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State of Wonder

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State of Wonder

By: Ann Patchett
Narrated by: Hope Davis
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Summary

 Bloomsbury presents State of Wonder by Ann Patchett, read by Hope Davis.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE ORANGE PRIZE FOR FICTION

There were people on the banks of the river.

Among the tangled waterways and giant anacondas of the Brazilian Rio Negro, an enigmatic scientist is developing a drug that could alter the lives of women for ever. Dr Annick Swenson's work is shrouded in mystery; she refuses to report on her progress, especially to her investors, whose patience is fast running out. Anders Eckman, a mild-mannered lab researcher, is sent to investigate.

A curt letter reporting his untimely death is all that returns.

Now Marina Singh, Anders' colleague and once a student of the mighty Dr Swenson, is their last hope. Compelled by the pleas of Anders's wife, Marina leaves the snowy plains of Minnesota and retraces her friend's steps into the heart of the South American darkness, determined to track down Dr. Swenson and uncover the secrets being jealously guarded among the remotest tribes of the rainforest.

What Marina does not yet know is that, in this ancient corner of the jungle, where the muddy waters and susurrating grasses hide countless unknown perils and temptations, she will face challenges beyond her wildest imagination.

Marina is no longer the student, but only time will tell if she has learnt enough.
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'The best book I have read all year. It made me laugh and weep and left me in a state of wonder: perfect from first page to last ... a masterpiece' EMMA DONOGHUE

'A triumph ... Pachett's best book yet' GUARDIAN Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction
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Critic reviews

The best book I have read all year. It made me laugh and weep and left me in a state of wonder: perfect from first page to last ... a masterpiece
A triumph and Pachett's best book yet
Written with a wry grace and irony that reminded me of The Poisonwood Bible (another favourite). I like Patchett's Bel Canto - but I loved this
An absorbing novel, intelligent yet magical, that will keep you wondering until the very last page
It pulls you into the book, has you standing in the jungle in the heat and sweat, as realistic as any computer-generated trickery, genuinely wondering what might happen next ... Just read it and be happy that such a writer as Patchett exists
Something special and worth considering for all the literary prizes, festivals and reading groups going this year ... exhilarating
All stars
Most relevant
A wonderful absorbing story sensitively narrated. Creative genius. Thank you to every person from the moment this idea was conceived in Ann Patchet’s mind, the medical and scientific papers and research, the technology that makes this accessible, the miners who extract the components necessary in the manufacture of our devices, the ships and crew that bring it all together, the narrator, Audible for making it accessible. I could go on for ever but isn’t it just the most incredible experience living in this wonderful interconnected world where one can have such a gift as listening to a great absorbing story. Thanks to all my fellow travellers on the incredible journey of life on planet Earth🙏🫂💚

Beautiful, made absolutely credible by depth of research combined with fabulous narration.

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Ann Patchett’s prose is sublime, her characters compelling and the storyline very engaging. She weaves a subtle humour through the novel which often had me laugh out loud. The narrator is a perfect match for this book and did the author proud. One of my favourite Ann Patchett novels.

Stand out novel

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I found this Book an exciting and an unusual read ,and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

State of Wonder

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both the story, characters, performance wonderful. I highly recommend and will read more of her books

oustandin

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Another wonder-ful story by Ann Patchett, beautifully read and produced. I was intrigued by the unusual quest on which Marina Singh is forced to embark by her pharmaceutical employer and which takes her reluctantly deep into the Amazon rainforest. Could a remote tribe there hold the key to a new fertility-extending wonder drug for women over 60?

I have no idea if the description of the tribespeople is accurate but it felt plausible as did Marina's discomfort, not least over some of the controversial ethics of pharmaceutical companies exploiting indigenous knowledge and resources.

The characters that I found to be most powerfully drawn were the formidable 73 year old lead researcher Dr Swinson and the young deaf child Easter, to whom Marina quickly forms a strong attachment. I found Marina's relationship with her boss Mr Fox less credible but it provided the rationale for this story's unusual plot.

A very enjoyable listen that kept me gripped to the end just as her novel The Dutch House did.

What an unexpected and engrossing story!

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