content: I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. There is a surprise twist at the end, but I believe this small village's sacrifice of keeping themselves isolated was very unselfish. The two main character, Elinor and Anna grow to love and learn from each other as they minister to the various sufferings of people with plague. I loved how unselfish Geraldine Brooks created them. If I had lived during those times, I think I would have chosen to leave the village before they were so badly beaten up by the horrible disease of plague.