WHO’S YOUR HERO?
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He was desperate to understand why so many new mothers died of puerperal fever, an infection that can occur after birth.
“Such tragedies must have left a lasting impression, and that might be why Karl specialised in obstetrics. It became his ambition to change what could often be a horrifyingly primitive procedure.”
After qualifying, Karl returned to Ueckermünde to become the local surgeon, obstetrician and a man-midwife. This was revolutionary for the time. He faced considerable resistance from the community and local midwives who thought he was interfering in their work.
Karl won the midwives over by agreeing that they should only send for him if a birth had become difficult, and he soon earned their respect by saving the lives of women and babies who had endured complex deliveries.
The novel is also a love story about Karl and his sweetheart Karoline. They marry and have nine children including Karl Robert, Leona’s great grandfather, who became the ship’s captain that her mum recalled.
“If I could meet any of my ancestors, it would be my great great grandfather. I’d love to step back in time and watch Karl saving lives in Ueckermünde.”
Leona’s novel can be purchased from amazon.co.uk as an e-book for Kindle (£2.99) or a paperback (£7.99)