A Nurse's Life in War and Peace

"A Nurse's Life in War and Peace" by E. C. (Eleanor Constance) Laurence is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author's life as a nurse, starting from her initial dreams of joining the profession to her real experiences in hospitals and during wartime. The narrative follows her transformation from a student eager to escape her schooling to a dedicated healthcare provider, particularly during the Boer War and in South Africa. Through her words, readers gain an understanding of the difficulties nurses faced while serving in different environments, both in regular hospitals and on the front lines. The story begins with the protagonist's strong wish to become a nurse, motivated by a need to find a purpose and influenced by the Royal Red Cross. Despite being in a normal school environment, she dreams of leaving to pursue her nursing goals, convinced that her health made her more suitable for taking care of others. She shares her travels, her eagerness for scientific knowledge, and her unwavering resolve to train as a nurse in a major hospital, paving the way for her future adventures.