I normally read the book before I watch a movie or TV show, but in the case of “Call the Midwife,” I didn’t even know there were books on which the show was based. I was delighted to find these books and have been slowly listening to them. I thought it would make the most sense to write a review on the trilogy as a whole because many of my praises and critiques are true for all three of the books, but I also wanted to highlight the unique characteristics of each book.
Series
Overall, I really enjoyed this series. The subject matter was fascinating, and it was presented in an interesting way. These books were engaging personal accounts with glimpses into the social challenges and medical history of the time. Even when Worth was recounting a story she hadn’t experienced first hand, the story was still engaging and made the reader feel as if they were there as well.
My biggest issue with the book series is I felt like the content could’ve been organized differently. There were certainly major themes, but some of the side stories would’ve been better if they were all in one book rather than spread through different ones. This separation also caused a little repetition, occasionally breaching an annoying amount.
I also personally had a problem with the praise of birth control and abortion. Since this is a memoir-style book, I don’t think it is right for me to lower my rating of the book solely because I disagree with the author’s viewpoint.
I also want to warn readers that these books can get a little intense. There are some graphic descriptions of medical issues as well as some other adult content.
Book 1: Call the Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times
This was my favorite book of the series. Though the subject matter was interesting, what truly made this book stand out is the personal growth Worth describes. I appreciate her honesty and unique insight. I think she did an excellent job providing historical context to the stories she was sharing. Though aspects of the book got a little repetitive, I generally enjoyed it.
4 Stars
Book 2: Shadows of the Workhouse
This book highlighted some of my favorite and least favorite things about Worth’s writing. She did an incredible job drawing you into the stories. Despite her not being part of many of the stories, it still felt incredibly personal. Of the three books, this felt the least organized to me. Overall, I enjoyed the different stories of the book, but it felt like a kind of off collection of stories.
I do want to warn readers that a huge plot of this book involves incest and that there is also a lot of sexual content.
3 Stars
Book 3: Farewell to the East End
This was the darkest book of the series in my opinion. Though Worth lightens the mood with some charming humor and interspersed light-hearted tales, this book also presents some grim realities of the time. This book had some great context, especially in regards to medical history. Again, some of the stories included felt off when looking at the overall book, but I think it helped bring some hope to the dark topics.
I want to warn readers that this book contains references to infanticide, abortion, and sexual abuse.
The quality of this book is good, but the content makes me a little uneasy just broadly recommending it.
4 Stars
Don’t miss one book within this trilogy! They are all works of art and an enlightening gift to the world, much as the works of Van Gogh. How could a midwife of those times NOT see birth control and yes, sorry (even abortion, NOT used as a birth control method in those times) as something helpful to families in such circumstances? It speaks to the desperate situations experienced by so many-in all times of human existence. Should we judge or just try to help is the message that comes shining through. Am incredibly real yet, kind, soul reaching communication for those of us who have NEVER known nor will we ever know the brutality that life can be for others.
Hi Mary,
Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your perspective on the books.
I agree that these books are beautiful and insightful. I think we all benefit from learning from the struggles of others.
I think you raised an important point – that these books highlighted the desperation these families experienced. We absolutely should look at them with empathy rather than judgement.
That being said, as a book reviewer, I’m entitled to my opinion, and I know many if the readers of my blog who trust my reviews would share my opinion on birth control and abortion. I hope you caught the line where I said that I didn’t let my feelings on the subject matter influence my star rating of the books. As a book reviewer, I make it a point to not change my ratings of memoirs on what the person did or did not do.
I hope that clarifies my stance.
Don’t miss one book within this trilogy! They are all works of art and an enlightening gift to the world, much as the works of Van Gogh. How could a midwife of those times NOT see birth control and yes, sorry (even abortion, NOT used as a birth control method in those times) as something helpful to families in such circumstances? It speaks to the desperate situations experienced by so many in all times of human existence. Should we judge or just try to help is the message that comes shining through. An incredibly real yet, kind, soul reaching communication for those of us who have NEVER known nor will we ever know the brutality that life can be for others.