50 pages • 1 hour read
Emma DonoghueThe Pull of the Stars
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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 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.