THE WONDER

by Emma Donoghue

From the author of Room, you will not want to put this book down.  The story follows an English nurse named Lib, who has been hired by a small town in Ireland to watch an 11-year-old girl who has reportedly been living without food for over four months.  Most in the town believe this to be a miracle, but Lib is tasked with watching closely for any trickery, before the girl can be declared officially miraculous.
 
This is the first book I have read in a long time, that follows a single narrative so exclusively.  There are no sub-plots, no jumping around in time, Donoghue tells the story from beginning to end.  You eventually learn some details that help explain the mystery, but you essentially follow Lib’s inquiry in real time.  It’s completely engrossing.
 
Although the topic can be disturbing at times, Donoghue illuminates issues of religion, class, gender politics and coming of age, all set in a gorgeous historical narrative that keeps you guessing to the very end.  I highly recommend it! (Lily)