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justajs's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
loxodonta's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ninasbooks57's review against another edition
5.0
What an amazing book. Being an OB nurse myself I could totally feel what Julia was going through. Hard to believe the barbaric interventions yet some of the treatments we still use in some form today! What a “hit the wall” ending! There has to be a sequel/ please!!
bibi003's review against another edition
4.0
I read the synopsis for this novel over and over as it came across different goodreads lists the past few years and I discarded it every time. War and pandemic are two topics I haven't been reading much of lately. I've preferred to escape into more fantastical worlds when I have the opportunity to read. BUT, it was picked for my book club so I borrowed it from the library and decided to give it a go.
And guess what? It was great. I was riveted by this small hospital ward and the people within it. It was not a pleasant book. Much of it was actually very distressing (hence my usual avoidance of the aforementioned topics). But I loved the characters and was delighted by the relationships they formed and was left feeling like I'd learned something. The character of Dr Lynn was especially interesting and I will make a point to watch the documentary film about her life because she seems like an incredible woman.
And guess what? It was great. I was riveted by this small hospital ward and the people within it. It was not a pleasant book. Much of it was actually very distressing (hence my usual avoidance of the aforementioned topics). But I loved the characters and was delighted by the relationships they formed and was left feeling like I'd learned something. The character of Dr Lynn was especially interesting and I will make a point to watch the documentary film about her life because she seems like an incredible woman.
elliejmatthews's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
threegoodrats's review against another edition
5.0
I loved everything about this book. The detailed account of everything Nurse Power did during the 3 days of caring for pregnant women with flu - I love historical novels, but I’m especially fascinated about health/medical topics. The way her friendship with Bridie grew over the 3 days working together. The fact that the book starts at the beginning and moves in a linear fashion towards the end and is only narrated by one person, a refreshing change from pretty much everything else these days. I became fully immersed in this story and read it very quickly. I don’t know why I don’t read more of Emma Donoghue’s books - I love every one I’ve read. I have also read Room and Slammerkin, and I’m sure I’ll read more of them.
lgordon006's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
szirbel's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed Emma Donahue newest book. It centers around a nurse who is mostly alone with three pregnant women who are all sick with the Spanish Flu. She receives the help of a strange young girl who is instrumental in helping her get through three harrowing deliveries. Ireland’s first female doctor is also at the hospital and provides guidance all while being a fugitive as part of the resistance for a free Ireland. A great listen!
jozie_bookshelf's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"The one that gives most trouble, the mother loves double."
I loved this quote because it reminded me of my little girl and having an emergency c-section. I'm so thankful for modern medicine! Childbirth is scary, but in the early 1900s, especially during the pandemic, it would have been even more terrifying, and this book really details that. This book is not for the faint of heart, I couldn't help but cringe at some of the descriptions.
The Pull of the Stars is about Nurse Julie Powers, who is working in Dublin, Ireland, in the maternity and fever ward in the middle of the influenza pandemic during World War I. While on shift, Nurse Powers encounters two extraordinary women; Bridie Sweeney, a young volunteer, and Doctor Kathleen Lynn, who is on the run from the police.
Once I got used to Emma's writing style, I was hooked. This book has no chapters and is separated into four parts; Red, Brown, Blue, and Black (which took me until the very end of the book to understand the significance). Also, the dialogue has no quotation marks. At first, this really bothered me, but I think it actually made the story flow better.
I loved this quote because it reminded me of my little girl and having an emergency c-section. I'm so thankful for modern medicine! Childbirth is scary, but in the early 1900s, especially during the pandemic, it would have been even more terrifying, and this book really details that. This book is not for the faint of heart, I couldn't help but cringe at some of the descriptions.
The Pull of the Stars is about Nurse Julie Powers, who is working in Dublin, Ireland, in the maternity and fever ward in the middle of the influenza pandemic during World War I. While on shift, Nurse Powers encounters two extraordinary women; Bridie Sweeney, a young volunteer, and Doctor Kathleen Lynn, who is on the run from the police.
Once I got used to Emma's writing style, I was hooked. This book has no chapters and is separated into four parts; Red, Brown, Blue, and Black (which took me until the very end of the book to understand the significance). Also, the dialogue has no quotation marks. At first, this really bothered me, but I think it actually made the story flow better.