The Nightingale Daughters is the story of a new generation of nurses beginning their training at the Nightingale Hospital in London’s East End in the 1950s. For fans of the original Nightingale series, there are some familiar faces and continuation of stories but this book stands alone quite easily. It’s a comfort read of young women finding where they fit in as well as the exploration of some darker themes.

The main two characters of the novel are Dora and her daughter Winnie. Dora was one of the ‘original’ Nightingales who now works as a district nurse, while Winnie has decided to apply for nursing training in secret. She fears that her mother doesn’t approve of her after she was (unfairly) fired from her last job. Dora and Winnie have an uneasy peace between them – both are alike in their fiery natures but aren’t willing to discuss the hurt that each one feels. When Winnie is accepted for preliminary training, Dora is excited but worried for her daughter, which Winnie hears as disapproval. Winnie shares the same room that her mother did at the nurses’ home with two others – Viv, who intends to be thrown out as soon as possible to spend more time with her boyfriend and Beth, who feels it is her duty to become a nurse in her sister’s honour. There are the usual scrapes and disagreements, as well as the typical know it all in their group of trainees as the young women work towards their exams. Although very different, the three girls become friends of sorts as they sort through who they want to be and support each other through tough times.

There is also a new point of view from the new matron Helen, who was one of the original Nightingales getting used to her new role and separation from her husband. Plus, she has concerns that her brother (who is married to best friend and former fellow nurse Millie) is up to no good. Having the balance between the younger and older group made for a nice balance and differing perspectives of life in the 1950s, relationships and work.

As always, the Nightingale novels are heartwarming and light to read. The majority of issues are dealt with and tied up within the novel, although there are a few cliffhangers that make me confident that another book is soon to come. My only disappointment was that there was no stories of the wards and patients, rather just one of Dora’s district nursing patients who was having a hard time at home. There are serious issues dealt with in the story, such as assault and infidelity, but they are handled sensitively with the overall tone of the book staying positive.

I do enjoy this series and look forward to the next instalment!

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