Aimee W. (peculiarway) - reviewed on 10/11/2020 + 8 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

A very timely read, set in a makeshift Dublin fever/maternity ward during the 1918 flu pandemic at the end of the Great War. The story unfolds over three days in the life of nurse Julia Powers, both inside and outside of the hospital. I paused occasionally to read up on certain references, as my knowledge of Irish history isn't the strongest. A doctor, Kathleen Lynn, is the only âreal' person featured in the book, but Julia, Bridie Sweeney and the rest are very believable for the location and time periodâbearing the challenges and scars of poverty and neglect, lack of education, disease, war and rebellion, and the impact of multiple pregnancies and births. Parts of the book are quite graphic for those who may be squeamish; coming from a medical background, I enjoyed them. Good for fans of Call the Midwife. It's not a happy tale, but I found myself captivated nonetheless. The ending did feel rushed, and it felt like an awful lot happened in the last 50 pages. Still a great read.

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