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  • State of Wonder

  • By: Ann Patchett
  • Narrated by: Hope Davis
  • Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (20 ratings)

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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.
________________________________
'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

©2011 Ann Patchett (P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
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What listeners say about State of Wonder

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

such an original story

great book. brilliantly written interesting concept and informative.good characters, unusual setting. well worth reading.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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totally transporting , engaging and original

just loved this the more it went on. the characters so real and the ideas so captivating. thought it slightly ran away with itself at the very end but I can forgive that. it was so beautifully read - the only complaint was the awful Aussie accents!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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oustandin

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

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

State of Wonder

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

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Such a unique story of adventure and greed and love and…

I am a huge Ann Patchett fan and this certainly was up there with all her greats. It was an unexpected story and I loved it!

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Glorious

What a treat! The twists and turns in the plot, and themes and characters in the story make for an absorbing experience. I thought the narration was excellent.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Overwritten

The premise of the novel is wonderful, right up my street, but I returned the title after two chapters. The characters were arid and unengaging, and the protagonist given to seemingly endless psychological maundering. I'm not a fan of storytelling by flashback. It seems mainstream fiction writers have forgotten how to tell rich, interesting stories, and how to hint at their themes without semaphoring. This novel might have been a very good one, given the assistance of an experienced editor.

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