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  • Shadows of the Workhouse

  • The Drama of Life in Postwar London
  • By: Jennifer Worth
  • Narrated by: Anne Reid
  • Length: 5 hrs and 5 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (143 ratings)
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Shadows of the Workhouse cover art

Shadows of the Workhouse

By: Jennifer Worth
Narrated by: Anne Reid
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Summary

The inspiration for the second series of the BBC's phenomenally popular Call the Midwife, starring Miranda Hart. In this follow-up to Call the Midwife, Jennifer Worth, a midwife working in the docklands area of East London in the 1950s, tells more stories about the people she encountered.

There's Jane, who cleaned and generally helped out at Nonnatus House - she was taken to the workhouse as a baby and was allegedly the illegitimate daughter of an aristocrat.

Peggy and Frank's parents both died within six months of one another, and the children were left destitute. At the time there was no other option for them but the workhouse.

The Reverend Thornton-Appleby-Thorton, a missionary in Africa, visits the Nonnatus nuns, and Sister Julienne acts as matchmaker. And Sister Monica Joan, the eccentric 90-year-old nun, is accused of shoplifting some small items from the local market. She is let off with a warning, but then Jennifer finds stolen jewels from Hatton Garden in the nun's room. These stories give a fascinating insight into the resilience and spirit that enabled ordinary people to overcome their difficulties.

©2008 Jennifer Worth (P)2008 Orion Publishing Group
  • Abridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
Biographies & Memoirs Europe
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What listeners say about Shadows of the Workhouse

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

interesting.

narrator was good. it was a good listen. would recommend to Call The Midwife fans.

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Profile Image for mrs donnamariea curzon

Great Narrator

Very emotional. Had me laughing & crying.
How horrid families being split up in The Workhouses.

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Profile Image for Kathcolours33

Excellent

Excellent book, well worth listening too. The narrator was very good and the stories were heartbreaking, but gripping. Jennifer Worth is wonderful woman with the gift of writing.

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Profile Image for miss emma c thomas

fantastic book

fantastic book can not wait to read hear another war time midwife book 5 stars all the way

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Profile Image for Hazel Cade

Shadows of the workhouse

Excellent story and narrator i could not put the book down just never wanted the story to end

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Profile Image for Amy Hepworth

wonderful

a detailed history into what the world used to be like. to think workhouses were real places where this happened. listened to this several time and it still has me tearing up.

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Profile Image for E Stove

Great book

Brilliant read from start to finish!
Recommend it too everyone can't wait to read the next book!

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Profile Image for maria Walton

shadows of the workhouse

really enjoyed this book as i am the biggest fan of call the midwife its sad to read/listen but overall a good story of love and hope

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Profile Image for Live, Love, Dance

everyone should read Jenny Worths books!

Couldn't put it down. Brilliant memories of hardship suffered by ordinary people. very touching & poignant!

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Profile Image for Amanda T.

enlightening

Narrator was brilliant! Great book. Reccommend. couldn't put it down as so interesting. Loved it

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