Leila's Reviews > The Complete Call the Midwife Stories: True Stories of the East End in the 1950s

This book is a true story. After finding the DVD series so well worth watching I tried the book which was written by Jennifer Worth who at twenty two became one of the practicing midwives in the East End and her character is portrayed in the early series. I found her story totally absorbing and full of fascinating detail, but in truth I think I preferred the DVD series. Having said this, I'm so glad I watched the DVDs first as it has been a most interesting experience to read the book while able to see the characters from the DVDs in my mind.

My own children were born 1960 to 1963 in the North East of England and in a Maternity hospital with all the modern facilities that were available at that time. How blessed I was! What a contrast to the rough slums of the East End of London where children were being born into dreadful surroundings around the fifties and early sixties. Prostitution, crime, brothels, lack of work was rife. People lived in cramped shocking conditions often without the basic needs we all take for granted, but there seemed to be such an amazing state of togetherness and loyalty among these women.

The midwives lived in a Convent - Nonnatus House with a small community of nuns who were also trained midwives. You really have to read these wonderful books that Jennifer wrote to discover just what life was truly like in those days. I have shed so many tears over and over again whilst watching the DVDs. They have to be viewed to be understood and many of the stories left me heartbroken. I can't begin to imagine what it must have been like for those brave women, all of them. This actual book, the first of four gives us much more detailed information but it is not in any way dry and is most readable. I would imagine more women would read them than men and I will definitely read the remaining three.