Shadows of the Workhouse

'Worth's portrait is subtle, skilfully describing a sense of community that no longer exists' FINANCIAL TIMESTHE SECOND BOOK IN THE BESTSELLING TRILOGY BEHIND THE HIT BBC SERIESFrom the No. 1 bestselling author of Call the Midwife comes another fascinating slice of 1950s East End life, as seen through the eyes of the midwives and women who lived through it. In the follow-up to her bestselling Call the Midwife, Jennifer Worth tells the true stories of the people she met as a midwife in the East End of London in the 1950s. There's Peggy and Frank, who were separated in the workhouse when their parents died - until Frank's strength and determination enabled him to make a home for them both. Jane was a bright, lively child, whose spirit was broken by cruelty, until she found kindness and love later in life. Then there is the matchmaking nun, Sister Julienne, and Sister Monica Joan, who ends up in the High Court . . . Shadows of the Workhouse is a story of resilience and community, a celebration of those who lived, worked and dared to dream in one of London's poorest communities. Jennifer Worth enraptures with her trademark wit and humanity, providing a fascinating insight into a past world. 'Be warned, it's a real tear-jerker - but it also makes you very grateful for the life we have today' WOMAN MAGAZINE