An Ocean Apart

by Sarah Lee

Inspired by real life stories of the Windrush Generation and her mother’s own experiences as a nurse in the 1950s, Sarah Lee’s debut novel is a must for fans of Call the Midwife .

It’s 1954 and, in Barbados, Ruby Haynes spots an advertisement for young women to train as nurses for the new National Health Service in Great Britain. Her sister, Connie, takes some persuading, but soon the sisters are on their way to a new country – and a whole new world of experiences.

As they start their training in Hertfordshire, they discover England isn’t quite the promised land; for every door that’s opened to them, the sisters find many slammed in their faces. And though the girls find friendships with their fellow nurses, Connie struggles with being so far from home, and keeping secret the daughter she has left behind in search of a better life for the both of them . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook

400 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2022

Reviews

[Bethan Edge · Rating 2 out of 5]

Concept great, historical fiction content okay, but the writing style is so GCSE drama that it was beyond cringe. Everything was explained in too much detail, everything was predictable and the themes of race weren’t developed to what I had anticipated.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

February 1954. Sisters Connie and Ruby Hayes travel to the UK from Barbados to train as nurses for the newly formed National Health Services. The sisters soon discover that England is not quite the promised land they were expecting and they face challenges they never expected.

A story of friendship, love, hope and new beginnings, An Ocean Apart is a walk through a notable time in British history. Inspired by her mother’s life and stories from the Windrush Generation, Sarah Lee tells the story of the women who left everything behind to become the foundation of our NHS. Beautifully written and well researched, it is so evocative that I could taste the bland food and feel the cold English winter. Lee doesn’t shy away from the difficult topics either, delivering an unflinching portrayal of intolerance, racism, PTSD and other important issues.

The story is narrated by Connie, Ruby and Billie, three strong, courageous and captivating women who were easy to root for, with Billie quickly becoming like a third Hayes sister. Their stories really brought home the challenges and sacrifices of those who were the bedrock of our NHS. I lost myself in their world and lived every emotion alongside them, so immersed in their stories that I could have kept reading about them forever and was bereft when the story ended. There is also a cast of vivid and compelling background characters that help to tell this story. The romantic liaisons and joyful friendships were a delight to read and the vile villain who subjected poor Ruby to such disgusting racism and bullying was brilliantly written.

Heartwarming, atmospheric and engaging, An Ocean Apart is a celebration of the NHS and the remarkable people who were part of its creation. Perfect for fans of Call the Midwife, I would love to see this get its own TV adaptation and I’m hoping that Ms. Lee will turn this marvellous debut into a series so that I can return to these characters again and again.

[Linda Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Ocean Apart is a charming, entertaining and surprisingly profound insight into the world of the Windrush Generation in 1950s Britain.
My full review can be found on the My Weekly website https://www.myweekly.co.uk/category/f...

[Marlowe North · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a long read, but I really enjoyed it! Well worth a read for fans of Call the Midwife.

When reading pre-1980s fiction set in the UK, it’s very easy to ignore the cultural and ethnic diversity that has existed there for a long time. An Ocean Apart follows three young women — Connie, Ruby, and Billie — who come from the Carribean to England, to work as NHS nurses. It’s a beautifully written insight into nursing, the experiences of Black women in Britain in the 1950s, and the aftermath of WW2.

Connie, Billie, and Ruby had distinct personalities ([cough] unlike a lot of characters in women’s fiction [cough]), and each had their own lovely paths to love. I was fascinated by the descriptions of the different wards, and by Connie’s story of motherhood outside marriage.

An Ocean Apart was a sweetly written story in a quiet English village, without trying to sugar-coat the prejudices that were faced.

Would absolutely reccommend.

(I will say, though, that people from Cabra don’t tend to say “ach” (that’s more the North) and “yer” (that’s… not even slightly Irish)!)

[Courtney Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable book, insightful, heartbreaking, uplifting. I felt many emotions throughout this story, and fell in love with the main characters. I loved the little extract at the end of Sarah Lee telling us the true story of her mother coming overseas to work, the basis of this story.

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novel set in 1950s HERTFORDSHIRE



We meet sisters Connie and Ruby on the Sorrento, a ship transporting them from Barbados to England, where they are contracted to train as nurses at St Mary’s in Hertfordshire. They soon meet Billie, who is from Jamaica and they have to explain to their fellow students that these Caribbean islands are in fact not the same place, but separated by 1,200 miles of ocean. They are not only introducing the locals to their culture but they too have a lot of learning to undertake in England, understanding the customs, trying fish and chips for the first time, going to the pub and getting to grips with the weather and cold climate.

The training of the new recruits gets underway in the hospital. They are a valuable workforce to boost the NHS programme, which was set up just a few years previously in 1948. They study under the watchful eye of their seniors. There is student Margaret from Hampshire, the cliché racist who tries to upset the applecart and will stop at nothing to put these incomers in their place. The author explores what it means to be an immigrant, why people might leave their homeland to travel so far. This novel feels particularly pertinent given the furore that has been stoked up in this country at the moment; it offers context to the Windrush generation, people from far away lands, who were invited to take up jobs in the UK.

The women are young and out-going and pop to London to meet their beaus and have trysts, there is romance in the air, there is the considerable adjustment that each young woman has to make, and there is a lot of studying to do in order to get past the final nursing post and be able to wear the cape, cap and the belted uniform.

This is an easy-to-read story and has a nice storyline, featuring a group of optimistic young women at its heart. Setting isn’t particularly strong.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come

[Quinns Bookshop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Touching on some big topics (racism, PTSD, the persecution of Jews during WWII and adoption) gently and with compassion, Sarah writes a beautiful tale that's part love story, part love letter to the NHS and homage to the people who travelled from the Caribbean to Britain with the Windrush Generation. This book had some incredibly touching and laugh-out-loud moments. Would highly recommend!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Ocean Apart by Sarah Lee is a marvellous historical novel that I just could not put down.
The novel is set in 1954 as we follow three young women from the Caribbean to England to train as nurses in the fairly new NHS. We witness the bravery needed to cross the ocean.
Nursing is a profession requiring high standards. We follow the new recruits through exams and ward rotations. Everyone has different gifts – some are good with children or in maternity or on the psych ward. Whichever their area of expertise, we witness the dedication, hard work and care needed.
Britain at the time was emerging into a new world. The Windrush generation were here. They were greeted with warmth and love on the whole but there were pockets of ugly racism and ignorance. The girls all have varying personalities and support each other. The reader witnesses, with horror, the lengths some will go to with their prejudice.
World War II was not that far removed. Some returning soldiers still suffered with shell shock. Treatment was beginning to emerge.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic. The reader admires the bravery and guts needed to start a new life in Britain.
The future awaits for the three women. We see the opportunities beginning to open up.
We read with horror the stigmatism that is attached to unmarried mothers – attitudes are harsh, and the modern reader finds this hard to understand. All new life should be celebrated and all new mums should be helped.
I really enjoyed An Ocean Apart. I think it would make a fabulous Netflix series. I really want to know what happened next so I am hoping there will be more books following the characters.
I received a free copy from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Lauren Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚕️🩺 BOOK TOUR REVIEW 🩺⚕️

An Ocean Apart by @sarahleetravels

Thank you to Chloe at @panmacmillan for my #gifted copy of the book and my spot on the tour.

I really enjoyed this book! Told from the perspective of Caribbean women who came across to the UK as part of the Windrush Generation to become nurses for the newly established National Health Service I really felt like I was right there amidst the goings on.

I definitely get the ‘Call The Midwife’ vibes that is on the advertising and I think others will love this just as much as call the midwives.

The book has that easy going feel good Caribbean feel along with the stresses and strains of being a Black person in a country where not everyone sees your value because of the colour of your skin.

I also had all the feels from the mention of The Queen and all the landmarks around London that were mentioned.

Such a fantastic book for anyone looking for an easy read inspired by the real life stories of the Windrush generation.

#AnOceanApart #SarahLee #WindrushGeneration #Windrush #NHS

[Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoon feeding the reader isn't really my style...

I was really interested in the premise of this book as I have a personal connection to the stories of west Indian nurses. I loved following the stories of the different women who we met and learning more about how they trained and lived alongside each other. All of the characters were truly unique in their outlook and issues, it was great seeing how they developed over time.

Unfortunately I really struggled with a lot of the writing. I felt like I was often being spoon fed background information about the characters - why would one sister be telling the other about how they grew up?) And I found many opportunities for a more dramatic or interesting character driven narratives were missing with a heavy dose of coincidence being used to drive the story instead.

Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy quick read but I found the storyline predictable and the writing style a bit irritating - lot of unnecessary explanation and dialogue. At the same time there were some really important themes ie racism and sexism which could have been developed more fully.
I think I might have enjoyed this more as a non fiction historical book with real life stories. The author’s research into the early NHS and the lived experience of Caribbean immigration to Britain was fascinating.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I didn’t know an awful lot about the people who came to Britain to help staff the newly formed NHS in the 1950s, as well as take up other positions in other occupations where new recruits were needed. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to leave those sun-soaked islands to come to what they considered ‘the motherland’ and have to adapt to a much colder and duller climate as well as adjust to a very different way of life. Through this book, I feel that I have had an insight into what some of the Windrush Generation may have experienced.

I enjoyed getting to know Ruby and her sister Connie who came from Barbados, keen to start their nursing training along with Billie, whose home was in Jamaica. Sarah Lee portrayed them with great warmth and showed their very different personalities as they settled into their new lives. Life was not always easy for them and it both infuriated and saddened me to hear how unwelcome some people made them feel. Ruby, Connie and Billie came to Britain, as did the real people of the Windrush Generation, at the invitation of the British Government. They hoped to find new opportunities here, to make more money than they would have done at home that they could send back to support their families and wanting to make a contribution to British society. The racism and hatred they often faced was unforgiveable in my opinion.

At the heart of the book, we find friendship, dedication and perseverance. It’s a warm story of settling into a new life, learning new skills and finding love. There were some bitter-sweet moments in the book perhaps especially for Billie. An Ocean Apart is a thought-provoking story about committed and spirited women who wanted to care for others. Fans of Call the Midwife will find it a warm and engaging read.

[Anne Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished 'An Ocean Apart' by Sarah Lee. It's set in early-1950's Britain; the time when the nation was in recovery from the war, the National Health Service was in its infancy and people from the Commonwealth, some of whom later became known as the Windrush Generation, were making the journey to Britain to help in the country's rebuilding. The story follows the lives of 3 young women, 2 sisters from Barbados and one from Jamaica, as they train to be nurses in a Hertfordshire hospital 4,000 miles from home. The author is a journalist who wrote the book after growing up listening to the stories her mother told. It's fictional, but has been well-researched and touches on post-traumatic stress syndrome, which was something the new NHS was only beginning to understand in the aftermath of the war, as well as racism, attitudes to young women who become pregnant outside of wedlock, nurse training, food and rationing. The book follows the first year of the young women's lives in Britain as they adapt to their new home, make friends, find love and start their careers as nurses. I really enjoyed this book and would love a sequel to find out what happens to the women later in their lives.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, but predictable, story of Windrush immigrants.

In 1954 three young West Indies women start nursing training in England. They are part of the Windrush immigrants to help England´s labor shortages. The National Health Service (NHS) had just been created and nurses were needed. Connie, her younger sister Ruby, and Billie are among the trainees. Each wants to complete the training to become nurses and also to have adventures including love.

Their stories are similar to Call of the Midwife stories of healthcare and nursing and love. However, because these women are from the West Indies and are black, they face discrimination. Ruby is bullied by a white girl Margaret who thinks she has a tail and wants the black girls sent home. There is reference to lodging signs in town that say "No Irish, no black, no dogs".

There is also reference to combat stress reaction now known as post traumatic stress disorder. Devon, Connie´s love interest who is also from the West Indies, fought for England in WWII but loud noises brings back his fear and depression.

Enjoyable read but predictable romantic stories.

[tinabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was somewhat concerned that the content of this historical novel might be a bit too British for this Canadian reader, but I’m happy to say that was not the case. Any significant historical events that non-Brits might not be aware of are thoroughly explained, whilst not sacrificing character or story.

Lots of important, universal issues are discussed—immigration, belonging, racism, prejudice, motherhood in the 1950s, particularly pregnancy out of wedlock—but it’s predominantly a character-driven novel. Our three female protagonists are lovable, kind, flawed, compassionate, and fierce protectors of one another. And they all have unique and compelling voices and backstories. And then there’s the male characters in the story, who provide some insight into the aftermath of WWII, such soldiers experiencing PTSD and combat stress reaction, and the displacement of surviving Jewish families.

For a relatively short book there’s a lot going on here, but it’s both captivating and relatable, making the pages fly by.

[Kate Shotliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the premise of this book. As an NHS worker, the hospital I work in has a lot of nurses who have trained overseas and so I am intrigued by the history. They truly are the backbone of the NHS and some of the hardest working healthcare professionals I know. I have to say I didn’t know much about the Windrush generation but I loved Connie and Ruby and Billie.

I liked how Connie and Ruby had that sisterly bond but were also quite different, Connie more responsible and Ruby more idealistic. I felt myself more drawn to Ruby’s storyline, how she learns to stand up for herself in part with the support of her sister and friends and put her best foot forward. I thought Billie was a really interesting character, a sassy gal and very modern for her time and my heart broke for her towards the end.

I hate that there are Margaret’s in the world. I’m glad that she finally got what she deserved. I was sad to leave these characters behind and hope we can revisit them at some point in the future.

[R Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting read, but not my style of book. It was more about the friendship and experience of three trainee nurses. I was hoping it would be more issue centred confronting in a larger way the racism and sexism people were subjected to in post war Britain. Having said that it was great to see such a positive profile for the fledgling NHS and some of the themes developed were important and noteworthy. In particular the lingering effects of WW2, both psychological and practical were handled well, woven seamlessly into the narrative. While this was book was not what I expected, it will still be a highly enjoyable read for many.

[Brian Bourke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, easy to read story with interesting characters that are relatable. It doubles as a history lesson of a time I knew nothing about that has its negatives, but also many positives through times of great change. This book has a positive energy about it that author Sarah Lee brings to life through Connie, Ruby and Billie as they start their journeys together in a new country with new challenges and a new way of life that does not always go their way. The subjects of racism and mental health are raised and dealt with through Sarah's descriptive and to the point writing. It shows that through hard work and resilience we can overcome anything. Highly recommended.

[Helen Stölting · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

This was a very cute read. It's impossible not to like our three main characters from the Caribbean, Ruby, Connie and Billie. It was great to see them grow and achieve their dreams throughout this book. Overall, however, I expected a bit more drama and hardship. While there certainly are several instances when the girls face great challenges, these were often resolved quickly or the characters simply didn't dwell upon them much. Overall, this made it a very mellow, easy read - the perfect book with which to curl up on the sofa. I definitely enjoyed it.

[Yasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.5 stars. I liked the premise of the book, but it read more like a romance novel than historical fiction. At times there was more telling than showing. And there were Lots of coincidences, with everyone appearing to live happily ever after except for Billie. While I didn’t expect as much romance as there was between the storylines, I was really hoping that Billie would live happily ever after with her Prince Charming too.
Ps—there was also abruptness with one of the characters and loose ends with another. Almost wonder if there will be a sequel.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant historical novel set in 1954 when three young nurses from the Caribbean were tempted by the offer of on the job nursing training in England. Their passage was paid for by the newly formed NHS and they arrived after a long journey eager and apprehensive. They soon realised that not all was as they had hoped as one of their fellow trainees was a racist and a bully, Fortunately not everyone had this unacceptable attitude. I really enjoyed the book and following their journey of integration and the different aspects of their training.

[Kenzie Mahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m always down for a good sister story so this books plot drew me in. I appreciated the sister’s relationship and turns of strengths and weaknesses. Overall, I felt the plot took a too-good-to-be-true turn at the end (for the sisters); a little too pretty and perfect. I also felt the dialogue between all characters felt very formal, making it sound a little unnatural. While I’m all about the sisters, I also really appreciated the non sister character, Billie. I felt her character development happened at a great pace, and appreciated the unexpected, not-so-perfect ending to her story.

[Caroline Templer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a love story to the early NHS, 3 young women from the caribbean come to train as nurses.
They had problems with some other nurse training and the local area went wanting to look for rental properties with notice that says " No black, Irish or dogs". I really do not think.
I am so glad that we are a much better country now.

This was an eye opening story from the Windrush era.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is 1954, and Ruby and sister Connie travel from Barbados to the UK to train as nurses in the newly formed National Health Service. An Ocean Apart is told from the point of view of the sisters and new friend Billie, and follows the joy and difficulties they face.

An interesting book, based on the true story of the author's mother. I really liked Billie, she had an interesting story to tell, but I did feel the ending was quite rushed, and I would have liked to see a sequel!

[Robin Dayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this story! As a fellow nurse it was so awesome to see what the “ones before me” went through- and from what I imagine, what hospital trained nursing lives were like! Everyone should read this- quite entertaining from a new and upcoming writer (I hope!) cannot wait to see if there is a sequel!

[Lesley Macdonald · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a disappointment. The time period and setting sounded interesting, and I was looking forward to learning more. But the plot focused on the romances of three main characters, with predictable plots and tons of insipid dialogue. The story I was looking for never got told. 100% of the book club agreed - it wasn’t worth our time.

[Dora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very light reading, ideal for Christmas holidays. Easy to put down and pick up again. Sisters Ruby and Connie arrive in this country from Barbados to train as nurses - badly needed by the NHS at the time.

They make friends here and love their jobs but do suffer some racism from a couple of people.

[Aria Harlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a heartfelt read that is well written has a compelling story and well developed characters. I can never understand how it felt for Carribean immigrants but I think this book did a great job at compassionately showing what life was like for them.

[Victoria Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this interesting and gently told story of family, love, friendship and bravery that is set against the backdrop of the Windrush Generation and the aftermath of Word War Two.

There were parts that I thought could have gone a little further and storylines that I wanted to explore in more detail but I adored the characters and the setting and would definitely read more if this became a series.

If you like Call The Midwife, this is a book for you!

Huge thanks to Book Break for sending me this ARC!