State of Wonder

by Ann Patchett
State of Wonder cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Literary Fiction
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5912
  • Added: 2025-10-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-25
  • ISBN: 9781408821886
  • Publisher: A&C Black
  • Published: 2012-04-26
  • Reviews: 3

In the dense, untamed wilderness of the Brazilian Rio Negro, Dr. Annick Swenson is conducting groundbreaking research on a drug that could revolutionize women's health. Her secrecy and the mysterious death of her colleague, Anders Eckman, prompt Marina Singh, a former student, to embark on a perilous journey to find answers. As Marina ventures deeper into the rainforest, she encounters not only the physical dangers of the jungle but also the psychological and emotional challenges that test her resolve and force her to confront her past. Marina's quest to uncover the truth about Dr. Swenson's work and Anders' fate becomes a transformative experience. The journey pushes her to her limits, revealing the complexities of human nature and the blurred lines between science and ethics. In this remote corner of the world, Marina must navigate not only the unknown perils of the jungle but also the enigmatic and powerful Dr. Swenson, whose secrets could hold the key to a medical breakthrough or lead to unforeseen consequences.

Reviews
The Ritual of Reading · 2025-10-25
Great 4.50

The protagonist experiences intense moments and transformations throughout the story. The novel is praised for its emotional and transformative journey.

The reviewer highlights the intense and transformative experiences of the protagonist, which are central to the novel's appeal. They appreciate how the story delves into extreme situations and the profound changes they bring about. The reviewer finds the narrative compelling and believes it offers a unique and engaging reading experience. The emotional depth and the character's journey are particularly noteworthy.

Quick quotes

    Throughout the story she lives very intense moments in extreme situations, and she is without the shadow of a doubt, transformed by this whole experience.

    The novel is a journey of self-discovery and transformation, set against a backdrop of extreme circumstances.

    The emotional depth and the character's journey are particularly noteworthy.

The Guardian · Xan Brooks · 2011-06-24
Mixed 3.20

It is Patchett's most mature work to date, but it lacks the emotional depth of her earlier books. The novel tries to be more alive and vibrant than her previous works.

The reviewer notes that 'State of Wonder' is a significant step in Ann Patchett's career, showcasing her growth as a writer. They appreciate the novel's ambition and scope, but feel it falls short in emotional resonance compared to her earlier works. The story's setting and themes are praised for their vividness, but the reviewer suggests that the characters could have been developed more deeply to fully capture the reader's heart.

Quick quotes

    It lacks the developed emotional core of Patchett's earlier books, but it is her most mature work to date, a novel that tries to be more alive ...

    Patchett's prose is as elegant and precise as ever, but the emotional core feels somewhat absent.

    The novel's setting and themes are vivid and engaging, but the characters could have been developed more deeply.

NPR · Maureen Corrigan · 2011-06-14
Excellent 4.80

The novel is praised for its masterful storytelling and vivid setting. The reviewer is impressed by Patchett's ability to weave a compelling narrative.

Maureen Corrigan describes 'State of Wonder' as a novel that lives up to its name, with a deftly woven story that takes the reader on an unexpected journey. She is particularly impressed by Patchett's ability to create a vivid and immersive setting, as well as her skill in developing complex and engaging characters. The reviewer finds the novel to be a captivating read that will stay with the reader long after finishing it.

Quick quotes

    Ann Patchett's new novel lives up to its name; critic Maureen Corrigan's one-word review: 'Wow.'

    Patchett masterfully weaves her story, creating a vivid and immersive setting.

    The novel is a captivating read that will stay with the reader long after finishing it.

Appears in Lists