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50 pages 1 hour read

The Pull of the Stars

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Emma Donoghue

The Pull of the Stars

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

295

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Dublin, Ireland • 1910s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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.

Melancholic

Challenging

Emotional

Dark

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.1

95,436 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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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.

4.1

95,436 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Julia Power

A nurse specializing in midwifery in 1918 Dublin who is the novel's protagonist and first-person narrator, handling the challenges of the Maternity/Fever ward during the influenza pandemic.

A young volunteer who assists in the Maternity/Fever ward, initially perceived as inexperienced but is revealed to be brave and quick to learn.

A pioneering female doctor and political activist whose skills and perspectives influence the hospital staff and the protagonist.

Julia’s younger brother and a war veteran who is mute due to the psychological impact of his trauma, living with Julia in a small house outside Dublin.

An orderly at the hospital known for his outspoken and inappropriate demeanor, yet he has faced personal tragedies in his life.

A nun overseeing the ward at night, known for her judgmental attitudes towards the patients and a representative of the convent system.

One of Julia’s patients experiencing her 12th pregnancy, presenting significant medical challenges amidst the influenza outbreak.

A young protestant patient who frequently complains about her hospitalization and is eager to return to her affluent lifestyle.

A young patient expecting her first child, whose lack of knowledge and visible bruises hint at a problematic domestic situation.

A patient pregnant out of wedlock, demonstrating strong religious beliefs and facing a challenging personal situation before giving birth.

Book Details
Pages

295

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Dublin, Ireland • 1910s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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