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The Midwife Trilogy #1-3 abridged
Tales from a Midwife: True Stories of the East End in the 1950s
NOTE: Abridgement of books 1-3 of The Midwife Trilogy.
This omnibus edition of CALL THE MIDWIFE, SHADOWS OF THE WORKHOUSE and FAREWELL TO THE EAST END chronicles Jennifer Worth's career as a midwife, from her arrival in the war-scarred Docklands as a wide-eyed trainee, to the demolition of the tenements.
It provides a fascinating snapshot of social history, documenting the East End in the days when there was a real sense of community, when times were tough but there was plenty of good humour and neighbourly support to help the inhabitants through the harsh econonic climate.
This omnibus edition of CALL THE MIDWIFE, SHADOWS OF THE WORKHOUSE and FAREWELL TO THE EAST END chronicles Jennifer Worth's career as a midwife, from her arrival in the war-scarred Docklands as a wide-eyed trainee, to the demolition of the tenements.
It provides a fascinating snapshot of social history, documenting the East End in the days when there was a real sense of community, when times were tough but there was plenty of good humour and neighbourly support to help the inhabitants through the harsh econonic climate.
966 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
25 people are currently reading
1492 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Worth
18 books955 followersWorth, born Jennifer Lee while her parents were on holiday in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, was raised in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. After leaving school at the age of 14, she learned shorthand and typing and became the secretary to the head of Dr Challoner's Grammar School. She then trained as a nurse at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, and moved to London to receive training to become a midwife.
Lee was hired as a staff nurse at the London Hospital in Whitechapel in the early 1950s. With the Sisters of St John the Divine, an Anglican community of nuns, she worked to aid the poor. She was then a ward sister at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital in Bloomsbury, and later at the Marie Curie Hospital in Hampstead.
She married the artist Philip Worth in 1963, and they had two daughters.
Worth retired from nursing in 1973 to pursue her musical interests. In 1974, she received a licentiate of the London College of Music, where she taught piano and singing. She obtained a fellowship in 1984. She performed as a soloist and with choirs throughout Britain and Europe.
She later began writing, and her first volume of memoirs, 'Call the Midwife', was published in 2002. The book became a bestseller when it was reissued in 2007. 'Shadows of the Workhouse' (2005; reissued 2008) and 'Farewell to the East End' (2009) also became bestsellers. The trilogy sold almost a million copies in the UK alone. In a fourth volume of memoirs 'In the Midst of Life', published in 2010, Worth reflects on her later experiences caring for the terminally ill.
Worth was highly critical of Mike Leigh's 2004 film Vera Drake, for depicting the consequences of illegal abortions unrealistically. She argued that the method shown in the movie, far from being fairly quick and painless, was in fact almost invariably fatal to the mother.
Worth died on 31 May 2011, having been diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus earlier in the year.
A television series, Call the Midwife, based on her books, began broadcasting on BBC One on 15 January 2012.
Lee was hired as a staff nurse at the London Hospital in Whitechapel in the early 1950s. With the Sisters of St John the Divine, an Anglican community of nuns, she worked to aid the poor. She was then a ward sister at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital in Bloomsbury, and later at the Marie Curie Hospital in Hampstead.
She married the artist Philip Worth in 1963, and they had two daughters.
Worth retired from nursing in 1973 to pursue her musical interests. In 1974, she received a licentiate of the London College of Music, where she taught piano and singing. She obtained a fellowship in 1984. She performed as a soloist and with choirs throughout Britain and Europe.
She later began writing, and her first volume of memoirs, 'Call the Midwife', was published in 2002. The book became a bestseller when it was reissued in 2007. 'Shadows of the Workhouse' (2005; reissued 2008) and 'Farewell to the East End' (2009) also became bestsellers. The trilogy sold almost a million copies in the UK alone. In a fourth volume of memoirs 'In the Midst of Life', published in 2010, Worth reflects on her later experiences caring for the terminally ill.
Worth was highly critical of Mike Leigh's 2004 film Vera Drake, for depicting the consequences of illegal abortions unrealistically. She argued that the method shown in the movie, far from being fairly quick and painless, was in fact almost invariably fatal to the mother.
Worth died on 31 May 2011, having been diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus earlier in the year.
A television series, Call the Midwife, based on her books, began broadcasting on BBC One on 15 January 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 29, 2011
this is, without doubt, one of the best books that I have ever read. Jennifer documents the lives and times of the poor people of London's East End in the '50s, which historically is not that long ago.
I have found myself absorbed in this book from the 1st page to the last, and I am so pleased that I waited to read the Trilogy as I wouldn't have been able to wait in between books.
Jennifer's memoir says more for the Social Science of that time and place than many sociology textbooks have attempted too.
I am sad that I have finished this book, it has been thought-provoking and has left me thinking after each time I put it down.
I cannot believe that this hasn't been made into a weekly TV dramatization, it has everything in it and would be an undoubted success, however, in saying that I suspect a production would not be able to stand-up against this
superb piece of local history.
I have found myself absorbed in this book from the 1st page to the last, and I am so pleased that I waited to read the Trilogy as I wouldn't have been able to wait in between books.
Jennifer's memoir says more for the Social Science of that time and place than many sociology textbooks have attempted too.
I am sad that I have finished this book, it has been thought-provoking and has left me thinking after each time I put it down.
I cannot believe that this hasn't been made into a weekly TV dramatization, it has everything in it and would be an undoubted success, however, in saying that I suspect a production would not be able to stand-up against this
superb piece of local history.
July 8, 2019
Frankly, I wasn't so sure about this book beforehand. I'm not especially interested in 1950's London life, nor do I have a distinct affiliation with nursing or midwifery. Somewhat relunctantly I started reading, thinking I'd just give it a go, and I'm very glad that I did.
It wasn't even that I was always excited to pick Tales from a Midwife up again, but whenever I did, Jennifer Worth found a way to my heart. I don't often feel strong emotions while reading, let alone cry, but this book made me feel all sorts of things. Jennifer Worth provides the reader with a great collection of stories, some of which are informative, others funny, heartwarming or heartbraking. I giggled, got angry, rejoiced and shed a fair amount of tears.
All in all, though not the quickest read, I definetely think Tales from a Midwife will be long lasting in my memories.
It wasn't even that I was always excited to pick Tales from a Midwife up again, but whenever I did, Jennifer Worth found a way to my heart. I don't often feel strong emotions while reading, let alone cry, but this book made me feel all sorts of things. Jennifer Worth provides the reader with a great collection of stories, some of which are informative, others funny, heartwarming or heartbraking. I giggled, got angry, rejoiced and shed a fair amount of tears.
All in all, though not the quickest read, I definetely think Tales from a Midwife will be long lasting in my memories.
November 10, 2010
Fascinating book about the author's life as a midwife and district nurse in 1950s east London. Through the stories of the people she meets, she draws a vivid picture of life in east London from the 1890s onwards. I found the stories about the workhouses particularly compelling, putting an historical complexion on current debates about "the undeserving poor" and cultures of worklessness. Genuinely moving, informative and humorous in places. Written with a light touch but encompassing some heavy subjects.
February 10, 2011
Really interesting account of life in the post 2nd world war years in the east end of London. The book is narrated by the author who was a nurse and midwife at the time. It is jam packed with annecdotes and stories of the heroes and villians of the day as well as the midwifery and birth accounts you'd expect. The characters jump out of the pages and you feel like you know them all and care about them. I did not expect to enjoy the book so much as it is not my genre or area of interest, but enjoy it I did - all 900 and something pages!
May 17, 2012
Based on the true stories from the author's experience as a midwife in London in the 1950s, this book is at times tragic and heartbreaking, but full of hope and very inspiring. Mostly, it made me very grateful for the ease and comfort of my own life. I couldn't put it down.
January 28, 2012
assuming this is the 1st of the trilogy (call the midwife). true story of midwife in the east end in the 50s. liked it
February 2, 2018
After finishing this trilogy, you come to realize how all nations were built on the backs of the impoverished and the institutions that bound them in one form or another. The socio-economic conditions of the 1950’s were not just merely the background to Dickensian novels but reflections of the abhorring state of affairs whereby fellow beings were forced to adapt…or perish.
Yet, despite the extremity of the circumstances surrounding many of the stories, Jennifer Worth champions the voices of those whose shadows might have faded along the uneven cobblestone road leading to the future. These stories are of upmost important as they pay homage to the echoing voices of the past and remind us how crucial it is that our society as a whole, understands our predecessors struggles. Throughout "Tales from a Midwife", the words of: honorable deeds, endearing nuns, and youthful perseverance positively shine as they embody the epitome of nobility and heroism.
The alternating first and third person narratives allow readers to fully immerse themselves in the routines of the midwives and nuns at Nonnatus House and the daily triumphs and struggles of those living in the East End. From the happiness found in the first breath of a newborn child, to the wrenching conditions of depravation in the workhouse (a welfare system gone terribly wrong) readers are transported through time’s doorway. Once the threshold is crossed, the doors leading back to Nonnatus House, and Jennifer Worth’s immersive narratives, are forever open.
Alex from TheReadingCornerforAll.com
Yet, despite the extremity of the circumstances surrounding many of the stories, Jennifer Worth champions the voices of those whose shadows might have faded along the uneven cobblestone road leading to the future. These stories are of upmost important as they pay homage to the echoing voices of the past and remind us how crucial it is that our society as a whole, understands our predecessors struggles. Throughout "Tales from a Midwife", the words of: honorable deeds, endearing nuns, and youthful perseverance positively shine as they embody the epitome of nobility and heroism.
The alternating first and third person narratives allow readers to fully immerse themselves in the routines of the midwives and nuns at Nonnatus House and the daily triumphs and struggles of those living in the East End. From the happiness found in the first breath of a newborn child, to the wrenching conditions of depravation in the workhouse (a welfare system gone terribly wrong) readers are transported through time’s doorway. Once the threshold is crossed, the doors leading back to Nonnatus House, and Jennifer Worth’s immersive narratives, are forever open.
Alex from TheReadingCornerforAll.com
June 15, 2018
Excellent.
I feel I learned so much through listening to this book!
I would warn the reader (especially those listening to audio) that there are some very graphic descriptions in this particular book. I only say that because for the most part I find the tv adaption to be very friendly to younger audiences when watched with an adult to help educate and explain history as well as normal birth. However, there are topics that would be quite inappropriate for a young person to read/hear, particularly the abuse of prostitutes in the East End. Stuff the show eludes to, but never in any sort of detail.
I feel I learned so much through listening to this book!
I would warn the reader (especially those listening to audio) that there are some very graphic descriptions in this particular book. I only say that because for the most part I find the tv adaption to be very friendly to younger audiences when watched with an adult to help educate and explain history as well as normal birth. However, there are topics that would be quite inappropriate for a young person to read/hear, particularly the abuse of prostitutes in the East End. Stuff the show eludes to, but never in any sort of detail.
June 4, 2021
I kept coming back to this, started in the middle of lambing so never had chance to really sit down with it until recently. So full of character, heartache and charm. More than a few of the stories broke my heart and many made me smile. A perfect read and a very real catalogue of the 1950’s east end.
December 3, 2020
3.5/5 - overall
Call the Midwife (#1): 3.5/5
Shadows of the Workhouse (#2): 3/5
Farewell to the East End (#3): 4/5
Call the Midwife (#1): 3.5/5
Shadows of the Workhouse (#2): 3/5
Farewell to the East End (#3): 4/5
July 9, 2025
This was such an interesting read. Seeing the life that people lived over 70 years ago was eye opening and I want to continue the series.
March 5, 2017
A collected edition of three books about midwifery and district nursing in the 1950s: Call The Midwife, In the Shadow of the Workhouse, and Farewell to the East End. Educational and a slice of history, but Worth's ability to convey emotion elevates her stories to another level. The reader really feels for the people she talks about, she's excellent at capturing the moment and empathy, and in the stranger than fiction tales she delivers the human and the real. As someone who came to this after seeing episodes from the TV show, it was also interesting to find out what happened the main ladies in the end. Interesting, heart-warming, arm yourself with a box of tissues.
The first book/section was well structured, but the latter two sometimes seemed to be stories and essays strung together, a little haphazard. This may be because this is an abridged version, according to GoodReads, which I was unaware of.
The first book/section was well structured, but the latter two sometimes seemed to be stories and essays strung together, a little haphazard. This may be because this is an abridged version, according to GoodReads, which I was unaware of.
March 22, 2015
I am on the third book of this trilogy and regretting that it will soon be over. Doing this on audible and the reader is spectacular. The narratives are sweet, informative and interesting, especially if you like social history and medicine. The characters are well developed and enchanting. I was very pleased to learn that, in fact, these are memoirs and not fiction. I have learned to appreciate the progress we have made as women kind and in the health care of mothers and babies. These nurses and midwives were far more courageous than our current medical trainees. It must have made good television, although I have no intent to watch. The only flaw is that at times the themes can be repetitive- but this must allow each book to read individually. The first and third are easier going while the middle one, most steeped in social history, is a bit slower.
May 30, 2011
This book is actually three books in one - telling tales about life in the East End of London from the point of view of a trainee midwife in the 1950's. They are true stories and they are all absolutely captivating. The genuine warmth of the author shines through on every page.
I was riveted. The events in the book took part just 60 years ago and yet so much has changed since then - especially for women.
I recommend this book for women of all ages. You will learn lots and feel proud to be part of the wonderful female heritage of history.
I was riveted. The events in the book took part just 60 years ago and yet so much has changed since then - especially for women.
I recommend this book for women of all ages. You will learn lots and feel proud to be part of the wonderful female heritage of history.
June 4, 2013
I enjoy watching this series on PBS and I also really enjoyed reading this book. It was very interesting and captured 1950's life in the East End of London. Nursing has come a long way but what has not changed is the dedication and the commitment of nurses to their patients. Life in poverty is difficult and the squalid conditions are deplorable yet families survive and thrive in this environment because of the support they receive from each other and others in their very closely knit communities. Well written and full of amazing stories of bravery and love,
December 20, 2012
I picked this audiobook up at the library after watching the PBS series.
These are the dramatic, riveting memoirs of Jennifer Worth's years as a midwife in the 1950s East End of London. Not for the tame, though. Worth is graphic in her tales, some of the stories are heartbreaking, while others are uplifting. The poverty and disease suffered by the people is so sad. It is wonderful to know there were people such as Worth and the nuns to help.
These are the dramatic, riveting memoirs of Jennifer Worth's years as a midwife in the 1950s East End of London. Not for the tame, though. Worth is graphic in her tales, some of the stories are heartbreaking, while others are uplifting. The poverty and disease suffered by the people is so sad. It is wonderful to know there were people such as Worth and the nuns to help.
April 28, 2011
I read call the midwife which was great but bought this book thinking it was different as it didn't state that there were three story's so now I'm reading shadows of a workhouse and just as the first book is great worth goes into great detail about life in the fifths and I was gutted when call the midwife had finished.she's a great writer
January 21, 2011
Quite engrossing both for its coverage of medical history but also the social history of the time. Not for the squeamish. The portrayals of everyday life in the East End of London from the late 19th C up to mid 20th C make riveting reading - I had a lot of late nights as I couldn't put it down.
June 15, 2012
This was by far the BEST book I've read this year. Actually it is three books in one because it is a trilogy . I recommend this book to everyone. However, it is not for the feint at heart because gives explicit details of child birthing in the 1950's , abortions and other ailments of the time.
January 12, 2013
A wonderful book! A really gritty account of life in the poorest part of London, and full of emotion. Definitely a book I will keep. Worth reading alone for the social history aspect. Excellent TV adaptation, and this book fills in the gaps!
Read
October 2, 2013This is a good book, i stopped reading it though because I have been watching the series on netflix and it correlates well to the book and I felt like i had already read it. I would recommend it though, it is a very interesting memoir of a midwife in 1950's England.
August 14, 2016
Amazing stories. I'm very grateful not to have lived them myself. And to think this was only a few years out of Jenny's professional life. The second half is quite a bit more sociological than the beginning (or the terrific PBS series) and doesn't whisk the reader along, but is still interesting.
September 13, 2010
I LOVED this series. It was really touching and great to get some insight into the people of the east end.
February 14, 2011
One of my favourite reads... This book was fascinating, heartbreaking and inspiring. Highly recommended.
August 1, 2011
Very good read
February 17, 2012
Completely recommend this book. It give you so much more than the TV series in terms of history of midwifery and life in London. I've downloaded the rest of the series on my Kindle.
February 22, 2012
Really a good book when i saw it first time i did not appreciate it but after a short beginning i found it amazing.
May 7, 2012
After watching the BBC series I started the book. I really enjoyed it and have two of her other books to read.
May 20, 2012
this is the same book as call the midwife and i read it after i saw the series i was great and even thought it was better than the televison series
November 27, 2012
Amazing, emotional, vivid characters and painted a picture of the long lost east end. Five stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews