Journal Entry 1 by FeistyPom2Love from Carpinteria, California USA on Saturday, November 14, 2009

This is my time reading a novel by Geraldine Brooks & I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It one of the best books I've read in a long time... Very well written, great story, loved the characters Brooks created in this novel... Plus unexpected turn of events here and there. 

Journal Entry 2 by FeistyPom2Love at RABCK, a controlled release -- Controlled Releases on Friday, February 12, 2010

Released 1 yr ago (2/12/2010 UTC) at RABCK, a controlled release -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Enjoy reading this novel. I hope you like it. 

Journal Entry 3 by pippis from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi Finland on Friday, February 19, 2010

The book arrived today, thank you very much FeistyPom2Love! This is very much appreciated! I have to admit, though I have a huge Mount TBR, I just might start with this one this evening... 

Journal Entry 4 by pippis from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi Finland on Sunday, February 21, 2010

..and I finished it two nights afterwards. Great storytelling, enchanting characters and a realistic-feeling depiction of the Great Plague. I've always been fascinated by history, great historical events and even as this was mostly a fictional story, Geraldine Brooks brought the times and events so vividly alive that the book was throughly enjoyable to read. Unfortunately, the ending didn't feel to live up to the story as somewhat unbelievable one. Still, I loved the strength in Anna's character, her courage and free spirit. On the other hand, I felt pity and anger for the way Elinor was treated by her husband. As I am not a religious person, it is always fascinating to read about how religion affects people, how it is made to explain and just everything. Would it really have been that simple for a woman in Early Modern times to travel and live in a totally unknown destination? Would she really have abandoned her religion and beliefs, so simply, without shame or guilt? Having read other books on the plague (in different times and settings), this didn't bring anything new to my knowledge, but I rather enjoyed the personal experiences, feelings and everyday life described.
Almost forgot to add, I searched for information on the village Eyam! If you're interested on its history, go see http://www.eyamplaguevillage.co.uk/ ! Great site, good photos, really brings another dimension to the story!
Thank you, FeistyPom2Love, I'll look for a new keen reader! 

Journal Entry 5 by pippis at Via Post, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Released 1 yr ago (2/23/2010 UTC) at Via Post, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

The book will go to another crosser who has this on their wishlist! Hope you enjoy it! 

Journal Entry 6 by Joika from Kiiminki, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa Finland on Saturday, February 27, 2010

Thank you pippis for sending me this book - one in my wishlist! I have previously read "March" by Geraldine Brooks and it was great writing. I liked the flow of language and the story, too. I hear Year of Wonders has been well taken by critics and appreciated by many readers so it must be good. 

Journal Entry 7 by Joika from Kiiminki, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa Finland on Friday, May 21, 2010

The way Geraldine Brooks let the words and sentences flow allured me. I loved the same charm of language in "March" and even though the subject was different in this novel, there are something very same here too. The novel never lost its appeal, and the end was great. Totally different what I had expected even though the clues were there in front of my eyes, I just didn't get them. The story grew to a new level after some revealings which came along with Ellinor's death so that much about love, friendship, personal and religious believes, even self-respect were reviewed. Although, I agree with pippis that Anna travelling so far away and her future after that was quite improbable to believe, too exotic considering the settings. But well, at least it was not easy to guess.

One of my favourite novels ever read is Jane Eyre and I couldn't help but compare Jane Eyre to Anna - both are heroines of a modest kind and lower class but have the most extraordinary wit, strength and skills.

There was a lot of cruelness (obviously considering the subject) in this story but a lot of warmth. The way Geraldine Brooks described mother's feelings and children was beautiful.

"I left the children in their sleepy tangle, tiny Tom curled up like a nutmeat in its shell, Jamie's slender little arms flung wide accross the pallet. They both smelled so sweet, lying there in their night-warmth. Their heads, covered with their father's fine, fair down, gleamed bright in the dimness."

Like angels, I thought.

I have some plans for this book but it may take a while until it reaches the next reader. Thank you for this great reading experience! 

Journal Entry 8 by Joika at Valkeakoski, Pirkanmaa Finland on Monday, May 31, 2010

Released 1 yr ago (5/31/2010 UTC) at Valkeakoski, Pirkanmaa Finland

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

This book didn't have to lie on my bookshelf for long after all. Another bookcrosser picked it up from the Virtual Surprise Bag on Finnish BC Forum. The bag includes only the first sentences of the books offered. Year of Wonders starts with "I used to love this season." I'm happy that this book continues its journey!  

Journal Entry 9 by Appelsiini at Valkeakoski, Pirkanmaa Finland on Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Ensimmäisen lauseen perusteella valittu Lauseenmitalla -kirja :) Kiitos Joika!