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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
Perhaps the most emotional turbulent book in the trilogy about Jennifer Worth's life at the Nonnatus House. Shadows of the Workhouse reveals the brutal life and a hardship of the poor in England during the industrial revolution. There is poverty, dehumanisation, cruelty and abuse, but also love and care and a deep appreciation for life.
I adored the first book of this series, but was disappointed with this one. The first book focused on a different character every chapter, and all of them were interesting. This book told the stories of 3 characters, and I only liked the first one. I'll still read the last book in the trilogy.
I love that this book focused in on 3 people's lives. It was so intriguing and wonderfully personable.
More of a 3.5? Jennifer Worth's writing is as poignant as ever, but the long fictional passages were... odd feeling to me. These books are supposed to be her recollections of her days as a midwife in London's East End, yet here we have extremely personal stories told from the perspectives of private individuals she knew later in their lives. These stories are well-written and heartbreaking,yes, but the fact that it's so obviously fictional ruined their effect for me, by and large. Still, I'd highly recommend this book, especially for those who love the bbc show.
This book was a heartbreakingly fascinating follow up to Call the Midwife. The stories of Jane, Frank & Peggy, Sister Monica Joan and Joe were incredible examples of life in London's East End, horrors poor children had to face and the terrible exploitation of poor teenage boys by the British Army. I encourage everyone to read this book! It's left me even more curious and excited to continue reading the series.
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
This book focused much more than the previous book on individuals stories, a few individuals and all sorta tied in with the workhouses. It was harder to read, though I do remember the episodes in which these stories are featured. It was good, but I preferred the format and stories of the first book of the series.
As much as I love Jennifer Worth's writing, I was a bit disappointed in this edition. While the first installment had numerous stories of various births, deaths, and life in Poplar, Shadows of the Workhouse was split into three sections with one story dedicated. I learned a lot about the horror and woe of the workhouse in the nineteenth century. I'm happy that all three stories were also featured in the television show as well.
The first story referenced was about three children who grew up in the institution and found each other as adults. Jane had a broken spirit and assisted the nuns in Nonnatus House. Peggy and Frank were siblings that eventually found each other and married(?). The trial of Sister Monica Joan was probably my favorite to read. She is so sassy and yet so delicate that I can't help but cheer for her. The last story was of the former veteran Joe who lives in squalor and bonds with Nurse Jenny. I honestly skimmed the last chapter because I was relaxing on Anna Maria Island Beach and I'm still under the weather. I love reading about all these characters and hopefully there will be more babies in the final volume!
The first story referenced was about three children who grew up in the institution and found each other as adults. Jane had a broken spirit and assisted the nuns in Nonnatus House. Peggy and Frank were siblings that eventually found each other and married(?). The trial of Sister Monica Joan was probably my favorite to read. She is so sassy and yet so delicate that I can't help but cheer for her. The last story was of the former veteran Joe who lives in squalor and bonds with Nurse Jenny. I honestly skimmed the last chapter because I was relaxing on Anna Maria Island Beach and I'm still under the weather. I love reading about all these characters and hopefully there will be more babies in the final volume!
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced