Heart and Soul: The Story of Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale is a beloved historical figure, thought of as compassionate, warm, and likable. Heart and Soul paints a more adequate picture from the time Florence was a young girl to her atrophy. The infuriated young woman who wanted to follow her dreams and help others of lower standing, was halted by the expectations of her social standing. This exasperated woman worked vigorously to get her way, by any means possible. Although Florence gained much support and love from commoners, she acquired as many enemies on her journey to reform the gruesome state of hospitals in her time. Although the belief of her compassion is true, "the lady with the lamp" neglected to stay compassionate for herself, leaving her frail at a young age. show more Despite her supposed ailments, Florence's work continued in her writings and influence. Although at times, one feels indifferent to the extravagance of Miss Nightingale's personality, it is just as easy to grasp the necessity of her woes. In a time when the rich were not to work, this women worked harder than any before to change a system that was pitted against her. All of the love and adoration toward Florence Nightingale is deserved and she literally gave her entire life to the work of bettering a system that was lackadaisical in the safekeeping of the sick and dying. show less

A biography of Florence Nightingale, beginning with her early life as a child, and continuing through her nursing career.