A Novel of the Plague.
When an infected bolt of cloth carries plague from London to an isolated mountain village, a housemaid named Anna Frith emerges as an unlikely heroine and healer. Through Anna's eyes, we follow the story of the plague year, 1666, as her fellow villagers make an extraordinary choice. Convinced by a visionary minister, they elect to quarantine themselves within the village boundaries to arrest the spread of the disease.
But as death reaches into every household, faith frays. When villagers turn from prayers and herbal cures to sorcery and murderous witch-hunting, Anna must confront the deaths of family, the disintegration of her community, and the lure of a dangerous and illicit love. As she struggles to survive, a year of plague becomes, instead, "annus mirabilis", a "year of wonders".
Inspired by the true story of Eyam, a village in the rugged mountain spine of England, 'Year Of Wonders' is a richly detailed evocation of a singular moment in history. Written with stunning emotional intelligence, Brooks's novel examines the collision of faith, science, and superstition at the cusp of the modern era. Exploring love and learning, loss and renewal, 'Year Of Wonders' succeeds as a spellbinding work of historical fiction and an unforgettable read.
Year of wonders
A moving and beautifully written novel based on a true story set in England 1666 when the plague showed no mercy. This brilliant Pulitzer prize winning Australian author always fascinates and enlightens. Reviewed by 30jp
Guest, 18/08/2014
Engaging from the first page
Engaging from the first page Geraldine Brooks, former war correspondent, brings to life the story of a village who made the decision to quarantine themselves in the time of plague. This novel is based around a true a event, however the characters are fictional. Inevitably the villagers suffer loss and heartbreak but always remain hopeful and should be commended for their sacrifices. A fantastic book to bring readers back down to earth, diminishing their own first world problems. This is Brooks' first novel and launched her fictional-writing career. She is now a fellow at Harvard University. As reviewed by 08mh
Toombul, 28/07/2014
