Year of Wonders

YearofWonders

Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague is a historical novel by Geraldine Brooks. It was published in 2001 and is set in the small village of Eyam during the plague year of 1666. The novel explores themes of disease, faith, and human nature.

Plot Summary

The story is narrated by Anna Frith, a young widow and servant in the village of Eyam. The novel begins with the arrival of a tailor from London who brings with him a bolt of cloth infested with fleas carrying the bubonic plague. As the disease spreads, the villagers, led by the rector Michael Mompellion and his wife Elinor Mompellion, decide to quarantine themselves to prevent the spread of the plague to neighboring areas.

Throughout the novel, Anna witnesses the breakdown of social order and the various ways in which the villagers cope with the crisis. Some turn to religion, while others resort to superstition and violence. Anna herself undergoes a transformation, becoming a healer and midwife, and ultimately finding a new sense of purpose and identity.

Characters

• Anna Frith: The protagonist and narrator, a young widow who becomes a healer.
• Michael Mompellion: The rector of Eyam, who leads the village through the quarantine.
• Elinor Mompellion: Michael's wife, who befriends and mentors Anna.
• George Viccars: The tailor whose arrival brings the plague to Eyam.
• Anys Gowdie: A local healer and midwife who is accused of witchcraft.

Themes

• Disease and Suffering: The novel explores the impact of the plague on the village and its inhabitants.
• Faith and Doubt: Characters grapple with their beliefs in the face of the epidemic.
• Human Nature: The story examines how people respond to crisis, revealing both the best and worst of human behavior.

Historical Context

The novel is based on the true story of the village of Eyam, which famously quarantined itself during the plague outbreak of 1665-1666. The villagers' self-sacrifice is remembered as an act of extraordinary courage and community spirit.

Reception

Year of Wonders received critical acclaim for its vivid storytelling and historical accuracy. It has been praised for its rich character development and exploration of complex themes.

Adaptations

The novel has been adapted into a stage play and there have been discussions about a film adaptation.

See Also

• Geraldine Brooks (writer)
• Eyam
• Great Plague of London
• Bubonic plague