The Wonder (Donoghue novel)
| Company type | Literary work |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founder | Emma Donoghue |
| Products | Novel |
The Wonder is a 2016 literary work authored by Irish-Canadian writer Emma Donoghue.
The story takes place in Ireland following the famine and centers on Elizabeth Wright, an English nurse assigned to care for a young girl who purportedly has not consumed any food for four months.
This novel was met with favorable critiques, earned a nomination for the 2016 Giller Prize, and was later transformed into a 2022 motion picture directed by Sebastián Lelio.
Summary
During the 1850s, Lib Wright, an English nurse trained under Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War, accepts employment in Ireland. Alongside a nun, she is tasked with monitoring Anna O'Donnell, an eleven-year-old girl who ceased eating four months prior. Although initially doubtful, Lib becomes moved by Anna’s profound religious conviction and her assertion that she survives solely on manna from Heaven.
Unable to rationalize Anna’s continued survival, Lib partners with journalist William Byrne, who is reporting on Anna’s case. Byrne, familiar with starvation due to his coverage of the Irish famine, cautions Lib that Anna is nearing death.
They uncover that the "manna" Anna refers to is actually food secretly chewed and given to her by her mother. Since Lib's arrival, Anna has refused even this sustenance and is deteriorating quickly.
Lib suspects that the local vigil—comprising the doctor, priest, and officials—has merely inflicted starvation upon Anna and calls for intervention; however, they insist all necessary measures have been taken.
Anna’s serene acceptance of her impending death deeply unsettles Lib. She discovers that Anna wishes to die in order to reunite with her older brother Patrick, who had been abusing her and whom she believes is condemned to Hell. Both the mother and priest are aware of this but place blame on Anna.
In a final attempt to help, Lib offers Anna milk, explaining it will end her life so she can be reborn pure as Nan. Anna consents and drinks the milk. Subsequently, Lib entrusts Nan to William and sets fire to the O'Donnell residence, claiming it was accidental following Anna’s passing.
Lib intends to disclose the events but finds reassurance in the nun’s vision of William carrying Anna away. The nun opts to maintain silence about Lib’s actions.
Later, aboard a vessel bound for Australia, William and Nan travel posing as father and daughter; they encounter Lib, who presents herself as a widow with plans to establish a new family unit.
Reception
Critical response to the novel was largely positive. The Guardian referred to it as "a thrilling domestic psychodrama," whereas NPR regarded it as one among many "mediocre suspense novels about children in pain."