This was Geraldine Brooks’ first novel. She is the also the author of the Pulitzer winner March, a fictional account of Mr. March from Little Women. I read March earlier this year, and while I believe Brooks to be a good writer, I had some issues with her portrayal of the Marches in her book. I feel much the same in this book. It has very good writing, but once again, I have issues. This time it is in matters of faith and religion.
Year of Wonders is the story of a village that is ravaged by The Plague in 1666. Anna is a widow who is a servant for the rector in her village. She becomes very close to Mr. Mompellion and his wife, Elinor. When The Plague hits and they quarantine the village, the three of them are the mainstays who help and comfort the sick and dying. It is a terrible year, and Brooks’ descriptions of The Plague were painful to read. At the close of the year, some are strengthened by their trials and others are utterly devastated by them. What makes this book so special is that it is based on a true story of the village of Eyam, Derbyshire. They voluntarily quarantined their village when the disease hit, and it would become known as The Plague Village. They are remembered as having attempted to stop the spread of disease by this action.
It’s too difficult to go into my issues with the book on matters of faith without divulging too much of the storyline, so I won’t do so. I am still glad I read the novel as it is a fascinating period in history, and it is all the more interesting for having been based on Eyam. I plan on reading her novel People of the Book when it comes out next month.
2001, 304 pp.
Rating: 4
Interesting. I haven’t read Brooks yet, but each of her books intrigues me.
I don’t know what it was but I just couldn’t get into March so I took it back to the library unread.
I have “March” sitting on my bookshelf, just waiting to get read. And I reserved her new book from the library today. I’ll see how these two go before committing to more of her books. Some of the reviews I have read are mixed about her writing style…
I really liked this book but wasn’t that keen on March. I’ll be reading her new one though it sounds interesting
I read this book some time ago, so my memory is not totally clear. I remember liking it overall, but there were a few places where the characters didn’t quite ring true–their actions didn’t seem true to how they’d been set up earlier in the story–but I can’t remember specifics. I remember thinking that I hoped I’d be that courageous if in their place.
I really enjoyed this book….except for the ending!
This is one I’ve had on my TBR for quite awhile. I did not enjoy March at all, in fact I didn’t finish it, however I beleive in giving an author a second chance and plan to with this one.
i’m not familiar with this author or this book. i’m intrigued by your thoughts, though, and am thinking i ought to read it and then have you tell me more about the matters of faith!
Alison, let me know if you end up reading it!
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