The Wonder

Content Warning: This section discusses child loss in the novel.

English colonization of Ireland began in the late 12th century, increased dramatically in the 16th century, and was formalized in the 17th century by English statesman Oliver Cromwell. Set in the mid-19th century, when Ireland was formally a part of the United Kingdom, The Wonder explores the lasting legacy of English colonialism in Ireland through the experiences of its primary characters, particularly Lib Wright and William Byrne.

Wright embodies the English colonial mindset. She is initially dismissive of Anna’s claims and views the people of Athlone with condescension, reflecting the historical English attitude of superiority toward the Irish. When she arrives in Athlone, Wright observes that “by English standards it was no more than a sorry-looking cluster of buildings” (7). Wright’s criticisms of rural Ireland are based in her belief in its fundamental inferiority to London: She dismisses Dr. McBrearty as a “provincial doctor” and Athlone as a “puny hamlet.” Her attitude underscores deeply ingrained colonial prejudices that persisted in the relationship between the two nations.

Wright’s suspicion of Anna’s Catholic faith also suggests her colonial thinking: By the 19th century, colonial powers had long worked to suppress Catholicism and promote Protestantism in Ireland and England.