The wonder

a novel

291 pages

English language

Published Nov. 12, 2016

ISBN:
978-0-316-39387-4
Copied ISBN!
OCLC Number:
935195817

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4 stars (2 reviews)

"Tourists flock to the cabin of eleven-year-old Anna O'Donnell, who is said to be living without food, and a journalist is sent to cover the sensation. Lib Wright, a veteran of Florence Nightingale's Crimean campaign, is hired to keep watch over the girl. As Anna's life ebbs away, Lib finds herself responsible not just for the care of a child but for that child's very survival. Haunting and magnetic, The Wonder is a searing examination of doubt, faith, and what nourishes us, body and soul. Written with all the propulsive tension that made Donoghue's Room a huge bestseller, it works beautifully on many levels -- an intimate tale of two strangers who transform each other's lives, a powerful psychological thriller, and a spellbinding story of love pitted against evil." -- from back cover.

9 editions

Review of 'The wonder' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

3.5 stars, really. It's a good story, but I felt the main character was a bit annoying, which made reading it less fun.

I don't know if this is exactly a criticism, but there were no "big reveals" in the story. From start to finish it's pretty much how you would expect the story to proceed, which makes it realistic but also, I dunno, a bit dull and gray at times. I'm not saying I would have wanted a deus ex machina ending, but, I don't know, some level of surprise would be nice.

I certainly wouldn't say it's a bad book. It's emotionally strong, and the characters are interesting to watch most of the time, but I guess it left me underwhelmed.

avatar for Jarulf

rated it

5 stars

Subjects

  • Fasting
  • Sick children
  • Social life and customs
  • Nurses
  • Religious aspects
  • Fiction

Places

  • Ireland