State of Wonder: A Novel

The only other Ann Patchett book I have read was Bel Canto, which I enjoyed immensely, yet the synopsis of State of Wonder left me feeling it was not for me. How wrong I was! I listened to the audiobook, brilliantly read by actress Hope Davis, and was riveted from the first moments. I am, frankly, not the least interested in the Amazon jungle which is why I steered clear of this book for so long, but it was a fascinating backdrop to a story that really grabs you irrespective of its setting. I hate reviews that give things away -- so I'll stop. But I promise you the writing and the story are both top shelf!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I liked Bel Canto better then this, but it is better then many of her other works.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This was an intelligent, unique and at times gripping story. I loved it but did love a small scene at the very end. But thoroughly enjoyed the book. Do read it and decide for yourself! Native narrator was great too.

Wonderful!! It was a word painting and I enjoyed the story line immensely!!

The narrator was just ok. Her voice had the same tempo and inflection for everyone except Marina and Dr S. Whether it was the book or the narrator, Marina seemed two dimensional and bland; it was hard to get into the story as half the book was a lead up to meeting Dr S. Still there were moments of great writing and good dialogue sprinkled throughout. Pat hey must’ve had fun creating Dr S; she is a unique character that stayed true to herself until the end. Ah, the end...except for the utterly incongruous sexual tryst, the ending was a creative and satisfying way to wrap up the story.

Took a little while to get into it but once you do you can't stop listening! Unexpected turnout!!

I was riveted from the first "page". I loved how my loyalties kept shifting and what I thought I knew or judged was altered masterfully. Practically every character has shades of grey. The story was entertaining and the subject matter was, too, even though at first my inclination was that I was in NO way interested in the region or the topic. Wrong. Can't wait to read some of her other books.