William move through different areas and types of hospitals/casualty clearing stations, I got a taste of what life was like on the front line where there wasn’t time to do things delicately or even complete a procedure. It’s an example of war being one dirty great machine that worked well when it came to casualties. You might think stories of wounds and operations would get a bit boring after some time, but it doesn’t. The plot has been carefully planned, entwining the processes of war with the developing relationship between William and Evelyn. Evelyn’s friendship with fellow nurse Hannah is also a key part to the story and a link to A Letter From Italy, through Rebecca’s brother Linus. The finale was also great where Evelyn challenges her inheritance. In the midst of war, I’d forgotten all about it! Evelyn’s fight is a reminder of how far women’s rights have come in just over a century. Can you imagine a woman not being able to access what it rightfully hers today? It simply wouldn’t be allowed to happen.
Overall, The Desert Nurse has it all – memorable characters, exotic settings, gripping plot and a modern love story. It’s both uplifting and a sober reminder of the horrors of war.
Thank you to Hachette for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
July 22, 2018
An exquisite, evocative, and powerful read!
Reading The Desert Nurse was like learning about the horrors of WWI all over again. I cried tears of pain, exhaustion, and frustration, and yet more tears of hurt and anger.
But I was also overwhelmed with pride, respect, and love.
I’ve heard what it’s like for the men as they wait for battle to engage, of time spent trying not to think of the coming violence, or the inevitable suffering as they or their friends face pain, maiming, and death.
But this story, so long overdue, tells what it was like for the women - not the women at home, but the nurses right behind the front line as they try not to think of the intense surgery to come, for the overwhelming numbers of dead and dying, for the men they know they can do little or nothing for, and for the hope they can save more than they lose when the fighting starts.
From the opening scene, filled with a concise and unadulterated reality of the sexism women faced then (and many still face now), Hart demonstrates her excellent power over words. She sweeps you from Victoria Barracks in Sydney to Heliopolis Palace in Cairo with a single line of text, saving everything for the front line where she immerses you in Evelyn’s war: one-hundred-plus non-stop pages of it.
As usual, Hart’s men are deep, complex, yet retain their own strength and masculinity. The lives of soldiers are full of small unrecognized acts of bravery, and sometimes the greatest of these aren't celebrated publicly. Linus's rescue attempt is one such example and honours so many men and women.
And I still can’t read the eleventh of the eleventh ending without tears springing to my eyes like I’m really there.
An outstandingly gorgeous story that fills a giant hole in our history; schools would do well to include it on their curricula.
Reading The Desert Nurse was like learning about the horrors of WWI all over again. I cried tears of pain, exhaustion, and frustration, and yet more tears of hurt and anger.
But I was also overwhelmed with pride, respect, and love.
I’ve heard what it’s like for the men as they wait for battle to engage, of time spent trying not to think of the coming violence, or the inevitable suffering as they or their friends face pain, maiming, and death.
But this story, so long overdue, tells what it was like for the women - not the women at home, but the nurses right behind the front line as they try not to think of the intense surgery to come, for the overwhelming numbers of dead and dying, for the men they know they can do little or nothing for, and for the hope they can save more than they lose when the fighting starts.
From the opening scene, filled with a concise and unadulterated reality of the sexism women faced then (and many still face now), Hart demonstrates her excellent power over words. She sweeps you from Victoria Barracks in Sydney to Heliopolis Palace in Cairo with a single line of text, saving everything for the front line where she immerses you in Evelyn’s war: one-hundred-plus non-stop pages of it.
And still they came, stretcher after stretcher, shrapnel wounds and gunshot wounds and bayonet wounds, broken ankles which had to be set and pinned, and, worst of all, amputations.Try not to feel Evelyn’s exhaustion with her, her elation, her suffering; her brave face and her putting aside of emotion to deal with literal life and death. Try not to experience an assault on your senses.
As usual, Hart’s men are deep, complex, yet retain their own strength and masculinity. The lives of soldiers are full of small unrecognized acts of bravery, and sometimes the greatest of these aren't celebrated publicly. Linus's rescue attempt is one such example and honours so many men and women.
And I still can’t read the eleventh of the eleventh ending without tears springing to my eyes like I’m really there.
An outstandingly gorgeous story that fills a giant hole in our history; schools would do well to include it on their curricula.
December 29, 2022
A fabulous read with a great setting.
July 28, 2018
http://jessjustreads.com
The Desert Nurse by Pamela Hart is a grand love story set during World War I. From 1911 - 1918, we follow headstrong nurse Evelyn Northey as she advances in her medical career and helps treat injured soldiers.
The strength lies in the very believable, detailed information on being a nurse during World War I. It’s very clear how much research went into this book to make sure that the plot was authentic and realistic.
You can really feel the exhaustion and anxiety and tension in those operating wards — the pain and fear that those soldiers felt. You come to understand the pressure placed on doctors and nurses, and the emotional toll on them when they witness injuries, death and amputations.
“Dying men, and men in unendurable pain, call for their mother. Night after night, the calls of ‘Mum…Mam…Mummy…Mama…’ All you could do was hold their hand and whisper gently to them.”
Pamela’s writing is evocative and emotional, allowing the reader to really understand the characters and sympathise for them.
Evelyn is defiant but also trustworthy. She’s compassionate and caring, but she stands up to her controlling father and follows her head and her heart. She knows what she wants, and she knows what’s important to her.
Her father is a very manipulative man, refusing to give her access to her inheritance until she’s thirty. He doesn’t want her to study; he just wants her to work with him. But Evelyn has bigger ideas.
She’s living in a very sexist time in history — it’s a man’s world. But Evelyn is not willing to accept what men tell her to do. She’s career-driven and she doesn’t apologise for that.
“Over the past two weeks the wards had begun emptying, as the casualties stopped coming in and men recovered or were transferred to the rehabilitation facility in Alexandria. The post-surgical ward was only just full, not overflowing, and there was ample space to walk between the beds.”
World War I does not just bring Evelyn injured soldiers, but also fellow nurses who become her friends. They work together over the four years, their paths crossing in many different locations and wards. They share their hopes and their fears, and they form very strong bonds.
Evelyn may not have a strong relationship with her family, but it’s really fantastic to read about her friendship with the other nurses.
“The hospital staff went to the Pyramids properly as a Sunday treat, all the nurses who were off duty. Evelyn rode on a camel (so uncomfortable!) and touched the Sphinx, astonished at its baleful beauty.”
The plot is a little slow and long-winded and perhaps should’ve been edited down. Between Evelyn and William’s many transfers and location changes, I did feel exhausted by the end.
I’d recommend this to historical fiction readers, and romance fans. Anyone with an interest in stories during World War I will love this novel.
Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Desert Nurse by Pamela Hart is a grand love story set during World War I. From 1911 - 1918, we follow headstrong nurse Evelyn Northey as she advances in her medical career and helps treat injured soldiers.
The strength lies in the very believable, detailed information on being a nurse during World War I. It’s very clear how much research went into this book to make sure that the plot was authentic and realistic.
You can really feel the exhaustion and anxiety and tension in those operating wards — the pain and fear that those soldiers felt. You come to understand the pressure placed on doctors and nurses, and the emotional toll on them when they witness injuries, death and amputations.
“Dying men, and men in unendurable pain, call for their mother. Night after night, the calls of ‘Mum…Mam…Mummy…Mama…’ All you could do was hold their hand and whisper gently to them.”
Pamela’s writing is evocative and emotional, allowing the reader to really understand the characters and sympathise for them.
Evelyn is defiant but also trustworthy. She’s compassionate and caring, but she stands up to her controlling father and follows her head and her heart. She knows what she wants, and she knows what’s important to her.
Her father is a very manipulative man, refusing to give her access to her inheritance until she’s thirty. He doesn’t want her to study; he just wants her to work with him. But Evelyn has bigger ideas.
She’s living in a very sexist time in history — it’s a man’s world. But Evelyn is not willing to accept what men tell her to do. She’s career-driven and she doesn’t apologise for that.
“Over the past two weeks the wards had begun emptying, as the casualties stopped coming in and men recovered or were transferred to the rehabilitation facility in Alexandria. The post-surgical ward was only just full, not overflowing, and there was ample space to walk between the beds.”
World War I does not just bring Evelyn injured soldiers, but also fellow nurses who become her friends. They work together over the four years, their paths crossing in many different locations and wards. They share their hopes and their fears, and they form very strong bonds.
Evelyn may not have a strong relationship with her family, but it’s really fantastic to read about her friendship with the other nurses.
“The hospital staff went to the Pyramids properly as a Sunday treat, all the nurses who were off duty. Evelyn rode on a camel (so uncomfortable!) and touched the Sphinx, astonished at its baleful beauty.”
The plot is a little slow and long-winded and perhaps should’ve been edited down. Between Evelyn and William’s many transfers and location changes, I did feel exhausted by the end.
I’d recommend this to historical fiction readers, and romance fans. Anyone with an interest in stories during World War I will love this novel.
Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2019
Wow! To pull off a romance in a war zone (set WWI in Egypt and Beersheba) takes some serious consideration. The heroine wants to be a doctor, her father refuses, so she becomes a nurse and goes to war. She meets a doctor (who couldn't serve thanks to a polio injury), and they slowly fall in love as they work together in terrible conditions. I really appreciated how the characters in this book were diverse and reflected the actual people who served as nurses and doctors during WWI - so many war books whitewash the characters, and this book didn't. It also has themes of the civilians who try to live their lives while war surrounds them. An utterly enthralling read.
I have one niggling issue with this book and I hate the way it took away all the previous enjoyment of the read.
At the very end, WWI ends and the bells ring in Australia at 11am on the 11th of November 1918 and the war is declared over. This can't have happened. With the time zone, 11am in France on 11/11/18 would have been almost the 12th in Australia (it's currently 8am on Tuesday in Australia and 10pm on Monday in France) - and what about the time for news to travel - I mean, people fighting on the front didn't know the armistice had been signed until, sometimes, several days later.
Editors should have picked that up.
I have one niggling issue with this book and I hate the way it took away all the previous enjoyment of the read.
At the very end, WWI ends and the bells ring in Australia at 11am on the 11th of November 1918 and the war is declared over. This can't have happened. With the time zone, 11am in France on 11/11/18 would have been almost the 12th in Australia (it's currently 8am on Tuesday in Australia and 10pm on Monday in France) - and what about the time for news to travel - I mean, people fighting on the front didn't know the armistice had been signed until, sometimes, several days later.
Editors should have picked that up.
December 31, 2020
This is the third Pamela Hart novel I've read, and it's made me want to read more. This novel, while still a historical romance set in WWI, varied enough from the first two I read (The Soldier's Wife and A Letter from Italy) to keep it from feeling formulaic. The amount of research that must've gone into these novels is mind boggling; the author really puts the reader in the setting and into the minds and hearts of the protagonists.
There are references to The Soldier's Wife and A Letter from Italy, but I don't think you'd have to read them first to follow the connections. The backstory is explained in just enough detail to fill in a new reader without seeming redundant to a loyal reader.
That's what I am now. A loyal Pamela Hart reader.
There are references to The Soldier's Wife and A Letter from Italy, but I don't think you'd have to read them first to follow the connections. The backstory is explained in just enough detail to fill in a new reader without seeming redundant to a loyal reader.
That's what I am now. A loyal Pamela Hart reader.
August 1, 2019
This is the first of Pamela Hart’s 34 novels that I have read. I loved being transported to the war years of 1911 through 1918 from Australia to the Middle East. She did a brilliant job of character development using the pressures of the historical period and the constraints on women. Her historical detail was fascinating and never overwhelmed the story she was telling. I’ll read more of her novels with pleasure.
February 8, 2020
This book was everything I have been hoping for out of a book. It my first 5 star read of 2020.
It has so many themes and opens up conversation for so many things. Unexpected romance, war, historical fiction, drama, sexism, racism, control, sacrifice and so much more.
The writing style was phenomenal and I couldn’t put it down! I just love love love Hearts work and she is quickly jumping up to one of my favourite authors.
It has so many themes and opens up conversation for so many things. Unexpected romance, war, historical fiction, drama, sexism, racism, control, sacrifice and so much more.
The writing style was phenomenal and I couldn’t put it down! I just love love love Hearts work and she is quickly jumping up to one of my favourite authors.
January 6, 2019
Listened to this as an audio book and adored it. Wonderful characters and an engaging plot, thoroughly satisfying historical fiction about a woman who raises above the expectation for women in the 1900s by wanting to be a doctor when she was expected to be a nurse. Delightful and recommended.
May 24, 2020
Das Buch beginnt mit dem 29. Oktober 1911. Der 19-jährige Harry spielt seiner älteren Schwester Evelyn ein übermütiges Ständchen zum 21. Geburtstag. Sie sieht es als den Tag ihrer Befreiung, da sie nun endlich die Volljährigkeit erreicht hat. Nach dem Tod ihrer Mutter mit 14 hatte der Vater entschieden, dass sie nicht zurück zur Schule durfte, sondern den Haushalt zu führen hatte. Doch da es damit nicht genug Beschäftigung für sie gab und er sie vom eigenständigen weiteren Lernen abhalten wollte, musste sie ihm von da an in seiner Arztpraxis zur Hand gehen. Allerdings bestärkte sie das nur in ihrem Ziel selbst Ärztin zu werden. So hatte sie angenommen mit 18 das Studium beginnen zu können, doch er lehnte es absolut ab, da er eine Frau als Arzt für ein Unding hält. Doch jetzt kann sie endlich das Erbe ihrer Mutter antreten, dass er treuhänderisch verwaltet und die Eingangsprüfung ablegen. Aber nun eröffnet er ihr plötzlich, dass er ihr das Erbe erst zu ihrer Hochzeit oder wenn sie 30 wird überlassen will. Was soll sie nun in diesen 9 Jahren tun? Sie will auf keinen Fall bleiben und weiter als billige Arbeitskraft für ihren Vater dienen. Sie beschließt heimlich hinter seinen Rücken wenigstens den Abschluss einer Krankenschwester zu machen, der ihren Befähigungen entspricht.
Die Autorin hat 2 sympathische, glaubhafte Hauptfiguren erschaffen, die für ihren Einsatz und ihr Streben bewundernswert sind. Sie wollen ein nützliches Leben führen, anderen Menschen helfen. Evelyn strebt nach Selbstbestimmung und William nach Anerkennung und Gleichbehandlung. Die Geschichte zeigt, wie lang und schwierig für manche Menschen der Weg zur Erfüllung ihrer Träume und zur großen Liebe sein kann. Der Roman spielt zu einer interessanten historischen Phase im Ägypten des 1. Weltkriegs. Es ist ein anderer als die gewohnten Schauplätze. Die Greul des Krieges und der unermüdliche teils hoffnungslose Kampf der Ärzte und Pfleger wird eindringlich und drastisch dargestellt. Das Buch weist auch eine beeindruckende weibliche Ärztin als Nebenfigur auf, die Evelyn zum Vorbild wird. Aber damals schienen Liebe und Ehe unvereinbar mit dem Beruf der Ärztin.
Evelyns Zukunft bekommt zur Mitte des Buches einen schweren Dämpfer, es besteht kaum noch Anlass zur Hoffnung.
Streckenweise ist es eine herzzerreißende Erzählung, aber dann auch wieder herzerfüllend. Eine Achterbahn der Gefühle. Am Ende kommt es zu einem großen Angebot und dann führt ein Vertrauensbeweis endlich zum Durchbruch.
Eine Geschichte, die man nicht so leicht wieder vergisst.
Die Autorin hat 2 sympathische, glaubhafte Hauptfiguren erschaffen, die für ihren Einsatz und ihr Streben bewundernswert sind. Sie wollen ein nützliches Leben führen, anderen Menschen helfen. Evelyn strebt nach Selbstbestimmung und William nach Anerkennung und Gleichbehandlung. Die Geschichte zeigt, wie lang und schwierig für manche Menschen der Weg zur Erfüllung ihrer Träume und zur großen Liebe sein kann. Der Roman spielt zu einer interessanten historischen Phase im Ägypten des 1. Weltkriegs. Es ist ein anderer als die gewohnten Schauplätze. Die Greul des Krieges und der unermüdliche teils hoffnungslose Kampf der Ärzte und Pfleger wird eindringlich und drastisch dargestellt. Das Buch weist auch eine beeindruckende weibliche Ärztin als Nebenfigur auf, die Evelyn zum Vorbild wird. Aber damals schienen Liebe und Ehe unvereinbar mit dem Beruf der Ärztin.
Evelyns Zukunft bekommt zur Mitte des Buches einen schweren Dämpfer, es besteht kaum noch Anlass zur Hoffnung.
Streckenweise ist es eine herzzerreißende Erzählung, aber dann auch wieder herzerfüllend. Eine Achterbahn der Gefühle. Am Ende kommt es zu einem großen Angebot und dann führt ein Vertrauensbeweis endlich zum Durchbruch.
Eine Geschichte, die man nicht so leicht wieder vergisst.
June 30, 2020
Amid the Australian Army hospitals of World War I Egypt, two deeply determined individuals find the resilience of their love tested to its limits. It's 1911, and 21-year-old Evelyn Northey desperately wants to become a doctor. Her father forbids it, withholding the inheritance that would allow her to attend university. At the outbreak of World War I, Evelyn disobeys her father, enlisting as an army nurse bound for Egypt and the disastrous Gallipoli campaign.Under the blazing desert sun, Evelyn develops feelings for polio survivor Dr William Brent, who believes his disability makes him unfit to marry. For Evelyn, still pursuing her goal of studying medicine, a man has no place in her future. For two such self-reliant people, relying on someone else for happiness may be the hardest challenge of all. From the casualty tents, fever wards and operating theatres; through the streets of Cairo during Ramadan; to the parched desert and the grim realities of war, this is a story about the four years that changed the world forever. The Heliopolis Palace Hotel in Cairo, Egypt, during WW1 was converted into the 1st Australian General Hospital, operated by the Australian Army Medical Corps. It was reorgainsed to provide accommodation for soldiers. Within a very short time the hospital expanded into additional premises, including the aerodrome, and Luna Park.Rooms were needed because Egypt was receiving the wounded from ongoing campaign in the Dardanelles, including the Gallipoli landings. Hospital ships transported the injured and dying to Alexandria, from where patients were then forwarded to local hospitals or on to Cairo. In March 1916, the Australian forces were serving in France. The various medical units were ordered to pack up, and transfer their patients elsewhere.In 1915 Alexandria, Eqypt, the aristocratic Margherita de Walden established her Lady de Walden convalescent hospital to respond to medical staff shortage.The 14th AGH occupied barracks at Abbassia from August 1915-1919.In addition to war casualties the hospital also treated illnesses such as malaria, dysentery and pneumonia during the Sinai and Palestine campaigns.
July 28, 2020
Desert Nurse is the 2018 historical fiction release from Australian author, Pamela Hart. Occurring between 1911-1918, the main protagonist’s story, Evelyn Northey, begins in Taree, NSW. Evelyn is a young ambitious woman who is ahead of her time. She has dreams of becoming a doctor, but Evelyn’s plans are thwarted time and time again by her father. Evelyn’s father decrees she must wait until she reaches the age of reason to gain access to an inheritance left by her mother. An age which her father keeps changing, the final decision being thirty years of age. Evelyn’s father is a product of his time as he believes that a woman’s role is in the home while Evelyn fears that a husband will be controlling. I cheered when Evelyn defied her father as I believe that he would never relinquish power. As Evelyn became an adult, these family members were too dissimilar to live under the same roof. Using her wit, Evelyn enlists in the army to be a nurse, where she meets the man that is to be a part of her destiny. Her new job takes Evelyn half-way across the world to another country.
The second protagonist is Dr William. William was a man I admired. Suffering from polio, he has a bad leg. However, William, hasn’t let this stop him working to his full capacity as a doctor. With his calm demeanour, William was able to learn from his mistakes and pass on his expansive knowledge to others. Personally though, William sees his leg as a hindrance to a romantic relationship. William believes that he wouldn’t be a suitable husband as his health could decline over time. When William does have romantic feelings, he fights them. I completely disagreed with William as I believe he should let the woman he develops feelings for make the decision herself. When Evelyn and William meet in NSW and again in Egypt, will they deny their growing attraction, or will they realise that their relationship will break the traditional rules?
When Evelyn and William come together again in Egypt, the world is in the throes of war. Hart has clearly done her homework as she transports readers to another world. A world where there are brave men fighting for their countries, only to find their brothers in arms dying. It is a place where the desert is relentlessly hot during the day and cold at night. Where the job in the medical field can be monotonous and endlessly bloody with horrific injuries. A time when rules need to be broken. Moments are slow while at other times there is a relentless urgency. I truly felt like I was in the midst of war.
With themes of war, traditional roles, family, friendship, the medical system, courage and ultimately love, this is a wonderful way to appreciate how far we have come.
The second protagonist is Dr William. William was a man I admired. Suffering from polio, he has a bad leg. However, William, hasn’t let this stop him working to his full capacity as a doctor. With his calm demeanour, William was able to learn from his mistakes and pass on his expansive knowledge to others. Personally though, William sees his leg as a hindrance to a romantic relationship. William believes that he wouldn’t be a suitable husband as his health could decline over time. When William does have romantic feelings, he fights them. I completely disagreed with William as I believe he should let the woman he develops feelings for make the decision herself. When Evelyn and William meet in NSW and again in Egypt, will they deny their growing attraction, or will they realise that their relationship will break the traditional rules?
When Evelyn and William come together again in Egypt, the world is in the throes of war. Hart has clearly done her homework as she transports readers to another world. A world where there are brave men fighting for their countries, only to find their brothers in arms dying. It is a place where the desert is relentlessly hot during the day and cold at night. Where the job in the medical field can be monotonous and endlessly bloody with horrific injuries. A time when rules need to be broken. Moments are slow while at other times there is a relentless urgency. I truly felt like I was in the midst of war.
With themes of war, traditional roles, family, friendship, the medical system, courage and ultimately love, this is a wonderful way to appreciate how far we have come.
August 14, 2025
An engaging story with great characters. Evelyn and William meet in Egypt and immediately have a connection. We are transported into their world, brave men fighting and dying for their countries. You really get a feeling for the relentless heat during the day and cold at night. The job in the medical field is endlessly bloody with horrific injuries with extreme focus and with constant exhaustion, you feel the urgency and truly felt like you were in the story. It's 1911, and 21-year-old Evelyn Northey desperately wants to become a doctor. Her father forbids it, withholding the inheritance that would allow her to attend university. At the outbreak of World War I, Evelyn disobeys her father, enlisting as an army nurse bound for Egypt and the disastrous Gallipoli campaign.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews