A review by jeezjane
The Wonder by Emma Donoghue

challenging emotional mysterious sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • 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

a great concept but a very frustrating read, for the sole reason that the main character is sooooo obtuse, emotionally clumsy, and downright rude to people she is hired to help. like i didn't expect to dislike so much a character who is aligned with the motivation i had as a reader. so frustrating to read her make faux pas after faux pas, at the expense of her poor charge (who is so charming and cute). it would all be fine if she were new at her job but she isn't, she was hired for her nurse experience! i liked literally everyone else better than her and reading through her slowly making the connections that were obvious to the reader a full chapter ago was sooooo frustrating. at least she does get there in the end! the first half is such a slog but the latter half is more exciting. it gives some insight into famine-era Ireland but tbh the focus is more on the demands and damage from Catholicism. the ending is satisfying but not sure if it is worth the struggle to get there 
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