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Year of Wonders

Year of Wonders
A Novel of The Plague
by Geraldine Brooks
Hardcover: Aug 2001,
352 pages.
Paperback: Apr 2002,
320 pages.

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Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Jan
Year of Wonders
I have to disagree that 'too much imagination' has been used in this novel! Shakespeare wrote in the late 1500s and early 1600s, based many of his plays on historic events, threw in a huge dose of vivid imagination, and we have been reading, watching and loving his works ever since. So clearly use of imagination is not a modern phenomenon - Anna Frith is resourceful and adaptable, a strong woman in extraordinary circumstances. Even if you know your history there is no reason why you can't enjoy this work of fiction which takes its inspiration from historical facts, and more to the point is beautifully written. As an Englishwoman I am astounded at (Australian) Brooks' affinity with English as it was spoken in the midlands in the 1600s, and her eye for detail. Fantastic.

Rated 2 of 5 of 5 by Karen Williams
Too Much Imagination
Much to the disappointment of anyone with even a slim knowledge of 17th century England, Geraldine Brooks inserts a modern liberal heroine into a pre-modern culture. I found myself laughing at the author's brazen and unruly use of imagination. This is a work of fantasy which seldom touches even the truth of fiction. The real story of the real plague village and its priest is more interesting and astounding. It is only fair to mention that Brooks is a fine wordsmith and some of her scenes are on the mark and beautifully written! If you don't know history, you will probably enjoy the book.

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by Jenna
Alright...
I don't think that this book was anything spectactular, but I liked the end. Although it is gruesome at some points I thought it was beautifully written. The last chapter was my favorite part, and I don't think I will read it again, but I am glad I at least read it once

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Sarah S
Year of Wonders
I could not put this book down, not for a willing second. Unbelievable desciption. The sadness, sorrow and suffering the characters endured seemed almost tangible. My favourite paragragh which summed their lives came early in the book:
" I have watched it (the sapling in the middle of the street) from its first seed leaves, wondering when someone would pull it out. No one has yet done so, and now it stands already a yard high. Footprints testify that we are all walking round it. I wonder if it is indifference, or whether, like me, others are so brimful of endings that they cannot bear to wrench even a scrawny sapling from its tenuous grip on ife"
Also the contrast in Mr Mompellion's character was shocking, yet so magnificently presented.
The ending to the novel, which i thought was extremely creative and believable, was truly fantastic.
I truly thank you Geraldine, for this certain masterpiece in literature. My personal opinion is that this book would make a fantastic motion picture...

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Lauren Ominski
Year Of Wonders
This book is good, i think that the second time you read it, it will be much better and more understandable. Masterpiece

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Kathy Huynh
an imaginatively profound read
I've just finished re reading the book for the second time and thought to look it up for other opinions on this book. i found this novel peacefully subtle yet compelling. The intriguing characters that have been beautifully woven in this fiction endure shattered virtues yet displays a humilty that touches us. No pages dragged and overall a great read.
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