Well what can I say, just could not put this book down, how frustrated that June must have felt not being able to help the mothers as much as she wanted to. How she must have been feeling knowing that these Mothers were having to give up their children and to never see or know where they were ever and the lack of medical help.
For all the hardship she was their light in the darkest hour
Excellent book - this is a riveting read (Rating 5 of 5)
» J. Kisseih
June Goulding tells the story of her life as a midwife in a home for unmarried mothers in 1950s Ireland with the utmost compassion and despite the rules and regulations by the spinster women who ran the home she had her own unique rebellious spirit in helping these poor girls
An eye-opener (Rating 5 of 5)
» Kate S-B
This book gave a really good insight into how the 1950's was in Ireland at least, for unmarried pregnant women. Scarey to think really that it's not that long ago! My parents were born in the '50's, and how life could have been so different for them amazes me. It's a wonder how I know my Grandparents really. But then my parents were born in England, with presumably married parents.
The book focuses on the life of a midwife working in a home for unmarried mothers. It details how these poor pregnant women were treated in this home, and how the 'Sister' of the home treated them. It is very sad, and heartbreaking.
The women in the home were made to stay, and after working there for 3 years after their child was born, they were to watch as their child was taken away to a new family. After 3 years of knowing and looking after your child to have them taken from you - just beggars belief! Of course, if you could scrape together some money in the '50's you could leave after 10 days instead.
The book is well written, and although the writer does occasionally digress, I think that makes it more real. Like she is sitting there thinking about what she is telling us.
I never knew these places existed, so this book was a bit of an education to me, a sad truth.
The book as a whole, was good, 8/10
Extraordinary, gripping and moving story that needs a gentle make-over (Rating 3 of 5)
» eatsshootsandreads
I struggled scoring this book
simply because i would give it
5 stars for the actual content of the story
but only 2 for the way it was put together.
Hence the 3 stars.
I picked this book up and couldnt put it down -
I read it from cover to cover in 2 days
it's only a short book and in easy to manage chapters
I love the voice in this book
I could almost hear June's soft Irish accent speak
and that seems so perfect as it reflects her caring nursing personality as well.
I sobbed thru some of the cruelty especially by the sister and felt moved by the plight of the women.
Yeah, me too - I also wonder why June waited so long to tell the story but then i guess if she was working there 50 years she's been too busy? At first I did also wonder how a woman so determined and so kind didnt report the sister but then having done some research it appears that the evil treatment inflicted by the Sister was normal for that time and that indeed it was June that was extraordinary, perhaps she didnt feel it prudent to take the system on.
But despite the content of this book being gripping
the writting wasnt as endearing.
There were often sentences that seemed random
and i wondered if the book had been heavily edited maybe for legal reasons or if the publishers had merely asked for some more information and it had been badly slotted in -
who knows.
In parts we would be engrossed in the action only to have it all tied up in a short final paragraph!
The publishers should have used a ghost writer to tidy this book up because it has enormous potential and the story in itself is worthy of a blockbuster film
fantastically moving read (Rating 5 of 5)
» J. WALKER
BRILLIANT READ - BUY IT!
This was such a moving tale from June, the author who helped so many vulnerable women at a very traumatic time in their lives. I imagine this book will bring back painful memories for all concerned. June should be very proud of her time at the institute.
I admired her courage in going behind other nuns backs to ensure that some of the women received some degree of care by a dedicated nurse.
You should be very proud of yourself June Goulding -a story worth telling
(Rating 5 of 5)
(Rating 3 of 5)
