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Call the Midwife : Books on Screen

February 7, 2013 by Elizabeth

I read a lot of books, and hands-down one of the top 3 I read last year was a memoir of a woman who worked as a midwife in one of London’s slums during the 1950s. It was part two of the three she wrote, and was called Shadows of the Workhouse. It was stunning–true stories but reading like fiction, written with balance and compassion. It made me actually cry (not just sniffle), it made me angry, it made me resigned and philosophical, it made me laugh out loud in parts. Seriously, an incredible book and one you should go read right now if you haven’t yet read it.

I knew that it was Jennifer Worth’s second memoir. Her first is titled Call the Midwife. Since my own British mother worked as a midwife, in London like Worth and also in Swansea, Wales, which is where she was from, I felt a special affinity with the subject matter. But the stories of real-life joy and pain were so gripping that I had no problem recommending the books to pretty much anyone that would listen.

Now BBC has come out with a film series based off the two books plus her third, and PBS aired them last fall. I missed them at the time, but Season 2 will air beginning in March. In addition,  I was sent a copy of The Life and Times of Call the Midwife, a companion book to the first two series of the show. It’s beautifully put together, providing a lot of information about the behind-the-scenes decisions, the real-life counterparts to onscreen personas, gorgeous photographs, and more. It explains how certain decisions were made–everything from the colour palette to the use of era-appropriate food items and more. Production designer Eve Stewart points out, “You have to remember this is a story; it is a drama first and foremost, not a documentary.” (p.169) It is precisely that finely-honed balance–between truthful reporting and fleshed-out storytelling–that makes this series so unforgettable. I’m a bit of snob when it comes to movies made of books I’ve loved, but I’m fully on board with this one.

I have to admit I’ve only seen the first episode, but I’m totally hooked. Screen writer Heidi Thomas has done a fantastic job of bringing Worth’s memoirs to life on screen. However, credit really goes to Worth herself for recording her experiences so well.

The characters are unforgettable. The Docklands of the 1950s were an area of incredible squalor, with people living in extreme poverty and its attendant filth. Midwife Jennifer Lee (the author’s character) is appalled on arrival there, and not prepared for the fact that she’ll be working with a group of Anglican nuns. There’s a scene in Episode 1 where Jenny is shocked, on examining a pregnant woman, to discover signs of advanced venereal disease. “I didn’t know people lived like this,” she tells Sister Julienne, who replies, simply, “But they do. And it’s why we’re here.” (also recorded on p. 111) Author Jennifer Worth brings characters to life, clear-eyed and without sentimentality, but also without judgement.

There’s Conchita Warren, a Spanish woman pregnant with her 25th child. She speaks only Spanish and her husband speaks only English, but the love between them is palpable. There’s Sister Monica Joan, elderly and now slightly senile, who searches out the cake hidden from her and feeds it all to Jenny on her arrival at the  convent, which gets her into trouble with the other nuns and makes Jenny feel very awkward in a scene that has viewers chuckling.

The companion book is really well done. In the series, the order of nuns is called “The Order of St. Raymond Nonnatus” but we learn of their real-life counterparts, the Order of St. John the Divine, and visit those nuns still alive of that Order. We look at the foods, colour palettes, health issues and medical care of the time, fashion styles, and more. It’s not only a behind-the-scenes look at the show’s production, it’s a glimpse into the world of the London slums of the 1950s.

I really can’t recommend this series highly enough, both the books and the films.

One of you (Continental U.S. only) can win the book The Life and Times of Call the Midwife as well as Shadows of the Workhouse. Just leave a comment and we’ll announce the winner on February 20. The giveaway is CLOSED.

We have some fantastic giveaways going on right now! Please subscribe to our feed so you don’t miss a thing, and check out the current giveaways now!

Filed Under: Books on Screen, Elizabeth, History, Non-Fiction

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Comments

  1. ruth says

    February 7, 2013 at 5:48 pm

    this book would be treasured. I enjoy that era and the books that depict the period.

  2. Anne says

    February 7, 2013 at 6:29 pm

    Your post was wonderful. these books are fascinating and meaningful. Thanks.

  3. Melissa Mc says

    February 7, 2013 at 6:42 pm

    Call the Midwife (although, I read The Midwife — before the re-issue) was my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE bio last year. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve recommended it to readers. I haven’t seen the series (not sure I want too) nor read the other two. Really was a wonderful book. so sorry to know she passed away before experiencing the commerical success of her books.

  4. ellie says

    February 7, 2013 at 7:01 pm

    British novels and movies are my favorite. Downton is great.

  5. Liz says

    February 7, 2013 at 7:30 pm

    I’ve read such wonderful things about the first book. No idea there were three, plus film series. Would very much like to read The Life and Times of Call the Midwife and Shadows of the Workhouse.

    My mom’s stories about her nursing experience, I came to realize, were edited for young ears, and then alas I didn’t ask.

    • Jennifer says

      February 19, 2013 at 9:21 pm

      You won! Please respond to this email with your shipping info (boy, you’ve been lucky lately!!)

  6. pearl says

    February 7, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    Impressive and great books which I would enjoy so much. Addicted Anglophile.

  7. Elizabeth says

    February 7, 2013 at 8:29 pm

    I got to see a few episodes of Call the Midwife on PBS last fall and I loved it. I would love to read Jennifer Worth’s memoirs!

  8. Sarah says

    February 7, 2013 at 8:34 pm

    I would love to read these!

  9. Angel S. says

    February 8, 2013 at 12:49 am

    This sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing!

  10. Garrett says

    February 8, 2013 at 10:31 am

    Will have to check out some time soon.

  11. amyc says

    February 8, 2013 at 2:40 pm

    I just saw an episode of this recently and loved it.

  12. Amy Webb says

    February 8, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    I already love the show so I would enjoy reading the books.

  13. Jessica T says

    February 8, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    This looks great! Would love to win!

  14. Shari says

    February 8, 2013 at 8:10 pm

    I’ve wanted to see the show these books are based on, so I’d love to read the books first!

  15. riTa says

    February 8, 2013 at 8:32 pm

    I saw one episode (the Christmas special, i believe) and loved it! I’d be delighted to win the book!

  16. Whitney says

    February 9, 2013 at 6:54 pm

    I would LOVE this! I have seen a couple episodes and loved it.

  17. Wehaf says

    February 10, 2013 at 10:17 am

    This sounds so interesting! I’d love to win the books.

  18. Kristin says

    February 11, 2013 at 10:25 pm

    I’ve read the first book, but I desperately want to read the 2nd and 3rd books in the series, too! I just watched the TV series last week and I’m hooked. I watched all 6 episodes in 3 days. 🙂

  19. Barb: 1SentenceDiary says

    February 12, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    Shadows of the Workhouse sounds fantastic. Maybe good for my bookclub?

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