The Wonder

Explore the influence of the Great Famine on specific characters within the novel, such as William Byrne, Rosaleen O’Donnell, or Dr. McBrearty. How does the novel address this historical trauma?

What is the role of the English nursing legend Florence Nightingale within the novel? How does her legacy help Wright in her endeavors, and how does it hinder her?

Explain the significance of the novel’s title. Besides Anna’s fast, what events and which characters does the novel treat as wondrous?

How do the epigraphs at the start of each chapter influence your understanding of The Wonder? How do these epigraphs help to structure the novel?

Explore the legacy of English colonialism throughout The Wonder. How does Donoghue, an Irish Canadian author, depict the English in this novel?

Explore the novel’s treatment of Catholicism. In what way is Catholic faith explored positively? In what way is its depiction negative?

Explore the similarities and differences between Wright and Sister Michael. How might the novel change if Wright was assigned to watch Anna alone?

Explore depictions of mothers and motherhood in The Wonder. How do characters like Rosaleen O’Donnell, Lib Wright, and Dr. McBrearty understand motherhood?