Meredith (Trying to catch up!)'s Reviews > The Wonder

The Wonder is a beautifully written novel that takes place in the mid-nineteenth century in a small Irish village. It’s easily one of my favorite books of 2016.

Nightingale trained English nurse, Lib Wright, is commissioned for a unique charge in Ireland. It is not until she arrives in the village of Athlone that it is revealed that she is there to observe 11-year old Anna O’Donnell who has not eaten for four months. Lib’s job is clear: she is to watch Anna at all times (she shares her shifts with a nun) and make note of whether or not Anna is eating. Needless to say, Lib is beyond skeptical about her young charge.

Visitors from around the world have flocked to see young Anna, as they believe that she is a miracle child who can cure ailments. Her doctor believes that if it can be proven that Anna doesn’t need to eat then others would no longer need food to exist. Anna herself believes that she has been chosen by God to exist on manna from heaven. Whereas, Lib thinks that the O’Donnell’s have created a scam to fleece Anna’s followers out of money and gifts.

As Lib and Anna spend time together, Lib realizes that there is more going on with Anna’s case than meets the eye. As Anna’s health begins to deteriorate, Lib moves from questioning the girl’s motives to trying to save her life.

Donoghue weaves in elements of religion and mysticism in this story, as well as plays off of the tension between the English and Irish. At times, I was reminded of Swift’s A Modest Proposal. Ultimately, this is a story about how desperation breeds hope. I highly recommend.