Within the Heart of Paris tells the story of 18th-century wet nurses who traveled back and forth between the provinces and the capital to collect Parisian babies, nurse them, and then return them to their families once weaned. Christian De la Hubaudière’s narrative is based on meticulous research.
We follow the story of Marguerite, who is one of these wet nurses. She earns her living by “selling” her milk. She lives in Orne and makes the journey to the capital. Through Marguerite’s story, the lives of all these provincial wet nurses are brought to light. Their story is little known, yet it was this profession that played an important role in the emancipation of women in the 18th century.
The income generated by these wet nurses undoubtedly raised their families’ standard of living.
However, there is a “but” to this story. The trips between the provinces and the capital were sometimes very long. The demand for wet nurses increased as the birth rate was booming in Paris. As a result, Parisian families sought wet nurses from increasingly remote countryside areas. But the journey was very taxing, and some newborns died en route. This human dimension is also recounted in this narrative. The author did not just tell Marguerite’s story. It is the story of an entire generation of women and children.
Within the Heart of Paris is a story within History. From the very first pages, it is evident that the author has thoroughly researched before writing this narrative. The details are numerous, so much so that one is literally immersed in 18th-century France. The organization of this “milk factory” is meticulously explained, along with its regulation as the profession evolved. The narrative takes us smoothly, with many imposed changes, up to 1791. Therefore, there are many sections in the book that do not directly address the wet nurses but the movements throughout Paris. It should also be noted that in addition to the wet nurse profession, the author touches on that of potters and lace-makers.
This historical novel is a treasure trove of information. Yet it reads like a classic novel because the author has managed to make us care about Marguerite and her family. The wet nurse profession had a significant impact on mentalities, the emancipation of women, and their standard of living.
A book that deserves to be read because it is as captivating as it is informative!
