Scan barcode
alysonhere's review against another edition
2.0
The plot itself was gripping and I was satisfied with how everything ended. The main character, Lib, I found to be flat and inconsistent, and her love interest unbelievable. Many times where Lib jumps to the incorrect conclusion, it is unbearably obvious to the reader, but it felt like the author thought she was being very clever, rather than that the reader was meant to know more than Lib.
casshow's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
book_girl_1098's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jenpaul13's review against another edition
3.0
Eating is one of the keys to survival, and it's an enjoyable one at that. In Emma Donoghue's The Wonder, an eleven year old girl has unbelievably survived without eating for four months, causing people to wonder how that could possibly be.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Anna O'Donnell hasn't eaten anything since her eleventh birthday, four months ago, and a local committee has formed to find out if this is some sort of hoax or if the girl is truly living off of manna from heaven as she claims. With round the clock surveillance of Anna, nurse Lib Wright and Sister Michael observe the girl to see if she's covertly being fed by her family. As Lib documents Anna's vitals over her two week observance, she notices, with the aid of journalist William Byrne, that after the first six days, Anna's health drastically declines, causing Lib to fear for the girl's life and take action accordingly.
The narrative was enthralling and the writing was well crafted, with the mystery of how Anna has survived so long without food driving the reader to find out the truth. With not much happening in the way of plot, the story depends on intricate description of setting and character, which was thoroughly explored to create a small, well-developed world. I was a little disappointed in the happily ever after to conclude the story as it was both expected and a little too neat an ending, but it does fit with expectations of the Victorian tale being told.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Anna O'Donnell hasn't eaten anything since her eleventh birthday, four months ago, and a local committee has formed to find out if this is some sort of hoax or if the girl is truly living off of manna from heaven as she claims. With round the clock surveillance of Anna, nurse Lib Wright and Sister Michael observe the girl to see if she's covertly being fed by her family. As Lib documents Anna's vitals over her two week observance, she notices, with the aid of journalist William Byrne, that after the first six days, Anna's health drastically declines, causing Lib to fear for the girl's life and take action accordingly.
The narrative was enthralling and the writing was well crafted, with the mystery of how Anna has survived so long without food driving the reader to find out the truth. With not much happening in the way of plot, the story depends on intricate description of setting and character, which was thoroughly explored to create a small, well-developed world. I was a little disappointed in the happily ever after to conclude the story as it was both expected and a little too neat an ending, but it does fit with expectations of the Victorian tale being told.
emma_not_watson_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jaclyncrupi's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 This started strong but soon became repetitive and laboured. Sadly I saw the plot twists coming so there was little to keep me invested in the final pages. It reminded me of The Good People and The Anchoress. Emma Donoghue is a lovely writer but if you're looking for historical fiction, Queen of the Night and Homegoing remain the year's best.
tonicannelloni's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
philosophicellie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mallorygoldsmith's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0