I was moved to tears to see ‘Yet’: A Story of Triumph over Childhood Separation, Trauma, and Disability reviewed by the British Society for the History of Medicine (BSHM). Seeing my father Harry’s story recognised by such a respected organisation means a great deal.
‘Yet’ tells of Harry’s childhood battle with bovine tuberculosis in 1930s Sheffield — a time when long hospital stays, separation, and uncertainty were part of many children’s lives. Through his courage and his belief in the word ‘yet’, he taught me that resilience can grow even in the hardest of circumstances.
Dr Michael Whitfield’s review captures that spirit beautifully, recognising not only the historical reality but also the emotional truth at the heart of Harry’s story.
Full Review from the BSHM
Review by Dr Michael Whitfield, British Society for the History of Medicine (October 2025)
This is a comprehensive story of a boy who developed tuberculosis of the hip when aged two and a half years old in 1936 and who had seven long hospital admissions before he was 21.
Helen Parker Drabble, the author, uses her experience as a counsellor to examine the psychological effects of these admissions that occurred during the privations of WW2. She describes the attitudes of the family members, the hospital staff, and those involved in education and illustrates the story of her father as he coped with numerous difficulties.
She describes how each challenge was met by him using the word ‘yet’ and how he dealt with each problem positively. This book describes the procedures undergone and their innate brutality in startling detail made worse by personal experiences.
Tuberculosis of the hip is, thankfully, now an unusual problem in developed countries, and the use of long periods of bed rest, plaster spicas, Thomas splints, treatment of discharging sinus, and various surgical operations are rarely needed.
However, this story illustrates what chronically ill children were expected to tolerate and accept and gives us important messages about the management of the many children who require recurrent hospital admissions these days.
The book has been well written and beautifully illustrated and describes the early life of a man whom one can only admire by the way he overcame his difficulties.
Reflections and Closing Thoughts
Reading Dr Whitfield’s words reminded me of my promise to publish ‘Yet’ — to honour my father’s life, to give a voice to those whose stories of illness and isolation might otherwise be forgotten and to remind policymakers of the mistakes of the past. Harry’s life is not defined by suffering but by hope, patience, and the quiet courage to keep moving forward — even when progress seemed impossible. Harry’s enduring belief that we cannot do something ‘yet’ still speaks to anyone facing hardship today.
You can explore ‘Yet’ in my online shop. The eBook is available now, and the paperback and hardback editions will be released on 31 October 2025.
To support an independent author consider buying ‘Yet’ direct.
To read other book reviews by the British Society of the History of Medicine visit here.
