The Wet Nurse's Tale by Erica Eisdorfer

The Wet Nurse's Tale by Erica Eisdorfer


Set in Victorian England, this is the story of Susan Rose, the daughter of a wet nurse who finds herself taking on the same job.

On the surface, the book describes her journey from single parent to wet nurse, and her struggles along the way with her family, her work, her employers, etc.

But there's also another story being told. It's the story of women from all walks of life and their experiences with motherhood, pregnancy, PPD, etc. We meet women who want to nurse their babies but can't, women who don't want to nurse. Women who must help their husbands or take care of other children and are just too busy. We see women who are helpers to their husbands, who are lovers, and also those that are at the mercy of men who are cruel to them.

And throughout the book is the love Susan has for her child, and the lengths she will go for him. She will risk everything for this child.

I'm not a huge reader of historical fiction, but this one completely captivated me! I highly recommend it - for the story of the women, the historical significance, and the beautiful writing and plot.