The Wonder

"The Wonder" by J. D. Beresford is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores themes of intelligence, abnormality, and the societal perceptions surrounding them, primarily through the lens of a remarkable child named Victor Stott. The narrative follows Ginger Stott, an ambitious cricketer whose life takes unexpected turns due to the extraordinary nature of his son. The opening of the book introduces us to a scene on a train where an unnamed narrator observes a woman with an unusual infant. The child's appearance captivates the attention of other passengers, leading to a mix of fascination and repulsion. As the narrator grapples with his own disdain for what he perceives as a “freak,” we learn that the child has not spoken or cried in his one year of life. The conversation touches on the mother’s protective behavior and the reactions of those around her, establishing the tension between normalcy and the extraordinary. This encounter hints at the complexity of Victor Stott's character and sets the stage for the exploration of his unique childhood and the challenges faced by his family.