Year of Wonders
3.8
(469)
Geraldine Brooks
This gripping historical novel is based on the true story of Eyam, the "Plague Village", in the rugged mountain spine of England. In 1666, a tainted bolt of cloth from London carries bubonic infection to this isolated settlement of shepherds and lead miners. A visionary young preacher convinces the villagers to seal themselves off in a deadly quarantine to prevent the spread of disease. The story is told through the eyes of eighteen-year-old Anna Frith, the vicar's maid, as she confronts the loss of her family, the disintegration of her community, and the lure of a dangerous and illicit love. As the death toll rises and people turn from prayers and herbal cures to sorcery and murderous witch-hunting, Anna emerges as an unlikely and courageous heroine in the village's desperate fight to save itself. Exploring love and learning, fear and fanaticism, and the struggle of science and religion to interpret the world at the cusp of the modern era, Year of Wonders is at once a story of unconventional love and a richly detailed evocation of a riveting moment in history. Like Arthur Golden's Memories of a Geisha and A. S. Byatt's Posession, Year of Wonders blends learning and romance into an unforgettable read.
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More Details:
Author
Geraldine Brooks
Pages
308
Publisher
Viking
Published Date
2001
ISBN
067091021X 9780670910212
Ratings
Google: 5
Community ReviewsSee all
"I loved this book! An historical fiction about Eyam, also known as Plague Village in England. The bubonic plague hit this town in 1665 and together the villagers made the novel choice to quarantine instead of flee…"
Merry
"One of my all-time favorites"
S
Skwarepeg
"Amazing book, amazing author. I will devour everything Geraldine Brooks writes. "
D O
Debby Owens
"It’s about the plague. Light-hearted historical novel (sarcasm font). I think Geraldine Brooks is one of the best authors. "
Leslie P
"It was hard to get through the first chapter but once I did I fell into a comfortable rhythm I get when I'm into a good book. Then the inevitable happens... the sudden downfall of how to end a book and throw in the authors special interest all at the same time. The last chapter of the book is awful. Made me feel like it was a waste of time. Instead of making the minister become a monster the main character could have taken his confession to her as an act of kindness towards his late wife ... because what else would you call marrying a woman who is spoiled and wouldn't have been able to marry. It's not like the characters didn't love/appreciate each other. But no. We had to throw in a far fetched let's runaway and marry a Muslim doctor who has many wives. Seriously. I finished this book just before I fell asleep and then I couldn't because I was so irritated at the authors self deprecating approach to the ending."
Tanya Grayson Andoniadis
"Good fall read #apples"
Becks
"This gets one star because of the ending. I actually loved this book until the last 30 pages. A gut-wrenching story of life with the plague, it seems that the author didn't know how to end it, or was coerced into an ending. Smart read turned Harlequin romance in an abrupt about face."
S K
Stacy Kurko
"Great book about resilience during a pandemic"
Kaity Nicastri
"Not sure if I have a favorite part. I read this a while ago and it has stuck with me. I love the entire story. How about you, what’s your favorite part? "
L F
Laura Franklin
"Best book I've read in ages. It's historical fiction around the 1666 plague in England. Reading it slowly is not an option in some parts. GREAT FOR A BOOKCLUB !!! Discussion topics in back. I'm looking forward to another of her, Geraldine Brooks, books.
It turned out to be the perfect read during our plaque which has forced so many of us, like me, into quarantine. The stupidity of those living in the village during their quarantine is so familiar. "
Catherine Beers-Conrad
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