A Nurse's Tale by Ola Awonubi is a poignant and touching dual timeline story inspired by real people and events. WWII was a horrendous time and the Blitz in London extremely brutal. Nigerian Princess Adenrele (Ade) Ademola trained to become a nurse and midwife so she could help her people during the war. Though technically royalty, she faced many obstacles, especially as she was a working black woman in a foreign country. People shunned, ridiculed and looked right through her and even refused medical treatment in life-death situations.

In 2019, Ade's great great niece Yemi is doing research in London, armed with Ade's diaries. She meets Mike who has connections to Ade. They both become involved in learning more about this unusual woman and their research causes deeper digging into the Woman of Nigeria project. Secrets, sorrows and hope are only part of what they discover.

A particular interest of mine is medicine so the midwifery and nursing side of it fascinated me to no end. It was also incredible to learn more about Nigeria and the repercussions of the war on the country. The writing itself is magic, the perspective unique and the characters beautifully written. This is a special novel, one to cling to and savour.

My sincere thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this extraordinary novel.

Princess Adenrele Ademola trained at Guy's hospital before and during the war. She made some close friends and kept diaries of both her experiences and the prejudice she encountered.
Eighty years later her great niece, Yemi, arrives in London with the diaries hoping to retrace some of her great aunts stories and frienships.

Wow, what a book. A very intriguing historical reminiscence of then and now. Entwined love with sorrow and enchantment. So much research has gone into writing this book and it must be applauded for how well it’s been documented.
It’s an eye opening book portraying what still happens today, fortunately not as common.
A must read.

This novel is based on a true story of an African nurse working in the UK. Omo-Oba Adenrele Ademola is a Nigerian princess who moves to Camden Town in the 1930's to be a nurse at Guy's Hospital. It is set during the Second World War and follows Ademola as she is aiding the survivors. It is a dual timeline novel that also follow's Ademola's great neice Yemi who begins to read her diaries.

I loved reading about nurse Ademola's stregnth and the effect that she had on the people of West Africa to follow her lead. It was especially inspiring to read the effect it had on her great neice Yemi. I liked going back and forth reading the 1930's time period and 2018, between Ademola and Yemi. It was interesting to read the differences in time period and how each character responded to the time period they lived in.

Nurse Ademola was a strong character who helped aide the survivors of World War II while also dealing with racism from those she worked with. I enjoyed reading Ademola's perspctive as well as Yemi's. Yemi begins reading Ademola's diaries and realized the adversities her great aunt went through. I thought this was done really well and kept the book interesting.

This was a great historical read and different from other historical books I've read. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction!

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse UK for this ARC for me to review it!

Nigerian Princess Ademola comes to the UK, with the blessing of her father, for education. And trains to be a midwife, so she can take these skills back to her country. Her timing finds her in the midst of blitz bombed London, surrounded by the horror of WW2.
The more personal fight she has on her hands, is with the racism and general treatment of coloured people from Africa and the Caribbean especially, who are ultimately trying to help the British survive the war.
80 years later, Yemi, who is also from Nigeria, comes to London to research 100 such inspirational women, for her work. The search becomes personal,as her love interest grows.
Really I could have enjoyed this book only with the story of Ade! But in this dual timeline book, Yemi is the catalyst for the retelling of Ades diaries. And I guess some people like to follow a more modern day romance as well as a historical one.
Ades friends and their life stories and struggles compliment and enhance her own and I was sad to finish the book.....what else happened in her life? As times changed for her and Nigeria, how did she fair? Did these things make her happy?
Thanks to NetGalley, one More Chapter and Ola Awonubi for my copy.

This is a true story of a Nigerian Princess who goes to Britain to train as a nurse and a midwife during WWII. It's also the story of her great niece, during 2019, who researches her great aunt's history. It is a very interesting historical fiction novel and the dual timelines work wonderfully together. It's saddening to read how our American GI's treated their black brothers in arms as less than. The UK was far above us not only in the way they treated black soldiers but also in their NHS programs. I loved Ade's principals (she is the Princess) and her bravery and she never rested on her royalty status. Ade's story is truly inspiring - even today! Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

'When [will] this war ever end? Not the war with Germany...but the other war. The one between races'.

In 1935, Adenrele Ademola, a Nigerian Princess, was sent to Britain to train as a nurse in order to bring her knowledge back home and help her community. As her training draws to a close, WW2 breaks out; not only delaying her return but keeping her in a country where being a different colour is often regarded with hate or some type of savage novelty, 'Sometimes it is just so tiring. The constant feeling that I have to prove that I am just as good, just as competent, just as civilised.'

80 years later, Adenrele's great, great grand-niece, Yemi, is given Adenrele's wartime diaries. Yemi discovers not only the barriers of race and gender her ancestor had to negotiate daily but also the stories of other men and women from the West Indies and African colonies, who are called to the Motherland to help but not often given any welcome or thanks, 'her love of the Motherland is a colonial disease she was cured of the minute she stepped foot in this country'. War unites and war divides, but all we are really fighting for is our personal freedom and independence.

For me, this was a complete case of erroneously judging a book by its cover. I expected a somewhat stereotypical WW2 story that talked of friendship, hardship, and a smatter of romance. This book does that, but (and here's the big negate that follows a but) it is a social commentary of the time; the war is simply a backdrop. I had read before about the continued segregation issues and attitudes in relation to US troops but I had not read about those in Britain, nor those experiences from certain colonies. Sadly, I was not even aware of the Windrush generation brought in to help labour shortages and rebuild England's economy.

I really enjoyed learning about this facet of England's war. As a dual-time read, I did, however, favour one story above the other. I recommend this to historical fiction lovers, particularly WW2 aficionados, as well as readers who enjoy social history.

A fantastic fiction story inspired by the project 100 Women of Nigeria. Princess Adrenrele Ademola (Ade) Ade moved from Nigeria to train as a nurse and along with many others served the people of London during WW2. In 2019 however Yemi whose Great Aunt was that Nurse met Mike whose Great Grandmother was a close friend of Ade’s. As they try and discover more about their relatives they also fall in love. This book is amazing as even with all the racism that was in London during WW2 you fall for the characters and become blown away by all that was achieved. Thanks to Ola and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley.

A Nurses Tale

This is the story of Princess Adenrele Ademola, a Nigerian princess who trained as a nurse during WWII. She was sent to London by her father The King to learn and train so she could return to her homeland and help set up health facilities.
During her nursing training England becomes involved in WWII and Ade could not safely return home so she nursed the wounded, helped deliver babies all the while facing the racial prejudice of that time.
It is a dual time line story with her great niece Yemi discovering Ade ‘s diary while working on a project about 100 Women of Nigeria. Yemi travels to London from Nigeria to research women for her project and to also accept an award presented to her Great Aunt in recognising her contribution for the work undertaken by African and Caribbean medical personnel to the NHS over the past 80 years. Yemi meets Mike at the awards ceremony and they discover there is close connection to a dear friend who nursed with Ade’s.

This is a really captivating read; there are themes of inequality in gender and race and the strength and determination that women (in particular) have to overcome to prove their worth in society. Once started this is a hard to put down book as you become invested in not only Ade’s life but also Yemi’s.

A novel about the overlooked people of the Commonwealth working in the United Kingdom during WW2 as nurses. . Their life, loves and losses as Hitler reins destruction on London. A tale of two parts with Yemi in present time researching the history of past relatives, and a Nigerian princess, Adenrele, working as a nurse in war torn London during WW2. This highlights the racial prejudices in the 1940s, against those wanting to lend their support to the country, and mixed race relationships.. Both the backstory and present time have their elements of romance. Very readable, thought provoking, with an eclectic mix of interesting characters but I wouldn’t go so far as to say this is a gripping page-turner, but all the same it is enjoyable.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers HarpersCollins One More Chapter for this advance copy.

Author Ola Awonubi draws attention to individuals who deserved to be acknowledged for their hardships and immense sacrifices, inspired by the actual tale of an African nurse and her contribution to British society.

Princess Omo-Oba Adenrele Ademola, a Nigerian princess (!), came to Camden Town in 1935 at the age of 22 and enrolled in nursing school. When she graduated, she began a 30-year life and profession in British nursing. This book is a fascinating, all-encompassing read that concentrates on her entrance and work at Guy's Hospital in London. She not only helped the war effort, but she also encouraged many people in West Africa to follow in her footsteps.

Through a work project called Woman of Nigeria 100, her great niece Yemi Akindele narrates Nurse Ademola's tale. I was astounded by how smoothly and heartfeltly the two timelines intertwined.

A wonderfully written work with rich and well-developed characters that deal with topics that are still relevant today, such as racism, xenophobia, the position of women in society, and, last but not least, this novel is a praise to people who, despite their troubles, aid others unconditionally and wholeheartedly.

Highly recommended.

“‘Ranti Omo tiwo je’ - Remember whose child you are.”

Inspired by the true history of an African nurse and her contribution to British society, author Ola Awonubi draws attention to those like Edith Cavel or Florence Nightingale, who deserved to be recognized for their struggles and immeasurable contributions.

Nurse Ademola left her village in Nigeria for the UK to “live in a world that she didn’t know, to live in a culture alien to her, to look after people in a society which most probably did not welcome her with open arms…and all in the middle of one of the most world-changing conflicts in the twentieth century. All because she believed in herself and wanted to make a change in the lives of others.” What many didn’t know was that Adenrele Ademola was a princess of royal lineage in her kingdom in Africa.

At just 22 years old, this Nigerian royal, Princess Omo-Oba Adenrele Ademola arrived in Camden Town in 1935 and enrolled in nursing school. When she graduated, she began a life and career in British nursing that spanned 30 years. This book focuses on her arrival and career at Guy’s Hospital in London and is a wonderfully, all-encompassing read. Not only did she contribute to the war effort, but she also inspired many in West Africa to follow her steps.

Imagine. A princess. A princess balancing her role with her vocation as a nurse. In a foreign country. It’s not just a fairytale-like story, it’s real life. Our history.

Her great niece Olayemi ‘Yemi’ Akindele tells Nurse Ademola’s story through a work project, Woman of Nigeria 100. I was in awe of how the two timelines joined - seamlessly and full of heart. Most of all, I was impressed that this read like a novel and not a research paper disguised as a novel!

Don’t miss this fantastic true story! Awonubi not only shares history, she honours Princess Ademola’s legacy and champions the recognition she deserves.

I was gifted this copy by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This is a good book. I am a retired nurse and so I like reading about my profession. The story goes from a young lady in 2019 that is not a nurse. She finds her great aunt’s’ diary and becomes interested in her ancestors. The flip side of the story is about the great aunt, who was a nurse in the early to mid 1940s. It is about some of the discrimination that the aunt had to endure but it does not dwell on that. It is very interesting reading about the two timelines. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Yemi is going to London. While their she wants to talk to her aunt regarding notebooks she found. She is reading about her life that us very hectic during a war. This gives her new insight into the struggles her aunt went through. This was a very detailed story about life during a war. A must read.

This is a very enjoyable and thought provoking story about an African Princess who works as a nurse during WW2 and also her great neice Yemi who in present time has her diaries and travels to England to unravel what happened to her .It was sad to read of the extreme racial prejudice which Adenrele had to suffer during those time but how brave she was .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC .

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book via NetGalley and HaperCollins UK, One More Chapter. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.

Rating: 5/5 Stars
Publishing: July 7, 2023
Series: N/A
Pages: 325

This is a first time read by Ola Awonubi, new author to this reader. There are some One More Chapter stories that have been very enjoyable and some that have not captured by attention; however I can say that One More Chapter does provide some very wonderful reads and “A Nurse’s Tale” is one such story.

This historical inspired true story of Princess Adenrele Ademola, a Nigerian princess who trained as a nurse during WWII and became a nurse aide treating patients in London is a testament. We see the heroine serving the war-torn survivors all the while facing the racial prejudices of those she was trying to help and assist. This story is well-written and truly amazing. It presents a clear picture of Ade’s strength and determination, along with her friends to stand up to racial bitterness against their culture and to people who could not understand the sacrifices made by the men and women at that time.

There are times that I get confused when reading dual timelines but used in this amazing piece of fiction worked for this novel and made the story more that enjoyable and heartwarming. There is clearly a division of gender in this story and especially inequality of women in various roles…one where women continue to struggle not only then but today to be recognized. I can say that I have learned quite a bit with reading this story and thank you One More Chapter and Ola Awonubi for this opportunity. Wholeheartedly recommend this novel.

I was so sad this book ended. I want to know what happens next! I really got into this story.
The book involves 2 stories at the same time. The one is the story of Adenrele, a Nigerian Princess training to be a nurse so she can help her country. She arrives in 1935 and stays through the war. We learn the hardships she endures from rationing to racism. She tells the good and the bad of being a Black woman in wartime England. The other story is that of her great niece, Yemi, is goes to England for work and has Ade’s diaries. Through association with other families of wartime nurses, she meets Mike, whose great grandmother was a friend of Ade’s and together they unravel the mystery of what happened to her and the baby that grew up to be Mike’s grandfather.
I love historical fiction, especially when it’s well written, and this was. I felt like I was there. I read a lot of the WWII era and the descriptions sounded accurate. It brings to light a side we don’t hear much about, the attitude of American white soldiers to the black soldiers. Unfortunately, I could picture it happening the way it was described. I read an autobiography of a black man who was in the Army near the same time and he spoke of the racism he endured. I’m hoping the author is planning more historical fiction. I would definitely be interested in reading more from her.
I received a free copy of this ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

If you enjoy well-researched historical fiction and being transported to a different era, you'll love this book. If you like a bit of romance and the struggle of modern women too, read this one. Enjoy learning about different cultures from your own? Read this one! This dual timeline story has it all.

I read a lot of World War II historical fiction but this book gave me a very different viewpoint, that of the many men & women that joined the war effort from the British colonies. It was astonishing, considering these colonies wanted their independence from the UK. These men & women could have stayed in their home countries with their families, safe from the war but chose great sacrifice instead. I love character-driven novels and the women in this one are treasures. Watching Violet stand up to racial attacks on her two closest friends was heartwarming. Ade was so impressive as she bit back retorts to the countless insults against her and her culture, not because she was weak or afraid but because she was better than that.

As an American, I was so impressed with the midwife program of the NHS in the UK which is lightyears ahead of what we have. Reading about the racism the American GIs brought with them to Britain during the war was gutwrenching, and something I've not read about before. And although women continue to struggle against the gender divide, this book reinforces that we are stronger together and a force to be reckoned with, no matter where we live.

I'm grateful to NetGalley and the publisher, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this ARC. It was a privilege and I am happy to leave a review.

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley. I read a lot of Historical Fiction, but this is the first book I've read about an African princess going through nurse training in England during WWII. The book goes back and forth between the 1930s/40s and into more modern times with great niece Yemi who is working on in England and traces some of her great aunt's footsteps. It was disenheartening that a lot of the racism in the book still persists today.

An easy-to-read historical novel inspired by the true story of a Nigerian princess who worked as a nurse. Ideal for readers who enjoy a dual timeline. Here we have Nurse Ade treating patients in war-torn London and her great niece Yemi in Nigeria in 2018. We see how both women live and learn to love.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.