50 pages 1 hour read

Emma Donoghue

The Pull of the Stars

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue follows nurse Julia Power over three days in a Dublin hospital during the 1918 influenza pandemic and World War I. She manages a makeshift Maternity/Fever ward, assists pregnant women with influenza, and bonds with a young volunteer, Bridie Sweeney. Together, they navigate challenges and form deep connections amid personal and societal turmoil. The novel includes sensitive topics such as war trauma, sexual abuse, and death.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Emma Donoghue's The Pull of the Stars is lauded for its vivid depiction of the 1918 influenza pandemic and rich character development. Readers appreciate the compelling narrative and historical detail, though some find its pacing uneven. Overall, it’s praised for its emotional depth and relevance to contemporary issues.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Pull of the Stars?

Readers who would enjoy The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue are those captivated by historical fiction centered on pandemics and strong female protagonists. Fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak will appreciate its blend of personal resilience and historical context.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Drama / Tragedy

Irish Literature

Topics

History: World

Grief / Death

Health / Medicine

Period

WWI / World War I

Themes

Values/Ideas: Fate

Identity: Femininity

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice