Emma Donoghue is acclaimed author of Room, which I never read. But her writing prowess is well known and I was looking forward to reading this novel set in Ireland in 1918.
Description: Nurse Julia Power finds herself on duty (alone) in the maternity ward. It’s the height of the great flu. Beds are full. She’s managing 3 women, in basically a broom cupboard, and begs for some help. She is left with Bridie Sweeney, who has basically been pulled off the street by a nun and told to help. Thankfully Bridie is a quick learner, and she and Julie become fast friends during a hectic 3-day period where they lose patients, help others birth their babies, and somehow manage to help the only female doctor evade police.
The characters and setting are vividly portrayed and I heard Emma Donoghue interviewed on CBC talking about the research she did into medical practices in Ireland at the time. Fascinating. And frightening.
In 1918, Ireland is post-war but the tragedy is still felt and now the flu is another heart-wrenching reminder of how quickly loved ones can be lost. The women giving birth and attending are so young. Nurse Power is the senior at 30 years old.
I really enjoyed this read.
Favourite Moment: There are many touching moments in this book and I fear that by mentioning any details, I’ll ruin it for someone. So instead, the book opens with Nurse Power pedalling her bicycle to the hospital but taking side routes and the tram as a way to evade the scolding eyes of her superiors who frown on women cyclists. Ah, what a time.
The perfect read for fans of Emma Donoghue and anyone who watches Call the Midwife. If you like Emily St. John Mandel (Station Eleven) or Jeannette Walls (The Glass Castle) then this is kind of between the two. Pandemic meets family hardships, with a hint of humour and levity.