
As the effects of the war raging in Europe begin to be felt at home in London, Monica Dickens decides to do her bit and to pursue a new career, and so enrols as a student nurse at a hospital in rural Hertfordshire. By nature clever and spirited, she struggles to submit to the iron rule of the Matron and Sisters, and is alternately infuriated and charmed by her patients. That's not to mention the mountains of menial work that are a trainee's lot. But there are friends among the staff and patients, night-time escapades to dances with dashing army men, and her secret writing project to keep her going.
When the onset of World War II prompts a young woman to enlist as a student nurse, she finds her independent spirit immediately at odds with the rigid hierarchy of a rural hospital. Monica Dickens navigates the grueling physical demands of hospital life, where she must balance the exhausting reality of menial labor with the strict, often arbitrary authority of the nursing staff. Her objective is to contribute to the war effort while maintaining her own identity, a goal complicated by the hospital's unforgiving environment and the constant pressure to conform. The narrative, presented with a sharp, observational wit, captures the friction between her personal ambitions and the institutional expectations of wartime Britain.
Readers frequently highlight the book's balance of humor and genuine insight into the challenges of the nursing profession. Discussion often centers on the protagonist's growth as she transitions from a spirited outsider to a capable member of the hospital staff. Critics appreciate the vivid characterizations of the Matron and various patients, which provide a nuanced look at the social structures of the era. The pacing is noted for its steady progression, effectively capturing both the monotony of hospital chores and the excitement of off-duty social life. Many readers find the narrative style to be engaging and authentic, reflecting the author's own experiences with clarity and wit.
Page Count:
224
Publication Date:
1976-01-01
Publisher:
PENGUIN BOOKS LTD
ISBN-10:
0140009698
ISBN-13:
9780140009699
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