"An enchanting mix of mystery, social history and family dynamics. A delightful story that was a joy to read."
Letters from Alice is an enchanting mix of mystery, social history and family dynamics. It focuses on the work of almoners (usually women), who were the forerunners to modern social workers, responsible for the welfare of hospital patients and their families. Petrina Banfield brings to life the sounds, sights and aromas of 1920s London in a cleverly crafted drama that reads like fiction but is steeped in fact. I was mesmerised by almoner Alice Hudson’s story, which is based on original archive material – reports, newspaper articles, letters, receipts and even weather reports. Letters from Alice was hard to put down, with its realistic colourful characters, a mystery to solve and vivid descriptions of the grit and grime of the poorest parts of London. This is a thought-provoking read and also incredibly moving, highlighting the hardships experienced by many families at that time. Yet despite the sadness of the story, I also found myself full of hope, knowing that these hardworking almoners were fighting for patients’ rights and welfare. If you have an interest in social history (whether non-fiction or fiction), this is a perfect choice for you - a delightful story, a learning experience and a joy to read. Perfect for fans of Call the Midwife and other British dramas.
| Primary Genre | Non-Fiction Books of the Month |
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A lovely story based on real-life facts. Alice beginning her work as an Almoner - feeling she had taken on more than she could manage finds a way through to a satisfactory resolution.
A lovely story based on real-life facts. Alice beginning her work as an Almoner - feeling she had taken on more than she could manage finds a way through to a satisfactory resolution.
This is a book that is more than just a good read, you learn something about social history and how we have, or maybe not, moved on!... Read Full Review
A totally captivating account of a newly qualified almoner in London's East End. Well written, well researched, based on real life stories. So different from what you have read so far, a must for any historian.
I found this story fascinating and intresting. The story is about a qualified almoner in 1920s London's East End. It was a subject that I had never reallly come across before at all. The almoner Alice through her work uncovers a secret that will changes lives forever, of a father who has been abusing his daughter, who ends up pregnant. We also meet Hetty who has cancer, Jams/Jimmy who use the system to get free treatment. The use of young girls with mental health problems by males for their own needs.
This book is totally fascinating, eye opening and leaves you with the feeling of "I didn't know that could happen". You are taken on a journey by Alice who leaves you wanting to know more about this little known subject. Always informative and the stories are based on real life stories.... Read Full Review
Alice is an almoner at the Royal Free Hospital in the 1920's - she is responsible for the social care for a number of patients who we read about in the book, including Charlotte, who carries a dark secret.
The concept of Letters from Alice came about after the author was researching something from her own family history. She learned about the work of the almoners and was inspired to write a story based on the facts she discovered and histories of real people.
The book is based on the goings on of the Royal Free Hospital at a time shortly after the First World War. You follow Alice in her work as an almoner, which was basically a social worker of the day.
There are some key characters which build into the story and the book is full of history and mystery.... Read Full Review
