The Pull of the Stars

by Emma Donoghue
The Pull of the Stars cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 5941
  • Added: 2025-10-27
  • Updated: 2025-10-27
  • ISBN: 9781529046175
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2020-07-23
  • Reviews: 3

Set in Dublin during the 1918 flu pandemic, The Pull of the Stars follows Nurse Julia Power as she works in an understaffed maternity ward where expectant mothers infected with the flu are quarantined. The ward becomes a microcosm of hope and despair, where Julia's world is disrupted by the arrival of Doctor Kathleen Lynn, a fugitive from the police, and Bridie Sweeney, a young volunteer. Together, they face the challenges of the pandemic, losing patients but also welcoming new life into a world ravaged by war and disease. The novel beautifully captures the resilience and humanity of those on the frontlines of a crisis. Emma Donoghue's moving and gripping narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring spirit of those who care for others in the darkest of times. The Pull of the Stars is a deeply emotional and unforgettable story that resonates with the struggles and triumphs of the human condition during a global health crisis.

Reviews
I Would Rather Be Reading Blog · 2022-01-18
immersive 4.00

The book is a powerful and immersive story about a plague that resulted in many deaths. It is a story of hope and survival against all odds.

The reviewer found the book to be a powerful and immersive story, particularly noting its setting during a deadly plague. They highlight the themes of hope and survival, which they find compelling and relevant. The reviewer also appreciates the historical context and the way it is woven into the narrative. They describe the book as a moving and unforgettable read, despite its difficult subject matter.

Quick quotes

    After finishing the book, I can safely attest to reason number one without a doubt.

    A story about a plague that resulted in the deaths of many.

    It is a story of hope and survival against all odds.

Goodreads · 2020-07-21
unforgettable 4.00

The book is a new classic of hope and survival, finding light in the darkness. It is a deeply moving and unforgettable story.

The reviewer describes the book as a new classic, highlighting its themes of hope and survival. They find the story deeply moving and unforgettable, praising its ability to find light in the darkness. The reviewer also notes the relevance of the historical context to contemporary times, making it a poignant and timely read. They appreciate the emotional depth and the compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.

Quick quotes

    In The Pull of the Stars, Emma Donoghue once again finds the light in the darkness.

    It is a new classic of hope and survival against all odds.

    A deeply moving and unforgettable story.

The Guardian · 2020-07-17
moving 4.50

The narrative voice is strong and compelling, reminiscent of Donoghue's previous works. The story is both harrowing and deeply moving, set against the backdrop of the 1918 flu pandemic.

The reviewer praises Emma Donoghue's narrative voice, which they find as compelling as in her previous works. The story is set in a Dublin maternity ward during the 1918 flu pandemic, and the reviewer describes it as harrowing and deeply moving. They highlight the immersive quality of the novel and its ability to evoke strong emotions. The reviewer also notes the relevance of the historical context to contemporary times, making it a poignant read.

Quick quotes

    A defining strength in Emma Donoghue's work is narrative voice, and here it is as strong and compelling as Jack in Room and Lib in The Wonder.

    The Pull of the Stars is both harrowing and deeply moving.

    The story is set against the backdrop of the 1918 flu pandemic, making it a poignant read.

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