State of Wonder

by ,

Audiobook

English language

Published June 7, 2011 by HarperCollins.

(1 review)

In a narrative replete with poison arrows, devouring snakes, scientific miracles, and spiritual transformations, State of Wonder presents a world of stunning surprise and danger, rich in emotional resonance and moral complexity.

As Dr. Marina Singh embarks upon an uncertain odyssey into the insect-infested Amazon, she’s forced to surrender herself to the lush but forbidding world that awaits within the jungle. Charged with finding her former mentor Dr. Annick Swenson, a researcher who has disappeared while working on a valuable new drug, she will have to confront her own memories of tragedy and sacrifice as she journeys into the unforgiving heart of darkness.

Stirring and luminous, State of Wonder is a world unto itself, where unlikely beauty stands beside unimaginable loss beneath the rain forest’s jeweled canopy. Patchett delivers a gripping adventure story and a profound look at the difficult choices we make in the name of discovery …

2 editions

reviewed State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

Review of 'State of Wonder' on 'Goodreads'

The last quarter of the book merits 4 stars.

Through parts of this book, I felt like Marina wandering down the river and through the jungle. Where are we going? Just as Marina had to trust people she meets along the way, I had to trust Ann Patchett. The book did throw me a few surprises even after telegraphing a few events. (When Marina put her global cell phone into her checked luggage, I just knew that bag was going to get lost.)

Looking forward to discussion with book club!