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Search - Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague
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Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague Author: |
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Book Information
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Other Versions of this Book: Paperback, Audio Cassette, Audio CD, Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Book Description:
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.
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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Top Member Book Reviews
L. G. (
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Wow - what an amazing story! Thanks to whomever it was that suggested this book. I thought Ms. Brooks captured Anna's voice quite well and really brought her to life. I loved the use of arcane words and actually had to look some of them up! There were so many things happening and the character development was awesome. Be forewared, though, that this is not a book for the faint of heart - it deals with horrible deaths, witch hunts, rampages and murder.
This is definitely an author (and book) I will read again, and I'm keeping this one on my "Keeper" shelf.
My only criticism is that I thought there was sopme gratuitous sex and sexual discussion which detracted from the story. I'm not sure why authors insist on adding sex - it does nothing for me, personally, but maybe others get into that sort of thing. I just sort of find it annoying. :)
I would love to see this book made into a film. I imagined Anna Paquin as Anna, Gwenth Paltrow as Elinor and yummy Keanu Reeves as Michael Mompellion.
In closing, all I can say is thank God for antibiotics!
Elizabeth S. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
A riviting and vivid account of a 17th century village that becomes stricken with The Plague. Year of Wonders shows us the very best and the very worst of human nature.
My two complaints about the story was the surprise true character/personality of the Rector at the end of the novel. I didn't buy it and didn't much like it. I also didn't much care for the epilogue. It didn't seem to fit the rest of the book in my opinion. I felt like I was reading an epilogue to some other book not the one I was just nearly finishing.
Other than those two pieces of criticism I did enjoy reading this although not meant for the faint hearted. Many passages were very hard to get through emotionally.
Jennifer R. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
A beautifully written account of what occurs when the plague runs rampant through a small English village. Compelling characters, careful research and a satisfying ending add up to a great read!
Megan (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A great historical fiction about a year in the life of The Plague that preys on a small town, after an outsider from London takes housing with a local widow, Anna. With the help of the Rector, they decide to close themselves off from the rest of England to keep it within their borders. A sad story, but redeeming in the end. The language used is genuine to the time. I feel like I have some sense of what it must have been like to see 2/3rds of your neighbors die, and then endure the aftermath of grief and disbelief that followed. Highly recommended 4/5
Summer B. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
While not my usual genre of book I read for a book club and actually enjoyed. ( I had expected to be bored going into it.) Really shows the strength of the human spirit and the wonder at what humans will do when faced with trials. The book has vivid, easily pictured charcacters all self quarantined in a small village to try and keep the plague from spreading. Told from the view point of one strong young woman who helps nurse the ill, bury the dead, counsel the hurting all while struggling with her own losses and loves.
Please Rate these Book Reviews
A really interesting story based on life in England during the time of the plague in the 1660s. Very well-written.
A quick read about a horrible time. It draws you in without giving you too many horrid details.
You can read my complete review here.
Although, this is a depressing topic (the Plague in the 1600's), the story and characters are so well done. This book gives you such a clear picture of life during that time period. I just didn't think the ending went well with the rest of the book. I still highly highly recommend this book.
Susan O. (A sad but brilliant novel featuring the plague of 1666. The characters are developed and memorable.
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