I decided to read Ooh Matron mainly because of the positive buzz and vibe I had heard about it in various FB groups and on Twitter. I like memoirs, especially ones full of funny anecdotes and the wisdom that comes with age.
I will say, right from the start, that Ooh Matron is a well written, well researched and generally very interesting book, but as a memoir to set me giggling in mirth, not so much. I guess my main gripe is the cover. The cover, tended to suggest a humorous content and the author did also make reference to the "Carry On" films, in the introduction. This led me to believe it would be chock full of hilarious goings-on in the medical profession. That certainly was not the case. Yes, there were a few anecdotes of student nursing shenanigans, but not what I felt the cover lead me to think
What Ooh Matron is, is a thoughtful and thorough documentation of the training of a student nurse in the 1980's. For what it was, I enjoyed the book. I was impressed by the author's knowledge (still) of what she went through to achieve the coveted status of Qualified Nurse. I also liked her well researched and interesting bonus features about the history of psychiatric nursing. An interesting counterpoint in the book is the description, by the author's stepdaughter, a newly degree graduated Nurse, comparing the training of the 1980's with today.
If you are thinking of buying this book for a hilarious romp through a student nurse's eyes, I would say don't, but if you like honest, well-written and well-researched memoirs, especially if you have a medical background, this is a lovely book to read. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the read and am definitely encouraged to read more from Butfield and find out where her nursing career led her next. A good, solid four stars from me.
You can find more of Butfield's work here: http://amzn.to/1Uf8eCL
I will say, right from the start, that Ooh Matron is a well written, well researched and generally very interesting book, but as a memoir to set me giggling in mirth, not so much. I guess my main gripe is the cover. The cover, tended to suggest a humorous content and the author did also make reference to the "Carry On" films, in the introduction. This led me to believe it would be chock full of hilarious goings-on in the medical profession. That certainly was not the case. Yes, there were a few anecdotes of student nursing shenanigans, but not what I felt the cover lead me to think
What Ooh Matron is, is a thoughtful and thorough documentation of the training of a student nurse in the 1980's. For what it was, I enjoyed the book. I was impressed by the author's knowledge (still) of what she went through to achieve the coveted status of Qualified Nurse. I also liked her well researched and interesting bonus features about the history of psychiatric nursing. An interesting counterpoint in the book is the description, by the author's stepdaughter, a newly degree graduated Nurse, comparing the training of the 1980's with today.
If you are thinking of buying this book for a hilarious romp through a student nurse's eyes, I would say don't, but if you like honest, well-written and well-researched memoirs, especially if you have a medical background, this is a lovely book to read. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the read and am definitely encouraged to read more from Butfield and find out where her nursing career led her next. A good, solid four stars from me.
You can find more of Butfield's work here: http://amzn.to/1Uf8eCL
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