State of Wonder: A Novel

Written by:
Ann Patchett
Narrated by:
Hope Davis

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
57
Narrator
17
Release Date
June 7, 2011
Duration
12 hours 22 minutes
Summary
“A nail-biting narrative, setting stark human dilemmas against a lush, exotic backdrop.”— People

“Extraordinary. . . . Nothing is as it seems, and the ending is as shocking as it’s satisfying.” — Boston Globe

From award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Ann Patchett, a provocative and assured novel of morality and miracles, science and sacrifice set in the Amazon rainforest

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 and love.
Reviews
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Anonymous

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!

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threemore

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

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Lori C.

Agree with all the positive reviews! Appreciated the unpredictability of the ending….

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Athenasw

Wonderful book and narration. I throughly enjoyed this adventure! Poignant, interesting, and a couple of turns that you didn’t expect but would expect from an Ann Patchett Novel.

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Jennifer A.

I loved the narration which brought be gently into a book that builds itself slowly into an astounding experience overall. I love Ann Padgett and this book now stands out as one of my favorites in her collection.

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Yvette R.

Lives it !

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Brian J.

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.

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Mayda T.

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

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Dawn H

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.

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Kristyn L

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

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Shireen D

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.

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