This was truly an outstanding novel. It was based on the real story of a secluded English village that opted to isolate itself upon being visited by the Bubonic plague. The main character, Anna, was truly inspiring, considering all that she endured herself, along with the diverse cast of flawed and despairing villagers.

Anna showcases remarkable bravery, courage, and determination. During this "Year of Wonders," she learns to midwife, discovers the uses of herbs, and even attempts lead mining, simply because there is no one else to carry out these tasks.

‘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 first you 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 round you. And now, how you shine!’ - these words from her friend and mentor truly capture the transformation of Anna.

The book concludes on a positive note once the plague and the associated crisis have passed. It is a captivating read that offers insights into human nature, perseverance, and the power of hope in the face of adversity. This book is highly recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of inspiration.

This is such an unusual time that we are all experiencing right now.

I have delved deep into history, and our past is replete with tales of plague, disease, and infection.

I was eager to explore another's perspective on such circumstances, be it through fiction or nonfiction.

"Year of Wonders" by Geraldine Brooks is a captivating fictional story set in the year 1666.

Anna Frith, a humble housemaid in a village in the hills, is married to a simple miner and has two children.

They lead a simple yet happy life.

However, their idyllic existence is shattered when a piece of cloth carrying the plague arrives in the village from London.

The local pastor decides to quarantine the town from the outside world.

Despite this, the disease ravages the village, and what remains is further destroyed by the mass hysteria of the survivors.

Reading this book while in quarantine is truly a unique experience.

One thing is certain: the pastor acted much more swiftly than our government did.

Nevertheless, there are some similarities.

The book portrays religious hysteria and witch hunts.

People, not understanding why this is happening and how the disease spreads, take out their fear and frustration on each other in the only way they know.

Fast forward to the present day, and we are perhaps more arrogant.

We have made significant medical advancements and have a better understanding of how the virus spreads, but the challenge lies in stopping it.

While we don't have literal witch hunts, we do have the internet, which can be a breeding ground for false information and conspiracy theories.

There are also those who believe they cannot be quarantined and can go wherever they please, which sounds all too familiar.

Now, let's talk more about the actual book.

This book is simply beautiful.

The glimmer of hope that emerges from utter despair is my favorite aspect.

And then there's the courageous Anna.

She witnesses loss beyond comprehension but still rises each day, leaves her home to care for the suffering, all while having a thirst for knowledge about healing.

She is a true heroine, just like all our essential workers today.

I see you and thank you!

Another lovely part of the story is Anna's friendship with the pastor's wife, Elinor.

They lean on each other and draw strength from one another.

I adore how they build each other up, as women should.

The prose in this book is absolutely stunning, and I was entranced from the very first page.

This book truly delves into the human condition and reveals the beauty that can exist in an otherwise dark world.

It earns a perfect 5 stars from me!

\\n  Review originally published November 2014\\n

Geraldine Brooks' Year of Wonders offers a captivating account of the 17th-century plague. It all begins when a traveling tailor unknowingly brings the plague from London to a small village. One by one, the villagers succumb to the disease, and those remaining are faced with a difficult choice: flee in the hope of escaping the plague or stay and confront it. The decision to stay is made, and thus begins a year-long battle with the plague.

The self-quarantined villagers struggle to maintain their humanity as they are ravaged by the disease and descend into despair. Superstitions, common during such disasters in that time period, also surface. The characters in the story are rich and believable. Maiden Anna Frith, the narrator, is a widow with two young sons. The rector, Michael Mompellion, and his wife, Elinor, work closely with Anna and play a crucial role in keeping the village together during these dire and uncertain times.

Reading this book made me think of the current Ebola pandemic and how, despite hundreds of years of dealing with plagues and diseases, we still face challenges in containing them. The measures taken to contain the plague in such primitive circumstances are both fascinating and heartbreaking. It's hard to imagine the difficulties those people faced without the benefit of advanced medical training or the means to communicate their plight beyond their village.

I will admit that the book starts out a bit slowly for the first several pages, but I encourage you to stick with it. Brooks has a beautiful writing style that will impress you with her use of language. She vividly captures and describes the very human struggles of the people in that century. While this is a work of historical fiction, it is inspired by an actual town known as Plague Village due to the events that took place there in 1665-1666. To learn more about this fascinating subject, visit www.eyam-museum.org.uk.

Copies of The Year of Wonders can be found in all of our La Crosse County library locations, including Onalaska, Holmen, Bangor, Campbell, and West Salem, which are part of the Winding Rivers Library System. The book is available in regular print, large print, audio CD, and e-book formats. For more information on catalog resources or upcoming programming schedules, please visit our website at www.lacrossecountylibrary.org. You can also find us on Facebook!

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Set in 17th century England,

the novel vividly depicts the life in a small village that is severely afflicted by the Plague.

The main character, Widow Anna Firth, shows great courage and compassion as she endeavors to assist the families in the village cope with the illness and the accompanying tragedy.

She selflessly devotes herself to providing care and support, facing numerous challenges and difficulties along the way.

However, despite its interesting premise, the novel unfortunately drags in a number of places.

The pacing could have been better, as some sections felt overly long and drawn-out, causing the reader's attention to wane at times.

Nevertheless, it still offers a valuable insight into the harsh realities of life during the Plague era and the strength and resilience of the human spirit.