REVIEW: "The Wet Nurse's Tale" by Erica Eisdorfer

Like many lower class women in Victorian England, Susan Rose spends her days serving and supporting the wealthy. After she becomes pregnant by her master’s son, Susan decides to leave her job as a maid and find work as a wet nurse. Though her newest position in servitude allows her to live upstairs and earn more money, Susan quickly learns it has certain drawbacks as well. Filled with scandals, secrets, and schemes, The Wet Nurse’s Tale is an engaging story about a remarkable woman whose job ultimately saves her family and sets her free.

I absolutely fell in love with Susan Rose! The author was right in choosing to write this story in the first person. It allows the reader to get to know Susan Rose as an individual. Her sincerity and vivacious personality shine through despite the injustices she endures and the domestic tribulations she survives. I found myself cheering her on and hoping she would find happiness.

The Wet Nurse’s Tale is truly a timeless book and I would recommend it to all readers. In fact, it would make for an excellent book club selection. There is plenty of material to discuss in this novel including history, motherhood, insanity, and abuse. The publisher has compiled a set of suggested discussion questions you can find here.

I received this book directly from the author.