The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue

Title: The Pull of the Stars
Author: Emma Donoghue
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Genre: Historical Fiction
Year of Publication: 2020
Date of Publication: July 21, 2020
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 0316499013
ISBN-13: 978-0316499019

Summary

Set during the 1918 flu pandemic, The Pull of the Stars tells the story of three women working in a maternity ward in a Dublin hospital. 

As they face the challenges of the Spanish flu and the complications of childbirth, they forge bonds that shape their lives.

Main Plot & Characters

The novel follows Julia Power, a nurse; Bridie Sweeney, a young volunteer; and Dr. Kathleen Lynn, a political activist. 

The whole book is set in a small overflowing maternity ward and takes places within a span of a few days. It gives readers a very detailed account of being a mid-wife during the Spanish flu and highlights the daily issues that Julia had to deal with.

It also talks about the first World War, which was drawing to an end at the time.

Each of the women have such distinct characters, unique voices, and very rich and detailed backstories. Julia for example isn’t particularly well off. She lives with her brother who is a veteran dealing with severe PTSD.

Together, Julia, Bridie and Dr. Lynn navigate the difficult conditions of the maternity ward, dealing with limited resources and personal struggles, while their world is ravaged by disease.

Key Themes of The Pull of the Stars

• Courage and Compassion: Highlights the resilience of healthcare workers in the face of a health crisis.
• Female Solidarity: Explores the strength and bonds between women in challenging times.
• Health and Society: Examines the impact of pandemics on society and healthcare systems.
• Human Resilience: Reflects on the strength required to survive both personal and societal crises.

Writing Style

Emma Donoghue’s writing captures the atmosphere of a hospital during a pandemic. Interestingly, she researched and wrote this book way before its publication in 2020.

Donoghue’s meticulous research and attention to detail really makes you feel as a reader like you are there with the three women and their patients experiencing their highs and lows.

Impact of The Pull of the Stars

The novel was well-received for its timely parallels to the events of 2020 and its empathetic portrayal of healthcare workers.

It became a bestseller and resonated with readers and critics alike.

Keep in mind that there are a lot of explicit details around giving birth and other difficult topics are covered. So consider these before picking the book up as it might not be the right match for you.

Have you read this book already, or is it on your list? And if you’ve read it, which scene or chapter left the biggest impression on you, and why?