Emma Donoghue on her latest novel, The Pull of the Stars

The Irish author's new book is set in a Dublin hospital in 1918 in the midst of a flu pandemic. No wonder the publishers rushed to get it on the shelves

Author Emma Donoghue.

WHEN Emma Donoghue delivered her latest novel last March, the publication date was set for 2021. But, surprising her, the editor decided to bring the date forwards. And, pulling together in harmony, her Canadian, American and British publishers rushed it out for a launch date in July.

“I’ve never known them bring a literary novel out so fast,” says Emma, on the phone from her home in Ontario.