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The Midwife's Here: The Enchanting True Story of One of Britain's Longest Serving Midwives
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The Sunday Times bestseller 'Delivering my first baby is a memory that will stay with me forever....
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated I Couldn't Love You More in Books
Jul 1, 2021
A very confusing book. Timelines all over the place and changing between there different characters meant that I spent most of the first half of the book confused about what was happening and how old certain characters were at that point in the story.
The story follows three women Aoife, Rosaleen and Kate, who are three generations of the same family. Throughout the book Aoife is wondering where her daughter has gone as she seems to have vanished without a trace after coming home one Christmas and then never to be heard from again. Rosaleen has her own secret, that she is pregnant with a married man’s baby and finds herself going to a convent to have her baby, and this book sheds some light on the horrors that unmarried mothers had to suffer before and after giving birth and having their babies taken from them. Kate was adopted and is trying to find out information about her birth mother whilst also trying to cope with her husband who spends most of his time “with the band” and coming back drunk most nights.
The story was an interesting look at how the Catholic Church dealt with expectant mothers who weren’t married, and although you’d think going to a convent for help they would be well looked after, it didn’t work out that way at all. But I did find that it was unnecessarily confusing and jumped around with the timelines quite a lot.
I found myself not wanting to sit down and carry on with the book, but I did persevere with it because I wanted to know how it turned out. The writing was beautiful and some of the descriptions really did make you feel like you were there. The ending seemed quite rushed and after 95% of the book being emotional and there not seeming like there would be a happy ending, the last few pages of the book seemed to solve everything quickly. It would have been nice to have a few more pages around that and questions answered around whether Aoife ever found out what happened to her daughter.
Thank you to Esther and Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.
The story follows three women Aoife, Rosaleen and Kate, who are three generations of the same family. Throughout the book Aoife is wondering where her daughter has gone as she seems to have vanished without a trace after coming home one Christmas and then never to be heard from again. Rosaleen has her own secret, that she is pregnant with a married man’s baby and finds herself going to a convent to have her baby, and this book sheds some light on the horrors that unmarried mothers had to suffer before and after giving birth and having their babies taken from them. Kate was adopted and is trying to find out information about her birth mother whilst also trying to cope with her husband who spends most of his time “with the band” and coming back drunk most nights.
The story was an interesting look at how the Catholic Church dealt with expectant mothers who weren’t married, and although you’d think going to a convent for help they would be well looked after, it didn’t work out that way at all. But I did find that it was unnecessarily confusing and jumped around with the timelines quite a lot.
I found myself not wanting to sit down and carry on with the book, but I did persevere with it because I wanted to know how it turned out. The writing was beautiful and some of the descriptions really did make you feel like you were there. The ending seemed quite rushed and after 95% of the book being emotional and there not seeming like there would be a happy ending, the last few pages of the book seemed to solve everything quickly. It would have been nice to have a few more pages around that and questions answered around whether Aoife ever found out what happened to her daughter.
Thank you to Esther and Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.
ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Familiars in Books
Jul 14, 2019 (Updated Jul 14, 2019)
The fact that this book is based on true events makes it all the more harrowing, in my opinion. When people ask “What era would you like to visit or live in?”, I pretty much always answer “I’m fine just where I am. I rather like the antibiotics, general freedom and option not to be hung and/ or burned as a witch, thanks very much”. I do however, very much like reading about the past, and this gives a fascinating insight to the Pendle Hill Witch Trials.
Fleetwood is seventeen years old and pregnant for the fourth time. Her three previous pregnancies have all resulted in stillbirth or miscarriage, and she has found letters from a doctor to her husband, saying that she will not survive another. She meets Alice Grey, who is a midwife, by chance. Alice promises to help her give birth to a living child, and assures her that she will survive the birth.
The fact that Alice is a midwife leaves her vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft, and accused she is. Fleetwood is adamant that she will save her as she is her friend and the only person who will be able to save hers and her baby’s lives. No one takes Fleetwood seriously though; when they do take her seriously, they expect her to go home and knuckle down to the more womanly pursuits of child bearing and being a wife.
Fleetwoods frustration is described so well - no one will listen, and no one will help. It’s such a tense atmosphere - Fleetwood just wants to help,her friend, and there are so many obstacles in the way. Even her social standing is no deterrent if someone were to accuse her of witchcraft if she becomes too troublesome (there’s the example of Margaret Pearson in the story, whose maid accused her of having a toad as a familiar, and spent time in the stocks before being imprisoned)
I really enjoyed this book, and I’ll be waiting for whatever the author writes next (I’m on the mailing list!).
Many thanks to Readers First for my copy of this book.
Fleetwood is seventeen years old and pregnant for the fourth time. Her three previous pregnancies have all resulted in stillbirth or miscarriage, and she has found letters from a doctor to her husband, saying that she will not survive another. She meets Alice Grey, who is a midwife, by chance. Alice promises to help her give birth to a living child, and assures her that she will survive the birth.
The fact that Alice is a midwife leaves her vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft, and accused she is. Fleetwood is adamant that she will save her as she is her friend and the only person who will be able to save hers and her baby’s lives. No one takes Fleetwood seriously though; when they do take her seriously, they expect her to go home and knuckle down to the more womanly pursuits of child bearing and being a wife.
Fleetwoods frustration is described so well - no one will listen, and no one will help. It’s such a tense atmosphere - Fleetwood just wants to help,her friend, and there are so many obstacles in the way. Even her social standing is no deterrent if someone were to accuse her of witchcraft if she becomes too troublesome (there’s the example of Margaret Pearson in the story, whose maid accused her of having a toad as a familiar, and spent time in the stocks before being imprisoned)
I really enjoyed this book, and I’ll be waiting for whatever the author writes next (I’m on the mailing list!).
Many thanks to Readers First for my copy of this book.
That Reminds Me
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WINNER OF THE DESMOND ELLIOTT PRIZE 2020 ___________________________________ 'A dreamy,...
Jenny Houle (24 KP) rated The Toddler Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Whiny Unfed in Books
Jan 13, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Basically written much like a zombie survival guide, THE TODDLER SURVIVAL GUIDE is meant to amuse while showing parents how to basically toddler proof their lives. Helpful reminders about needing to step up the baby proofing because toddlers can and will climb EVERYTHING are sprinkled throughout the humor, etc.
As a non-parent surrounded by the parents of toddlers (and a few almost toddlers), the book made me laugh until I almost peed my pants, thinking of the horror stories they tell. It's like a built in birth control book, as if my friends' stories were not that enough already.
The book would be a great present for those parents who need to be reminded their struggles are not unique and they are not completely alone (all though, realistically, those parents don't have time to read a book). I'd also say it's a must read for those deciding if they are ready to have kids :-)
Basically written much like a zombie survival guide, THE TODDLER SURVIVAL GUIDE is meant to amuse while showing parents how to basically toddler proof their lives. Helpful reminders about needing to step up the baby proofing because toddlers can and will climb EVERYTHING are sprinkled throughout the humor, etc.
As a non-parent surrounded by the parents of toddlers (and a few almost toddlers), the book made me laugh until I almost peed my pants, thinking of the horror stories they tell. It's like a built in birth control book, as if my friends' stories were not that enough already.
The book would be a great present for those parents who need to be reminded their struggles are not unique and they are not completely alone (all though, realistically, those parents don't have time to read a book). I'd also say it's a must read for those deciding if they are ready to have kids :-)
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Silver Sparrow in Books
May 10, 2018
Two women, two daughters. One who can speak openly about her father, one who has to hide who her father is. He isn't even named correctly on her birth certificate. One knows about the other, one is in the dark. When the two of them become friends, what will be revealed about each others lives that makes this friendship seem a little odd.
Dana & Chaurisse are sisters. James Witherspoon is their father. They are only a few months apart in age. They live in the same town, and often cross paths. Dana misses out on a lot of things because her father doesn't want her to run into Chaurisse and expose this secret. But living in the same town, this secret won't stay secret for long. How will Chaurisse act when she find out the girl she has befriended is really her sister. That her father has been living a double life all these years. That she has been running into her sister and her mother all her life, but never realized that these people were of any significance to her.
Dana & Chaurisse are sisters. James Witherspoon is their father. They are only a few months apart in age. They live in the same town, and often cross paths. Dana misses out on a lot of things because her father doesn't want her to run into Chaurisse and expose this secret. But living in the same town, this secret won't stay secret for long. How will Chaurisse act when she find out the girl she has befriended is really her sister. That her father has been living a double life all these years. That she has been running into her sister and her mother all her life, but never realized that these people were of any significance to her.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Quatermass Xperiment (1955) in Movies
Mar 4, 2018 (Updated Mar 4, 2018)
The original Hammer horror movie; the studio did actually know how to spell 'experiment', but the title refers to the 'X' certificate that all self-respecting horror films had at the time this was made. Astronaut comes back from space a changed man; the rest of his crew mysteriously vanished - just what went on out there? Professor Q must figure it out before the mutation afflicting the astronaut reaches its final form.
Actually really, really tame as a horror movie by modern standards, obviously, but also of great historical interest as the birth of a legend in British cinema. One can't help suspecting the TV show was a lot more thoughtful, but this still works pretty well as an SF movie, and an influential one at that, and the juxtaposition of B-movie SF ideas and images with post-war Britain is interesting. Imported American star Brian Donlevy is not very good as Professor Q (original writer Nigel Kneale claimed he was on the sauce all the time); Richard Wordsworth is mesmerising as the doomed astronaut.
Actually really, really tame as a horror movie by modern standards, obviously, but also of great historical interest as the birth of a legend in British cinema. One can't help suspecting the TV show was a lot more thoughtful, but this still works pretty well as an SF movie, and an influential one at that, and the juxtaposition of B-movie SF ideas and images with post-war Britain is interesting. Imported American star Brian Donlevy is not very good as Professor Q (original writer Nigel Kneale claimed he was on the sauce all the time); Richard Wordsworth is mesmerising as the doomed astronaut.
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated When Love Returns (The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy #3) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
Kim Sawyer is one talented author. If you have not read one of her books you should. Her series "The Zimmerman Restoration" has a wonderful ending. You can check out my reviews to "When Mercy Rains" and "When Grace Sings".
Well, "When Love Returns" starts out a little tension with Suzanne and Alexa. They are celebrating Christmas with all the family. Alexa wants to find her birth mother. When Alexa tells her mom Suzanne. Suzanne is a little unsure and startled by her daughter. Suzanne learns that she will be with Anna Grace for two months. It starts with the unsealing all reasons and the secret that only started it all.
Throughout the book, Suzanne Turns to Paul to talk about Anna Grace and Alexa. What will happen with Suzanne and Paul? I believe it will come full circle. Paul starts wanting to talk to Suzanne and talk about his son Danny. Will the members of the fellowship allow Suzanne back in? To find out all these answers and Alexa answers to her questions, you will need to read "When Love Returns'?
Well, "When Love Returns" starts out a little tension with Suzanne and Alexa. They are celebrating Christmas with all the family. Alexa wants to find her birth mother. When Alexa tells her mom Suzanne. Suzanne is a little unsure and startled by her daughter. Suzanne learns that she will be with Anna Grace for two months. It starts with the unsealing all reasons and the secret that only started it all.
Throughout the book, Suzanne Turns to Paul to talk about Anna Grace and Alexa. What will happen with Suzanne and Paul? I believe it will come full circle. Paul starts wanting to talk to Suzanne and talk about his son Danny. Will the members of the fellowship allow Suzanne back in? To find out all these answers and Alexa answers to her questions, you will need to read "When Love Returns'?
Erika (17789 KP) rated Mary Queen of Scots (2018) in Movies
Dec 23, 2018
I finally saw this film yesterday, and I'm not going to nitpick the historical inaccuracies that much. The only one that really bothered me was Mary having a Scottish accent when she was raised in France. I did roll my eyes at some of them, but honestly, I'm not going to b about it.
The costumes were absolutely beautiful, and I really liked the general story line. Though, I can live my entire life without seeing another damn birth scene in a film. They're all the same, please cut it out film industry.
All of the actors were well suited to their roles, and I did overall enjoy it. The film starts out with the execution scene (not a spoiler alert, it happened in the 1580s), and I was slightly confused as to why Mary hadn't aged at all, but it's definitely explained in the end. It was very effective story telling. This film definitely had the aim of rehabilitating Mary's image, and I believe it was mostly successful. I would definitely see this film again.
The costumes were absolutely beautiful, and I really liked the general story line. Though, I can live my entire life without seeing another damn birth scene in a film. They're all the same, please cut it out film industry.
All of the actors were well suited to their roles, and I did overall enjoy it. The film starts out with the execution scene (not a spoiler alert, it happened in the 1580s), and I was slightly confused as to why Mary hadn't aged at all, but it's definitely explained in the end. It was very effective story telling. This film definitely had the aim of rehabilitating Mary's image, and I believe it was mostly successful. I would definitely see this film again.
Versusyours (757 KP) rated Seasons in the Sun: The Battle for Britain, 1974-1979 in Books
Nov 6, 2019
Extensive research (1 more)
Detailed storytelling
Informative journey back to when taste was yet to be invented
As a lover of British life on the 70s but to young to have lived it, this book was as good as a time machine and gave a normal and somtimes bizzare look at how Britain felt and how life was being lived. The birth of Punk and the turbulent political system were linked due to the effect on youth and this disaffection became a catalyst that is still felt today. The strikes that shaped the view still held to this day of a broken Britain with dead no longer being buried, piles of rubbish in Trafalgar Square and the miners who play a part in the next book in the series. This book is for those that have a live of detail and the writing style allows this book to be read with speed and ease.
Overall this book and the rest of the series give the reader the chance to relive or live a fresh version on the 1950, 1960s and the glorious 70s.
Overall this book and the rest of the series give the reader the chance to relive or live a fresh version on the 1950, 1960s and the glorious 70s.