FIMBY

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Just finished this historical novel about an English village during the plague epidemic of 1666. As a homebirth mama and backyard herbalist I was particularly drawn to the narratives of midwifery and herbal lore. And so grateful that in my place and time in this world, 21st century North America, although I may be considered "alternative" at least I'm not considered a witch.

As much as I enjoyed the book I found the descriptions of disease, death, sufferings and hardship of late 15th century too gruesome. But tragically those were the realities for people in that age and unfortunately, it is the gruesomeness that sometimes gives you a more accurate story of a place and people. I'd like to know if it's possible to gain a real understanding of history without all the nasty details.

As far as the writing, I thought it was well written and convincing up until the epilogue when the setting changed so much in 8 pages it didn't seem authentic.

I'd like to know if anyone can recommend some good historical fiction or non-fiction (novel type) about women, herbs and/or midwifery, always of interest to me.
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