Helpful Score: 5
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.
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.
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!
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!
Helpful Score: 3
I enjoyed the book, though it is not for the weak stomached or heavy hearted. The novel illustrates the will of the human spirit and the want of life when there is nothing else to want. The story truly brings you back the 17th century in diction but still remains a simple and light read.
Helpful Score: 2
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!
Helpful Score: 1
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.
