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A review by alexa_gee
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I suppose the only way to put it is that this book is about humanity in the face of hardship and just how cruel fate can be. What I found interesting while reading was - and this is quite bizzare, I think - how I loved the title more and more and how it perfectly encapsulates this book about fate and how people are drawn to each other in difficult times.
I don't normally like books about "friendship" but this was beautiful and it really touched my heart. Bridie and Julia latch onto each other from the minute they meet- they just have this beautiful bond and mutual respect for one another that neither appeared to have really experienced before which was interesting to read about.
I just have to include a quote (for my old English teachers, of course). "I had this peculiar conviction that she'd want me to keep Barnabas White out of the pipe." I include it because I cannot get it out of my head. I'm not sure what it is that sticks it in my mind. I believe it is that the quote directly links to every theme in this book: duty before self, friendship, fate, how people are drawn to each other.
I just wanted to mention also that this book is full of nice little historical details and fun facts that are certainly not out of place but are a nice way to learn a bit of medical history.
I had to deduct half a star just because I found it quite hard to get into, but once I was in it, I was in it.
That blurb is a bit ranty, but I hope you can bear with me on that front (I'm trying to write more reviews to improve my analysing and writing skills so they should improve over time?). I hope your heart breaks as much as mine does. This book is painful, there is no pretending it isn't, but it is beautiful and inspiring because of the pain.
I don't normally like books about "friendship" but this was beautiful and it really touched my heart. Bridie and Julia latch onto each other from the minute they meet- they just have this beautiful bond and mutual respect for one another that neither appeared to have really experienced before which was interesting to read about.
I just have to include a quote (for my old English teachers, of course).
I just wanted to mention also that this book is full of nice little historical details and fun facts that are certainly not out of place but are a nice way to learn a bit of medical history.
I had to deduct half a star just because I found it quite hard to get into, but once I was in it, I was in it.
That blurb is a bit ranty, but I hope you can bear with me on that front (I'm trying to write more reviews to improve my analysing and writing skills so they should improve over time?). I hope your heart breaks as much as mine does. This book is painful, there is no pretending it isn't, but it is beautiful and inspiring because of the pain.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Vomit, Child death, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse and Domestic abuse