One of the best books I've read -- right up there with Ken Follet's PILLARS OF THE EARTH. Read ANYTHING this author writes! This historical novel about an isolated English village, an epicenter of the devastating 1666 plague, and the consequences of its bold election of self-quarantine, will fill you with history, dismay, joy, and wonder. Brooks is a gifted story-teller, who reveals how ignorance, hatred and mistrust can be as deadly as any virus. What a TIMELY story to read right now (May 2009) as our news is full of "Mexican swine flu" news, warnings, precautions, and fears.