NCW Libraries

The Call the midwife trilogy is comprised of Call the midwife (not included here, c2002), Shadows of the workhouse (this book, c2005), and Farewell to the East End (not included here, c2009). Together, this series chronicles Jennifer Worth's career as a midwife from start to finish, from her arrival in the war-scarred Docklands as a wide-eyed trainee, to the demolition of the tenements and subsequent closure of Nonnatus House. It provides a fascinating...

It's 1968 and Enoch Powell's infamous 'Rivers of Blood' speech creates serious tension in Poplar, especially when a group of dockers march in support of Powell. The midwives welcome a new nun, Sister Veronica, who's an instant hit with everyone, except Nurse Crane. Meanwhile, Trixie's relationship with Matthew goes from strength to strength, while Nurse Crane helps Nancy with her financial woes. Sister Julienne enjoys helping out on the district rounds,...

A drama about the lives of a group of midwives who care for expectant mothers in the East End of London during the 1950s.

It's 1966, and it's a testing time for the midwives. But there's excitement, too, as the women's rights movement intensifies. With Trixie's help, Sister Julienne is determined to steer Nonnatus House of its financial quandary. Dr. Turner deals with an array of difficult cases including a former soldier involved in nuclear test explosion. Meanwhile, Sister Monica Joan experiences a crisis of faith, and Sister Frances realizes she needs to be a little...

Season Two continues to follow Jenny and the other midwives as they deal with all the problems the neighborhood of Poplar has to throw at them. A fascinating portrayal of birth, life, death and a community on the brink of huge social change, Call the Midwife offers a gripping insight into a way of life that is so drastically different from how we live now.

The team reunites but all is not well when a change of management shakes up Nonnatus House.

Cynthia is concerned during a visit as she feels new mother Pamela is overly anxious. Dr. Turner arranges for a psychiatrist to visit but on their return, Pamela and the baby are missing. Dr. Turner and Shelagh continue with the adoption process but one of his references from a man he served with during the war leads to the uncovering of a devastating secret.

A Chinese first-time mother faces an unexpected crisis.

An expectant mother buckles under the strains of pregnancy, as Tom provides pastoral care.

Sister Julienne and Cynthia are busy packaging up donated clothing for charity. Dr Turner suggests that Shelagh takes over the running of Nonnatus House so that an exhausted Sister Julienne can recuperate. Nonnatus House also sees the arrival of new nurse, Patsy. Her no nonsense, hard-working attitude and sense of humor means she's an immediate hit with the nuns and midwives.