Year of Wonders

A Novel

By: Geraldine Brooks

Narrated by: Geraldine Brooks

Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

“Plague stories remind us that we cannot manage without community . . . Year of Wonders is a testament to that very notion.”–The Washington Post

An unforgettable tale, set in 17th century England, of a village that quarantines itself to arrest the spread of the plague, from the author The Secret Chord and of March, winner of the Pulitzer Prize

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."

Inspired by the true story of Eyam, a village in the rugged hill country of England, Year of Wonders is a richly detailed evocation of a singular moment in history. Written with stunning emotional intelligence and introducing "an inspiring heroine" (The Wall Street Journal), Brooks blends love and learning, loss and renewal into a spellbinding and unforgettable read.

©2010 Penguin Audiobooks (P)2010 Geraldine Brooks

Critic reviews

"The novel glitters . . . A deep imaginative engagement with how people are changed by catastrophe."—The New Yorker

“Plague stories remind us that we cannot manage without community . . . Year of Wonders is a testament to that very notion . . . [The villagers] assume collective responsibility for combating the plague, rather than seeing it as an act of God before which they are powerless.”—The Washington Post

"Year of Wonders is a vividly imagined and strangely consoling tale of hope in a time of despair."—O, The Oprah Magazine

Better Read Than Said

What did you like best about Year of Wonders? What did you like least?

Good story. I loved the history

Any additional comments?

Although the story was engaging, I found myself almost unable to finish. The narration was horrible at best. If the synopsis interests you, I strongly recommend you buy the book instead

Couldn’t stop listening!

My first Geraldine Brooks novel and I can’t wait to listen to more. Her knowledge is incredible. Wonderfully written and narrated story.

Author narrator

I seem to be in the minority here but I thought the author did a great job narrating. I could listen to her read a shopping list. The book itself was amazing. I didn't want it to end.

Poor narration

Story was interesting with fleshed out characters however the author should stick to writing and leave the reading to professionals.

Loved this book! Wonderfully told story

I really enjoyed this historical fiction. It gives a good picture of what it must’ve been like to live during the Great Pestilence. And the fictional story woven around the main historical events is just enthralling. I listened with my mother during a long road trip and we both thoroughly enjoyed it.

Hire a professional

This is an excellent book but I wish it had been narrated by someone who could do it justice. The author is, without a doubt, a very talented writer but her narration has a dull, tired and almost sing-song quality to it. It reminded me to listen! before I make a selection.

Story of a plague

A road to empathy with those gripped by or surrounded by a community in the grips of the irrational and real fears provoked by a pandemic. Historical details fascinating. Role of conflicting religious groups and range of moral and religious and political responses timely.
Not enamored by authors voice

HATED THE ENDING!

Any additional comments?

Despite the fact that the narrator was annoyingly unskilled and monotonous, I enjoyed the story very much. That is I enjoyed it until the last chapter. I would have given the story a five star, but because of the ending - I feel I am being very generous with four stars. In the end though the overall rating was a three star because of the narration. I did get use to the narration by the end of the book and she does have a pleasant accent; however, I kept wishing I could tell the characters apart most of the time. I would recommend it though because the first part of the book is so well written and deftly drew me into Anna's world, her sorrows, triumphs, tragedy, loves, fears etc. I liked Anna Frith, as well as Michael and Elinor Mompellion very much and found it hard to put the book down at times. I guess the problem is that I was so invested in the characters that I found the ending completely unbelievable and ridiculous.

Narrator better than expected

Many reviews focus on the terrible narration done by Geraldine Brooks. I won't lie to you -- she isn't the greatest narrator. However, she is also not the worst I have ever heard. The sample given by Audible gave me a good idea of what I was in for, and I opted to buy the book even with the multiple bad reviews. Yes, Brooks reads very slowly. Yes, her voice can get on your nerves, at least for the first few chapters. But at some point, her voice begins to work, and I forgot that she wasn't the main character, Anna. The book is sad (how could a book about the Plague not be sad?) and yet still manages to end with a slightly happy and plausible ending. However, the characters are what make this book so wonderful. If you like other Brooks' novels, then I don't think this one will disappoint you. She is an excellent writer, and this book just adds to her achievements.

A good read, engrossing.

Gives an informative portrayal of what it may have been like to confront the Plague. Also good portrayal of social norms and of how easily people can turn to superstition and scapegoating when things are out of control. Unfortunately that applies in our times too; with conspiracies and medical misinformation having appeal to some today.
As a nurse and former midwife and Lactation consultant, I especially enjoyed the portrayal of medical practices and women’s roles in the 1600’s. And I could listen to Geraldine Brooks’ reading voice all day.