The Isolated Fen Hospital in Paper Sisters

Submitted: 27th January 2026

Fen Hospital in Paper Sisters

Sometimes there is a story that really captures the imagination. Paper Sisters is due out on Feb 12th but get this on your radar now as it’s a fascinating story for many reasons. What are those reasons?

Paper Sisters Rachel Canwell

Map of locations in Paper Sisters

Well…………….

It’s written by a woman whose ancestors worked in and lived close to the hospital

She literally has insider knowledge!

This is a war story you have never heard before

The hospital closed down in 1950 but never had a single patient. why?

Supplies were still being delivered until it pretty much closed down. why?

Map of locations in Paper Sisters

Fen hospital (c) Rachel Canwell

Map of locations in Paper Sisters

Now, I love a novel where a real place is brought back to life and reimagined. The story in Paper Sisters is fictional but is inspired by this place that is so close to the author’s personal life.

This little place where the novel is set – Sutton Bridge – is probably unknown to many. But back in the 1880s, a bridge was built and then collapsed not long after so it was a major incident that affected many. The hospital was built to go with it but this lasted and carried on.

See the lighthouse through the trees:

The nearby port was seen as ‘doomed’ and so the hospital was built to look after the injured sailors – it only had six beds so was very very small. However, Rachel’s mum and dad were made custodians of the place and it was their job to look after it. And they did so – for some 70 years!

Map of locations in Paper Sisters

The fens around the hospital:

Map of locations in Paper Sisters

In the novel, this village, hospital and the remote and isolated fens are brought wonderfully to life. In the novel, the fictional Scott family is employed to look after the hospital after the port it was built to serve is doomed and much of it has collapsed into the River Nene.

It tells the story of three women living there in 1914 as the First World War is about to start. Eleanor, Clara and Lily are three names you will never forget.

The writing really brings the place, landscape and time to life. But it also takes hold of three women’s voices and amplifies them across time. Wonderful writing elevates this story to even greater heights.