The Encircled Heart

The author writes with first hand knowledge of the experiences of a woman doctor in the 1930s and 40s. Marion Blake is a young doctor with a growing practice living with her pathologist friend, Philippa. She is totally and happily absorbed in her work - of which we are given fascinating descriptions - until she meets and marries Paul Shepherd, a university lecturer and aspiring playwright. Inevitably conflicts arise when Paul, an indulged only son, wants Marion entirely to himself but she can't give up her practice. The introduction includes the text of a talk the author gave to the Women's Institute on her medical training at Girton and the London Hospital in Whitechapel. Originally published in 1951.