State of Wonder
Publication date/ Length: 2011 / 368 pages
Synopsis (from Amazon): Marina Singh gave up a career as a doctor after botching an emergency
delivery as an intern, opting instead for the more orderly world of research for a pharmaceutical company. When office colleague Anders Eckman, sent to the Amazon to check on the work of a field team, is reported dead, Marina is asked by her company’s CEO to complete Anders’ task and to locate his body. What Marina finds in the sweltering, insect-infested jungles of the Amazon shakes her to her core. For the team is headed by esteemed scientist Annick Swenson, the woman who oversaw Marina’s residency and who is now intent on keeping the team’s progress on a miracle drug completely under wraps. Marina’s jungle odyssey includes exotic encounters with cannibals and snakes, a knotty ethical dilemma about the basic tenets of scientific research, and joyous interactions with the exuberant people of the Lakashi tribe, who live on the compound.
Review: Ann Patchett is so talented that I almost dread starting a new work by her, afraid that anything less than her best might feel tragic. Of course, I realize what constitutes “her best” is subjective — my favorite titles by her include Bel Canto and Run, and not the titles that garnered her literary awards. To add to my anticipation, State of Wonder was the first book I read purely for pleasure since January. Two puppies, a 3-year-old filly, a cross-country, tri-state move, and a new job reviewing more books that I could ever have imagined for Shelf Awareness have filled the past ten months, eventually allowing me three blissful days reading one of the best novels I’ve read in years.
State of Wonder truly stands alone in its own magic; however, I couldn’t help but appreciate echoes of Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and Kingsolver’s Poisonwood Bible. However, Patchett’s gift with characterization outshines both of those works, while equaling their attention to setting and thematic significance. She manages to create a three-dimensional, sympathetic character out of the charismatic figure of Dr. Swenson. The protagonist, Marina’s, journey and transformation is so deft and subtle that the reader is simultaneously amazed, yet convinced by her inevitable revelation. I have not been to the Amazon but can assume Patchett recreated it convincingly since Minnesota was my home for 20 years and she resurrected it so well, I ached with homesickness.
Patchett has truly created a masterpiece this time and I will anxiously await her next novel with nothing but welcome anticipation.
I have read alot of reviews on this book and I will definitely put it on my wish list.
Thanks for a great review.
First thing was to see if our library had (we do) and if it was on the shelf (yes!). Can’t wait to go home and start reading while waiting for trick-or-treaters. Thanks for the great review.
You are welcome, Mary!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!