In Geraldine Brooks’ novel, Year of Wonders, catastrophic circumstances are bought upon the village by

the spread of the plague, which resulted in the change in many of the characters, particularly Anna,
Years of wonders examine the circumstances in which Anna must adapt to her surrounding, even if the
change is bad.

The plague that befalls the villagers is depicted as frightening for all, but what differs is in the way that
characters respond to their fear. Brooks depicts the protagonist Anna as an admirable hero, whom
despite all the grief she faced in losing her love ones, is able to still stay strong. This is exemplified when
Anna and Elinor both agree to risk their lives to save a young girl. Brook implies that although they can
never change their fate, or prevent the plague from spreading, there is always a choice to respond
selfishly or selflessly, due to the losing her love ones, Ultimately Anna had changed to become more
resilient and compassionate as she develops her friendship with Elinor.

Years of wonders depicts a grim society in which a dea dly plague is spreading. They depict selfish
characters whose desire is only to protect themselves. However the narrator, Anna is compelling
because she grows to become admirable and selfless.