The Wonder by Emma Donaghue is a haunting novel that historical fiction fans will love. Even though I’m not typically a fan of this genre, this book kept me up turning the pages until late in the night.
In the story, eleven-year-old Anna isn’t eating, and supposedly she hasn’t consumed anything but water for four months. Why is she still alive? Is she a saint, or is there something more sinister at work? Two nurses–a nun and a young widow–are brought in to watch the girl, to see if she eats, or if it’s true–that she is living on a few teaspoons of water per day.
A satisfying and surprise ending will leave this story on your mind for a long time. Donaghue is also the author of the contemporary thriller Room, which was made into a major motion picture.
