It's set in the East End of London. I'm not exactly sure of the timeframe but at most a couple of generations back. It's the story of a young woman who is starting out as a midwife working with others like herself but also nuns whom I believe had been traditionally providing the service. I think, but am not sure, that this was the start of the National Health Service. It's as much about the others - the other midwives and the nuns - as it is about her.

It's quite moving and touches on social issues. I'd give an example but the one I'm thinking of would be a big spoiler. It's something like James Herriot (written by the PoV character) but less humor, although it's not drear. I liked it quite a bit.