30 pages • 1 hour read
A Journal Of The Plague Year
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
London • 1660s
1722
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
A Journal of the Plague Year by Daniel Defoe, first published in 1722, presents a first-person account of the bubonic plague's spread in London in 1665. The novel intertwines the narrator's personal experiences with various anecdotes, capturing the city's anxiety and desperate measures. As the plague intensifies, the narrator documents the rumors, government actions, and personal behaviors that highlight the chaos and resilience of Londoners during this historical crisis. The novel discusses themes of disease and widespread death.
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Informative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
11,116 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Defoe's A Journal of the Plague Year excels in its vivid depiction of the 1665 plague in London, providing a gripping historical narrative that feels remarkably timely. Readers praise its detailed, immersive approach but note a somewhat disjointed structure. While some find the language archaic, others appreciate the authenticity this brings to the storytelling.
Who Should Read A Journal Of The Plague Year?
Readers who are captivated by historical fiction with detailed and immersive narratives will appreciate Daniel Defoe's A Journal of the Plague Year. Fans of Albert Camus's The Plague or Gabriel García Márquez’s Love in the Time of Cholera will find its exploration of human behavior in crisis both compelling and enlightening.
11,116 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
John the Biscuit Baker
John the Biscuit Baker
A proactive individual living in a rented room who organizes a group to flee to the countryside during the plague. He effectively serves as the group's spokesman and leader.
Thomas the Sail-Maker
Thomas the Sail-Maker
John’s brother who initially hesitates to leave for the countryside but ultimately follows John’s plan. He is also living in a rented room at the beginning of the plague.
The Narrator’s Brother
The Narrator’s Brother
A man who tries to persuade the narrator to leave London and eventually entrusts his London house to the narrator when he departs for his country house.
Doctor Heath
Doctor Heath
A doctor and friend of the narrator who provides practical advice on minimizing the risk of infection during the plague.
336
Novel • Fiction
London • 1660s
1722
Adult
16+ years
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