The Pull of The Stars by Emma Donoghue

[LifeInAHamsterWheel]

I'm almost finished this and don't want it to end! Really enjoyable, interesting read - especially against the backdrop of a pandemic. Not for the squeamish though!

I really enjoyed this! But yes, did find it pretty grim in places. Would love to read more fiction set during the 1920s pandemic, that aspect was fascinating.

I really loved this. It was just so beautifully written and it felt very real. She must have done so much research as well. I would not recommend reading it if you are pregnant though.

I loved "Slammerkin" too, very atmospheric.

@StarryStarrySocks it's a different pandemic but have you read Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell? A really brilliant read 👍🏻

Loved this book. The ending is ... unrealistic (don't want to say more) but I loved it.

Historically the detail is very accurate.

Interestingly there's very little written about the 1918 pandemic, fiction-wise. It was like authors of the generation couldn't bear to write about it.

@LifeInAHamsterWheel I haven't read Hamnet but it's waiting on my Kindle. I'll read it next!

@EarringsandLipstick I had completely forgotten about the ridiculous ending!

I loved Hamnet too. It took me a while to get into but then I was absolutely transported. Maggie O'Farrell is amazing.

Yes, the ending is unbelievable but (unusually for me) I didn't mind!

Enjoy Hamnet @StarryStarrySocks you're in for a treat

Loved the celebration of the power of women’s bodies in all its gritty glory.

Loved it - very interesting look at the history/attitudes of the time. I agree it’s not for the squeamish!

Yes! I love that review @Saucery!

I would love a sequel, to find out how things worked out for Julia and her brother, for the "lady doctor" and the city after the pandemic.

I absolutely loved it, even the ending. Kathleen Lynn was a real person. It was very interesting to read about a pandemic while living through one.
There was a lot of coverage of the symphysiotomy scandal in Ireland a few years ago. Doctors would break women's bones instead of carrying out C-Sections as they didn't want Catholic women to be limited in the amount of children they could have. Lots of women lived their whole lives in pain for no reason.
It probably wouldn't be an ideal book if you are pregnant though.

Was she @WhistlersandJugglers? I must google her, thank you

Yep the symphysiotomy scandal is heartbreaking, so many women suffered.

I had SPD during and after two pregnancies and my pelvis still twinges when I'm tired. Those poor women have all my sympathy.

g.co/kgs/nDXtfe

Yes, Kathleen Lynn was remarkable. The details in the book aren't fully accurate but she has plenty of amazing true facts in her life!

Thanks @EarringsandLipstick I read about her at the weekend she was indeed a fascinating woman makes me proud to be an Irish woman