Geraldine Brooks was deeply inspired to pen her (2001) masterpiece, Year of Wonders, after witnessing a captivating BBC documentary. In it, she discovered that in 1665, during the Great Plague, the Derbyshire village of Eyam made a remarkable decision to quarantine itself. The villagers reached a consensus that no one would depart until the plague had subsided, and outsiders consented to bring food and supplies to the village gates. Tragically, many lives were lost, but a significant number were also spared. We learn about the diverse strategies they employed to save themselves, all while confronting extremist responses.

The first-person narrator is Anna Frith, an inspiring young woman who endured the loss of her family and, in the process, became a healer and midwife. She is motivated to perform acts of solidarity and love, in part, by her rector, Montpelier, who leads the village in making this fateful choice.

Of course, it is a somber tale, much like our current pandemic has been for countless thousands. Brooks poignantly writes, “My Tom died as babies do, gently and without complaint. Because they have been such a little time with us, they seem to hold to life but weakly. I used to wonder if it was so because the memory of Heaven still lived within them, so that in leaving here they do not fear death as we do, who no longer know with certainty where it is our spirits go. This, I thought, must be the kindness that God does for them and for us, since He gives so many infants such a little while to bide with us.”

However, the inspiration for us to thrive in the face of crisis emerges from Anna, undefeated even as death looms large around her. She says, “She closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them and gazed at me. 'I wonder if you know how you have changed. It is the one good, perhaps, to come out of this terrible year. Oh, the spark was clear in you when you first came to me - but you covered your light as if you were afraid of what would happen if anybody saw it. You were like a flame blown by the wind until it is almost extinguished. All I had to do was put the glass around you. And now, how you shine!”

I must admit that I preferred a novel set in the same period, Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Nevertheless, Year of Wonders is elegantly written historical fiction, with truly beautiful prose. It has a somewhat unexpected ending that seems a bit out of character with the predominant tone of the book. Perhaps, though, it aligns with the sudden twists and turns of fortune characteristic of eighteenth-century novels? At any rate, I still appreciate how it concludes. And I have a great deal of affection for this book. I encourage you to read it along with Hamnet and George Saunders’ Lincoln in the Bardo, which also explores the theme of the loss of children.

TMI stands for ‘too much information’. For example, when you simply ask someone how they are, and they start elaborating on their bowel habits, that's TMI. And you tell them so, hoping they'll listen.

4.5 rounded up.

The ending was truly interesting. It had a certain charm that made me think about it long after I finished reading. However, if the outcome had been different, it probably would have earned a full 5 stars from me.

Otherwise, this book was an absolute joy to read. Geraldine's writing is so fluent and captivating that it easily draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from start to finish. Her words seem to flow effortlessly, creating a vivid and immersive world that I didn't want to leave.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

4.5 stars!

When this story began during apple season, I initially thought, “Oh, I’ve already read this!” However, as it progressed, it was actually reminding me of the beginning of The Witch's Daughter. They start out quite similarly, and if you've read that one and then pick up this one, don't be misled - keep reading, for it's a distinct story. I assure you.

Typically, I'm not a fan of the narrative structure where the present is introduced and then we're flung back to the past until the two timelines meet up. But in this case, since the two are only a year apart, I didn't mind at all. In fact, it worked rather well to commence in the current moment and then backtrack to catch everything up and move forward, which gave the big surprise moments even more shock value.

A story about a village decimated by the plague might not seem inherently interesting, but Brooks crafts such a rich and engaging tale with well-rounded, believable characters and a vivid backdrop that it's nearly impossible not to become engrossed in Anna Frith's year of tragedy and tribulation. As I listened, I recalled, “I remember reading about a village that self-quarantined during the plague!” And indeed, at the end, Brooks reveals that she was inspired to write this when she came across the plague village of Eyam while on a break from her stressful Middle East reporting job. Some of the events in this book were based on real people or circumstances, albeit loosely, and I found that to be quite fascinating.

In addition, I actually learned things from this novel! I absolutely love it when I can glean new knowledge from a work of fiction. For example, the term “to nick” - meaning to steal and perhaps said with a Cockney accent when you envision it in your mind - may have originated as a miner’s term. I couldn't find any online sources to corroborate this, but I'm not going to expend a great deal of effort to do so. Essentially, in this story, if a miner had a mine and wasn't producing the required amount of ore to maintain it, another miner could come along and make nicks in the framework above the main mineshaft. And if it had been nicked enough within a certain time period (3 times in 90 days, in this instance), the other miner could claim the mine as their own, having “nicked” it. Whether this is true or not, it's a cool lexical anecdote.

Other reviews have pointed out the allegedly unrealistic ending. I'm not sure if I concur that it was unrealistic, but it did seem a bit too tidy and overly perfect, like a precious fairy-tale ending. While this didn't significantly detract from my overall enjoyment, it did prevent me from walking away with that five-star impression.

In 1666, in an English mining village, Anna Frith, just 18 years old, is already a mother of two children and a widow of a miner. To secure her income, she rents a room to a traveling tailor. What neither of them knows is that the fabric the tailor has brought is infested with fleas that carry the black death: the plague.

It is quite strange how stories of epidemics, especially the plague, exert a certain fascination on us. This is particularly true when we are currently experiencing a pandemic ourselves. Perhaps it is a little comforting to know that things could have been even worse.

As I read, many things seem familiar to me: The village goes into complete quarantine to prevent the spread of the disease. It is remarkable that the villagers do this on their own initiative and that it is a true story. Such a measure today: almost unthinkable. This does not mean that the villagers are exemplary. For example, the local herbalists, as was not uncommon in the 17th century, are suspected of witchcraft. The young protagonist, who is in the service of the priest and his wife, tells us the story of the plague year from the first-person perspective. Despite her limited education, she - together with the priest and his wife - represents the voice of reason. Geraldine Brooks makes her ahead of her time, thinking Enlightenment thoughts:

"Perhaps the Plague was neither of God nor the Devil, but simply a thing in Nature, as the stone on which we stub a toe."... "If we balanced the time we spent contemplating God, and why He afflicted us, with more thought as to how the Plague spread and poisoned our blood, then we might come nearer to saving our lives." (Page 215)

This thought is still completely relevant in the face of numerous unspeakable conspiracy theories. Feminist themes are also addressed, such as the consequences of adultery and unwanted pregnancies, as well as male hypocrisy.

Thus, the novel from 2001 becomes a highly topical and fascinating read in a very engaging language. Only at the end does Brooks, in my opinion, lay it on a little too thick, and I didn't find that very believable.

It has been two years since I embarked on the journey to Geraldine Brooks' Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague with a dive bar book club I was a part of. (Imagine discussing literature on Karaoke Night. It didn't turn out well.) Amidst rounds of hefeweizen, I vividly recall being memorably transported to another place and time. I returned with a far greater affinity for Brooks than most of my fellow drinkers/readers.

The novel commences in the spring of 1665 in a village inspired by Eyam in the hill country of the English Midlands. Thus begins a first-person account of young widower and mother of two, Anna Firth. She rents a room to a tailor named George Remington Viccars. In any other era, the handsome and successful tailor, beloved by Anna's sons, might have ended up happily married to the widow. However, as the subtitle implies, this isn't that kind of novel.

After receiving a box of fabric from London, Mr. Viccars starts to display symptoms of the Bubonic Plague. He burns his personal effects, but upon his death, clients arrive and demand to take possession of their merchandise. Fever spreads through the village, first striking those closest to Anna. The outbreak is wrongly blamed on two herbalists, Mem Gowdie and her young niece, Anys, who are accused of being witches. A mob kills both women; Mem dies from exposure after being dunked in water, and Anys is hanged. This leaves the town without a physician as the plague persists.

The young rector of the village, Michael Mompellion, suggests a quarantine to prevent the disease from spreading across the countryside. Everyone agrees except a family of wealthy local gentry, the Bradfords, who promptly flee. Anna goes to work for the rector and, with his wife Elinor, uses what the Gowdies left behind to assume the role of the village herbalist. As the graveyards fill, Anna contends with her estranged father and malicious stepmother, who descend into criminal activity and madness as the plague worsens.

I was captivated not only by Brooks' writing style – vivid, sensual, and terse – but also by the way the author delved into historical data. Instead of simply telling the reader about various aspects of the village, its residents, or how they reacted to the plague, Brooks transports the reader there through her protagonist. Anna is put to work in the rectory, studies herbal medicine, takes on the role of a midwife, and even descends into the mines to earn a living. This provides the reader with access to every corner of a 17th-century English village ravaged by the plague. The sense of doom pervading the story reminded me of the best apocalyptic novels.

Year of Wonders could have been a five-star novel for me if Brooks had reconsidered the need for an epilogue. It not only prolongs the story but also leaves an ill-fitting impression on the book. A hopeful resolution might have been necessary with a subtitle like A Novel of the Plague and perhaps would have sold a million more copies. However, the novel is far more powerful without it. My advice would be to stop reading the book before the epilogue. Based on this harrowing novel, I would definitely read more of Brooks' work.

I have a deep affection for the book Horse penned by Geraldine Brooks. Year of Wonders is the second work of Brooks that I have delved into. While I found it to be an okay read, it didn't quite capture my heart in the same way as Horse did.

The story of Year of Wonders is set in the 1600s, a time when a devastating plague strikes. The small town of Derbyshire makes the brave decision to self-quarantine in an attempt to prevent further loss of life. The main protagonist, Anna, along with the rector's wife, Elinor, take it upon themselves to collect herbs and learn their uses for treating minor ailments. They also step into the role of midwives. However, tragedy and death continue to lurk around every corner throughout the narrative.

Year of Wonders is a highly acclaimed 2001 international bestselling historical fiction novel. It has been recognized as a notable book by both the NY Times and the Washington Post. There are numerous glowing ratings from Goodreads reviewers, and I would encourage fellow readers to explore them.

For me personally, the sheer amount of death and tragedy depicted in the book was rather challenging and had a depressing effect. It made me reflect on the harsh realities of life during such a difficult period in history.

Anna Frith lives in a secluded village. When a bolt of cloth arrives from London, it brings the dreaded bubonic plague. Under the guidance of a vision given to the town minister, Anna and the villagers decide to quarantine themselves, hoping to stop the spread of the plague. The days of quarantine stretch into weeks, and as the months pass, the villagers become increasingly restless. Death is everywhere, and suspicion and anger grow as they look for someone to blame. Anna soon discovers that she faces far greater dangers than just the plague.

Year of Wonders is filled with the same beautiful, enchanting prose that one would expect from a book by Geraldine Brooks. The village is described as a lovely place, with hedgerows of deep green leaves and blackberries ripening. Fat lambs graze in the lush grass. However, the author also skillfully描绘s the horrors of the plague, using vivid and detailed descriptions that are not for the faint of heart.

Anna Frith is an engaging character from beginning to end. Despite facing many hardships, she remains a strong and loving woman. She befriends outcasts and dabbles in the dangerous trade of medicine. Even though she witnesses many terrible things, she still maintains a gentle view of the world.

Occasionally, the pacing in Year of Wonders slows down, but it always picks up again and leads to a satisfying conclusion. Overall, it is a captivating and well-written book that is sure to appeal to fans of historical fiction.

Romāns atstāj spēcīgu pēcgaršu.

It's good that the sun was shining today. I closed the shutters and for a moment looked out the window - for a moment of peace.

Although the end of the novel is in its own way bright (and I really didn't expect that), yet the year that the people of the village spent in self-isolation is too hard, it leaves deep marks.

The measure and its associated deaths test people's faith and reveal both the best and the worst qualities.

I was completely captivated by Anna's story, but it's hard for me to notice that this is the author's debut novel. Masterfully done.

Overall, this novel offers a profound exploration of human nature and the impact of difficult times. It makes the reader think and feel, and leaves a lasting impression.

The author has managed to create a vivid and engaging world, populated with well-developed characters.

Despite the沉重的主题, there are also moments of hope and beauty that shine through.

This is a novel that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a captivating novel that is firmly rooted in a historical event which took place in the 1600s in Eyam, England. It was the dreaded Era of the Plague, specifically the bubonic plague.

The author has masterfully crafted a highly readable story that not only entertains but also educates us about the way of life back then. We gain a very real and vivid sense of the church's profound influence on the daily lives of the people residing in a small village in rural England.

Moreover, we are given a fascinating glimpse into the villagers' superstitious belief systems. In their desperation, they felt the need to blame something or someone for the spread of this terrible illness that mercilessly snuffed out the lives of two-thirds of the inhabitants.

Despite the terribly unpleasant story line, the protagonist manages to win our hearts with her remarkable resourcefulness and unwavering faith. She was just an ordinary servant girl, yet the author has endowed her with traits that make her so endearing and ahead of her time.

In addition, the language used in the novel is particularly beautiful and evocative, reminiscent of a bygone era. It adds a touch of authenticity and charm to the entire narrative.

Overall, I firmly believe that this story has wide appeal to most readers, captivating them with its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and beautiful language.

I am rather ambivalent about this story.

We are plunged into what must have been one of the darkest eras of human history. It's not just because of the plague, which was dreadfully severe, but also due to the overwhelming amount of superstition and ignorance. Let me clarify. Ignorance in the sense of not being aware of a particular thing or an unusual event is understandable. However, creating fairy tales to explain such phenomena really gets on my nerves. Specifically, things like witchcraft (burn her!!!!) and various forms of dogmatic religious beliefs and practices drive me crazy. And it still does.

Anna Frith is the main character here. She is a widower residing in Derbyshire in the 1600s. Her small town is struck by the bubonic plague. This terrible disease has a mortality rate of around 40 - 60% or even closer to 100% if left untreated. It leads to an excruciating death as the bacteria Yersinia pestis invades the bloodstream, causing fatal septicaemias (there are other forms too, such as pneumonias and more). One remarkable feature is the appearance of grotesque bulbous protrusions on the body, often erupting and resulting in all kinds of unsightly and painful demises.

People are dying in droves. The descriptions provided by the author are vivid and grim. I found this part of the story quite interesting as it gave a sense of what life might have been like back then. There are various characters we can loathe (like Anna's dad) and characters we can cherish, like our narrator - Anna.

However, towards the end of the story, a few things occurred that shook my perception of the bubonic world. I didn't anticipate some of these happenings. In fact, I thought they were a bit improbable, unusually so. It was all a bit disconcerting.

I was also slightly bothered by the first-person narrative of Anna. She frequently used words like “shit,” which didn't sit well with me. As (even mentioned in the book) people could be punished by being put in the stocks and having rotten carrots thrown at them for swearing. Her narrative seemed a bit too modern and lacked authenticity.

This was a bit disappointing considering it's a worthy topic, especially given our recent experiences with our own pandemic. But it did make me ponder - if COVID-19 had the same mortality rate as the plague or, say, the Ebola virus, we would all be having entirely different conversations - those of us who were left.

2 Stars

I live just a few miles away from the Derbyshire village of Eyam, a place that holds a significant and haunting history. It was here that an event of great importance took place.

The village of Eyam has become famous for its heroic actions during a time of crisis. In the 17th century, when the bubonic plague struck, the villagers made a selfless decision to quarantine themselves to prevent the spread of the disease to other areas.

This act of sacrifice and courage has left a lasting legacy. Today, visitors can still explore the village and learn about its remarkable past.

http://www.beautifulbritain.co.uk/htm/outandabout/eyam.htm is a website that provides more information about Eyam. It's a great resource for those who want to know more about this fascinating place.

I thought I'd share this little piece of information with you. Maybe one day, you'll have the opportunity to visit Eyam and experience its history for yourself.