Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

This spellbinding story is “inspired by the true story of Eyam, a village in the rugged mountain spine of England.”

In the spring of 1665 Anna Frith is widowed at the age of 18, raising two babies, when a man, referred by rector, appears at her door looking for lodging. He settles in her attic, the money helps her to feed the family, but what she learns to appreciate the most is to be able to laugh again. 

Soon after, plague reaches the village. And when one village-folk after another are being claimed by plague, Anna gets involved with herbs, administering tonics to afflicted ones. 

Such trying times, turn some simple souls into superstition, some into Flagellants – “Their belief is that by grievous self-punishment they can allay God’s wrath.” But at the end, one’s struggle can turn into a wonder.

This beautifully written story brings a vivid picture of a struggle for survival.

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