Genre

**Genre **
YOW is an historical novel inspired by the true story of the plague village in the 16th century. Some of the characters in the novel are based in part on real personalities. Brooks has also borrowed from the wealth of anacdote avaliable and much research has gone into the creation of the book. Brooks vividly recreates rural England of the 1600's. YOW is primarily historical fiction. However there are also elements of mystery romance and allegory. Although the outcome is already known Brooks generates susspence in many ways. Many characters have interesting fates and thungs are not always as they seem; secrets are exposed as the novel unfolds. The emotional core of the novel-nthe relationship; Elinor, Anna and Mompellion provide an element of romance. Brooks deliberatly foils readers expectations. The ending of the novel does not conform a conventional pattern but takes a less predictable direction.