Because Ideas Matter...

The faculty and staff of Butler University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences presents

Recommended Readings

Year of Wonders

by Geraldine Brooks, Penguin 2002

Reviewed by Anne Wilson

A fictional tale based upon real events of how a woman from a rural village in England might have survived the black plague, Year of Wonders is a tale of human perseverance. This is not a story to read if you have recently had a child, and there are scenes that are very difficult to read. If you are able to move beyond some of the more gruesome portrayals - the real plague certainly must have been worse - the main character Anna will capture your heart. Through the story, the value of literacy and education is reinforced in ways I had not expected, and Brooks provides an unusual way for Anna to fulfill her potential while maintaining a semblance of historical accuracy. Anna ties many of her reflections to the changing of the seasons giving the reader a sense of connection to her time and place, even if we cannot as easily identify with the Christian vs. pagan theme throughout the story. Upon finishing the story, I am sure that you will share my desire to visit Eyam, Derbyshire, the real town that inspired Brooks' tale.

- Anne Wilson is professor of chemistry at Butler University.