Geraldine Brooks' Year of Wonders offers a gripping and emotional portrayal of a village struck by the plague. Critics praise Brooks' evocative prose and rich historical detail. Some find the plot's melodramatic moments detract from realism, but the compelling characters and vivid setting resonate powerfully. A blend of historical depth and human resilience.

Readers captivated by historical fiction with strong female protagonists and tales of resilience will appreciate Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. Fans of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale or Margaret Atwood's Alias Grace will find this poignant story set during the 1666 plague in England equally engaging.

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks follows 18-year-old Anna Frith, a widow in the English village of Eyam during the 1666 bubonic plague. The town's rector, Michael Mompellion, leads a voluntary quarantine to prevent the spread, and Anna serves her community alongside Mompellion and his wife, Elinor. As the plague decimates the village, Anna confronts profound questions about faith, humanity, and her own resilience. This book contains child death, extreme violence towards women, detailed descriptions of traumatic births, and painful death.

Melancholic / Mysterious / Contemplative / Dark

- Year of Wonders was inspired by the true story of the English village of Eyam, which voluntarily quarantined itself during the bubonic plague outbreak in 1665.
- Geraldine Brooks was a journalist before becoming a novelist, and her background in history and research informs much of the rich historical detail in Year of Wonders.
- The title Year of Wonders refers to 1666, which was a year of significant historical events in England, including the Great Fire of London, though the novel itself is set in 1665.

**Anna Frith**  
A widow and housemaid in a small village who is literate despite having no formal education. She navigates personal and communal challenges during the bubonic plague outbreak.

**Michael Mompellion**  
The Anglican rector of Eyam, who assumes a leadership role during the plague. He is initially seen as compassionate and committed to guiding his congregation through the crisis.

**Mem Gowdie**  
A healer and midwife in Eyam, well-versed in herbal medicine. She faces suspicion and hostility from the villagers due to her unorthodox medical practices.

**Elinor Mompellion**  
The well-educated spouse of Michael Mompellion known for her kindness and intellect. She mentors Anna and shares her knowledge of plants and healing.

**Aphra Bont**  
Anna’s stepmother, known for her superstitious beliefs and exploitation of villagers' fears during the plague. Her behavior deteriorates significantly during the epidemic.

Geraldine Brooks

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Part 1: “Leaf-Fall, 1666”

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Part 2: “Spring, 1665”

Part 2, Chapters 2-5

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Part 2, Chapters 6-10

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Part 2, Chapters 11-14

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Part 3: “Leaf-Fall 1666”

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