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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
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (42 ratings)

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Shadows of the Workhouse

By: Jennifer Worth
Narrated by: Anne Reid
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Publisher's 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

What listeners say about Shadows of the Workhouse

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A look into the not too distant past

A tale that was heartbreaking, outrageous, and cruel.

Well written, and I enjoyed the narration.

I'm disappointed to learn it is an abridged version, assuming another review is correct.

The double-edged sword of social welfare has come a long way in 100 years.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

shadows of the workhouse

loved it fantastic story with great passion for historical events..highly recommend it nursing fans

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it

A brilliant insight into the UK life from the late 1800s to 1950s. Loved every minute and great narration. Highly recommended

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I loved the story.

the narators voice was a little anoying, glad it wasn't a long book. great story.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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abridged version

I assumed this was the full story unfortunately it was not otherwise it was fine

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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How fortunate we are!

Listening to the past can change your future, It is strange, How we reflect on our own happiness, When we see other's sorrow.
Thank you Nurse Lee.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Heartbreaking

This was absolutely heart breaking. Beautifully written and spoken. Definitely recommend for history lovers. Don't take for granted what we have now.

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