State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
Reviewed by Laura Richardson, Librarian
Retreat from the blustery December weather and follow Dr. Marina Singh, research scientist, into the sweltering Amazon jungle. Sometimes descriptions of exotic places get bogged down, but Ann Patchett’s setting for this story springs up naturally around her characters, giving a dangerously attractive glint to each conflict.
News of a coworker’s death and pressure from her employers push Marina into a hunt for the fabled Lakashi tribe and the incredible possibilities the tribe might offer to the rest of world. Along with the difficulties of her journey, Marina must face a former teacher and adversary and the memories stirred by this meeting.
Though she doesn’t consider herself adventurous, Marina is quietly determined and observant, and these qualities lead her to a final shocking discovery and a critical choice. Although readers enjoy many fascinating revelations throughout this book, Patchett leaves us in the end with some room to wonder.
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