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Review Date: 2/6/2009
From the first page you know that one of the characters is dead and thus already know
that there is a sadness or family tragedy that had occurred. But the way the story is written it instantly pulls you in making you want to know how things came to be. Amanda, Ruth, Carl, and Imogene are all very strong characters. There are those I am sure that may take an almost instant dislike to Amanda but I liked her in her very flawed way. It isn't until you reach the end of the book that you realize that the story is about the strong bonds and connection of family. I have to admit that I cried when I finished the book.
that there is a sadness or family tragedy that had occurred. But the way the story is written it instantly pulls you in making you want to know how things came to be. Amanda, Ruth, Carl, and Imogene are all very strong characters. There are those I am sure that may take an almost instant dislike to Amanda but I liked her in her very flawed way. It isn't until you reach the end of the book that you realize that the story is about the strong bonds and connection of family. I have to admit that I cried when I finished the book.
Review Date: 2/6/2009
Helpful Score: 3
I read this book back in October of 2007 and absolutely loved it. The writing to me was at times like poetry.
I really thought the premise of the book was very unique. I was surprised to find myself more interested in the Caroline/Phoebe part of the story than David and Norah. It was hard to warm up to them. I suppose one of the messages in this story is how lives can be changed with a lie. I got the impression that the author wanted us to imagine how different things would have turned out had David not made the decision that he did. Honestly, in my opinion I am still dubious as to what the outcome of David and Norah's marriage would have been had he not lied about Phoebe. Would Phoebe really have had a "better" life? I am certainly not condoning what David did but Phoebe was raised by a truly wonderful and loving mother who fought for her rights. I just somehow don't get the feeling that David and Norah had the same strength that Caroline did. But I am one that likes to play Devil's advocate.
It is definitely a novel you won't long forget.
I really thought the premise of the book was very unique. I was surprised to find myself more interested in the Caroline/Phoebe part of the story than David and Norah. It was hard to warm up to them. I suppose one of the messages in this story is how lives can be changed with a lie. I got the impression that the author wanted us to imagine how different things would have turned out had David not made the decision that he did. Honestly, in my opinion I am still dubious as to what the outcome of David and Norah's marriage would have been had he not lied about Phoebe. Would Phoebe really have had a "better" life? I am certainly not condoning what David did but Phoebe was raised by a truly wonderful and loving mother who fought for her rights. I just somehow don't get the feeling that David and Norah had the same strength that Caroline did. But I am one that likes to play Devil's advocate.
It is definitely a novel you won't long forget.
Review Date: 2/6/2009
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.
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