Skip to main content
The Folger Spotlight

'Year of Wonders' by Geraldine Brooks

Folger Book Club convenes on Thursday, September 5 with a discussion of Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. To get ready for the conversation, we compiled some introductory information on this frequently banned book set in a plague year in England.

What is Year of Wonders about?

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

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.

Critical Reception

” Brooks has clearly done her homework, and in scenes like these she gives us what we want from historical fiction: a glimpse into the strangeness of history that simultaneously enables us to see a reflection of ourselves.” —The New York Times

“. . . Year of Wonders is a staggering fictional debut that matches journalistic accumulation of detail to natural narrative flair.” —The Guardian

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

Why did we choose this book?

The Folger Shakespeare Library’s collection explores not only Shakespeare’s life and works, but also the plays’ historical context, source material, critical and performance histories, and the ways in which they inspire and are adapted by contemporary novelists. Folger Book Club explores connections between contemporary fiction and the Folger’s mission, collection, and programming.

Year of Wonders was named one of the most banned books from 2010-2019 by the American Library Association. It’s subject matter concerns plague, a constant concern in Shakespeare’s time, while it’s status as a banned book support our “Whose Democracy?” season, asking questions about censorship and education.

About the author: Geraldine Brooks

From Penguin Random House

Geraldine Brooks is the author of six novels, including Horse, People of the BookYear of Wonders, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning March. She has also written acclaimed works of nonfiction, including Nine Parts of Desire and Foreign Correspondence. Her writing has been translated into over 25 languages and has collectively sold millions of copies around the world. Born and raised in Australia, Brooks now divides her time between Sydney and Martha’s Vineyard.

Content Transparency

Year of Wonders includes references to potentially sensitive subjects. Expand below for a list of content (may include spoilers).

September’s Bookstore Partner

This month, we are excited to partner with Kramers, the first bookstore/café in Washington DC.

In addition to possessing a lively, convivial atmosphere, and a full-service bar, Kramers stages hundreds of book-related events each year, both in the store and elsewhere. From tourists to neighbors, college students to the political elite, there is something for everyone at Kramers! Learn more at kramers.com.

Purchase your copy of Year of Wonders

Kramers

We would like to thank the following organization for its generous support of this program

Junior League of Washington

Join us for an upcoming event

Little Books, Big Gifts: The Artistry of Esther Inglis

Little Books, Big Gifts: The Artistry of Esther Inglis

Explore Esther Inglis's life and work as an early modern influencer and as the first woman in Britain to preface her works with selfies, in this exhibition 400 years after her death.
Through Sun, Feb 9, 2025
Rose Exhibition Hall
Virtual Folger Salon with Edel Lamb, Dominick Porras, and Susan Valladares

Virtual Folger Salon with Edel Lamb, Dominick Porras, and Susan Valladares

Learn about research happening at the Folger in real time! Each month, Folger Institute scholar and artist fellows will share their most exciting finds and thought-provoking challenges, followed by casual open conversation.
Fri, Dec 6, 2024 at 4pm ET
An Hour O’erflow with Joy: Stories of Students and Teachers

An Hour O’erflow with Joy: Stories of Students and Teachers

In this Folger Education professional development session, teachers come together in community to share stories about their career and students.
Wed, Dec 11, 2024 at 8pm ET
Virtual - Zoom