Ebook: Farewell to the East End
Author: Worth Jennifer
- Tags: Childbirth, Childbirth--England--London--History--20th century, Midwives, Midwives--England--London, Social conditions, History, Childbirth -- England -- London -- History -- 20th century, Midwives -- England -- London, East End (London England) -- Social conditions -- 20th century, England -- London, England -- London -- East End
- Series: Call the Midwife 3
- Year: 2008
- Publisher: Hachette UK
- City: East End (London;England);England;London;East End
- Language: English
- mobi
The East End of London in the 1950s was a vibrant place, with a close community. Families often lived within streets of each other, children made playgrounds of the bombsites, and clubs and pubs formed the centre of a lively social scene. However in the living conditions of post-war London, life was often a struggle. It was into this community that Jennifer Worth came as a midwife, working with the nuns of Nonnatus House. She tells of the devastating effects of tuberculosis on one family, the dangerous practise of back-street abortions, and of mothers driven to extremes by poverty or social pressure. As the 1960s dawned the docklands began to change beyond all recognition. Farewell to the East End charts these years.
Review
'compelling' TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT 'we are introduced to a host of colourful East End characters and the heartrending tragedies that befell so many of them... a great read' FAMILY HISTORY MONTHLY 'a fascinating and valuable insight into the cultural history of an area and people that is now barely recognisable... uncompromising and gripping... life affirming.' NURSING STANDARD
About the Author
Jennifer Worth trained as a nurse at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. She then moved to London to train as a midwife. She later became a staff nurse at the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, and then ward sister and sister at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital in Euston. Music had always been her passion, and in 1973 Jennifer left nursing in order to study music intensively. She gained the Licentiate of the London College of Music in 1974 and was awarded a Fellowship ten years later. Jennifer married Philip Worth in 1963 and they live together in Hertfordshire. They have two daughters and two grandchildren.