When an infected bolt of cloth carries plague from London to an isolated village, a housemaid named Anna Frith emerges as an unlikely heroine and healer. Through Anna's eyes we follow the story of the fateful year of 1666, as she and her fellow villagers confront the spread of disease and superstition. As death reaches into every household and villagers turn from prayers to murderous witch-hunting, Anna must find the strength to confront the disintegration of her community and the lure of illicit love. As she struggles to survive and grow, a year of catastrophe becomes instead annus mirabilis, a "year of wonders."
Who knew a book about plague could be so compelling and interesting. There are challenges to what it means to be neighbors, friends, and faithful. I was fascinated that this book is based on a true story of the village Eyam. I'm a fan of much historical detail and the rich story and characters kept me reading. What I didn't like about the book was the ending. It was... contrived.
1 comment:
I read this a few years ago, and as I recall, I enjoyed it. I'm sure I posted a review at the time, but I can't find it.
I also read "March," by this author, and thought that was very good, too.
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