One Pair of Feet

Virago Modern Classics

By: Monica Dickens, Lissa Evans

Narrated by: Katy Sobey

INTRODUCED BY LISSA EVANS

Considering herself unsuitable for any other contribution to the war effort, Monica Dickens opts for nursing, imagining herself gliding through the wards, serene in a pure white halo cap. On enrolment, however, she is promptly stripped of all illusions. Intelligent and headstrong, Monica struggles to submit to the iron rule of the Matron and toils over the mountains of menial work that are a trainee's lot. But there are friends among the staff and patients, night-time escapades to dances with dashing army men and her secret writing project to keep her going.

One Pair of Feet is a witty and brilliantly observed autobiographical novel, based upon Monica Dickens's own trials and tribulations as a wartime nurse.

If you enjoyed One Pair of Feet, you will love the novel that followed it. My Turn to Make the Tea, Monica Dickens's lively and entertaining novel about life as a cub reporter on a regional newspaper, is also published as a Virago Modern Classic.

©1942 Monica Dickens (P)2022 Hachette Audio UK

Critic reviews

"I envy anyone yet to discover the joy of Monica Dickens...she's blissfully funny." (Nina Stibbe)

"One Pair of Feet is not just a spirited and entertaining account of the training of a hospital nurse in wartime but a fascinating glimpse into a time and a culture so recent and yet so utterly changed." (Marina Lewycka)

"A brilliantly funny account of the first and only year of her training to be a nurse." (Elizabeth Bowen)