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.

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.

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.

Emma Donoghue

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Pull of the Stars and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Pull of the Stars Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Red”

Part 1, Pages 1-44

The Pull of the Stars Part 1, Pages 1-44 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Pages 45-92

The Pull of the Stars Part 1, Pages 45-92 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Brown”

Part 2, Pages 93-123

The Pull of the Stars Part 2, Pages 93-123 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Pages 124-161

The Pull of the Stars Part 2, Pages 124-161 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Blue”

Part 3, Pages 162-204

The Pull of the Stars Part 3, Pages 162-204 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Pages 205-231

The Pull of the Stars Part 3, Pages 205-231 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Black”

Part 4, Pages 232-256

The Pull of the Stars Part 4, Pages 232-256 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Pages 257-295

The Pull of the Stars Part 4, Pages 257-295 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Pull of the Stars Character Analysis

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Themes

The Pull of the Stars Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Pull of the Stars Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Pull of the Stars Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Pull of the Stars Essay Topics

The Pull of the Stars

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Pull of the Stars?

Reading Age

Book Details