From the Bookshelf of Bound Together…

The Pull of the Stars

Emma Donoghue

Start date: May 27, 2020

Finish date: June 2, 2020

Discussion: Archives-Sneak Peek Under Covers

Discussion leader: Diane S ☔

Why we're reading this: Under the Covers
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Archives-Sneak Peek Under Covers

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What Members Thought

Aug 22, 2021 Meera rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, bookmarks-magazine

4.5
This was my favorite kind of historical fiction where there is a story that I’m interested in, with a character I like AND I learn more about a particular time and place. And I wanted the story to continue on because I want to know what happens to the main character and her family. This is my second book by this author and I’m thinking that I should try more of her books. Room and this was so different from each other except for being good, having a strong character and making me read about a ...more

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Oct 28, 2020 Laurel Bradshaw rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, color-rating-blue, ireland, women, medicine, 1910s, themes-stars

4.5 blue stars, rounded up. On the whole, this was a riveting read, along the lines of "Call the Midwife." It is set in Ireland during WWI and the "Spanish" influenza is front and center. The title is apropos in a couple of ways - first, the word influenza, which comes from Italian, reflects the medieval belief that illness, especially illness in the form of epidemics, was attributed to the influence of the stars. Secondly, the main characters are at turning points in their lives, and pondering 4.5 blue stars, rounded up. On the whole, this was a riveting read, along the lines of "Call the Midwife." It is set in Ireland during WWI and the "Spanish" influenza is front and center. The title is apropos in a couple of ways - first, the word influenza, which comes from Italian, reflects the medieval belief that illness, especially illness in the form of epidemics, was attributed to the influence of the stars. Secondly, the main characters are at turning points in their lives, and pondering the "influence" of fate on their lives. Is everything written in the stars, or do they have the power to make choices? Nurse Julia Powers is turning 30, still single, living with her brother, who was psychologically wounded in the war, and she wonders if she is destined to remain single for the rest of her life, and how does she feel about that? Bridie Sweeney enters her life with all the influence of being young and so naive due to her upbringing that everything is new. She is like a sponge, soaking up "experiences" like the starving creature she is. Her effect on those around her is far more profound than she can comprehend. Doctor Lynn (who was a real historical person) was something of an enigma. She remained a shadowy character, and I would have liked to have seen her brought out in the story more. But she had her own influence on Julia and Bridey as a strong, independent woman, fighting for social justice and a better life for women and children. I'm not sure what I think about the twist into romance in the last section of the book. It really came out of the blue for me, and seemed unnecessary to the overall plot. On the other hand, living through our own Covid-19 pandemic, I do understand the deep need for connection during times of stress and isolation and uncertainty.

A potential trigger warning - some of the medical scenes are very graphic.

Description: In an Ireland doubly ravaged by war and disease, Nurse Julia Power works at an understaffed hospital in the city center, where expectant mothers who have come down with the terrible new Flu are quarantined together. Into Julia's regimented world step two outsiders -- Doctor Kathleen Lynn, a rumoured Rebel on the run from the police , and a young volunteer helper, Bridie Sweeney. In the darkness and intensity of this tiny ward, over three days, these women change each other's lives in unexpected ways. They lose patients to this baffling pandemic, but they also shepherd new life into a fearful world. With tireless tenderness and humanity, carers and mothers alike somehow do their impossible work. ...more

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Aug 31, 2020 Pat rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Very timely novel about the 1918 pandemic set in a maturity ward with way too many sketchy deliveries! Very much like last novel I read, My Name is Mary Sutter! But, just as tedium sets in, out pops Bridey from a Catholic home - definitely a breath of fresh air!

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