She wanders alone in a sweltering, alien city, braving deadly insects and malaria day and night. Marina Singh is a humble but daring protagonist. All the leading characters seem to be doctors, if you don’t count the endearing little boy, named Easter, who happens to be deaf. The central character is our overeducated and slightly naive heroine, Dr.

She’s a central character here, but not THE central character. Swenson inspires unwavering loyalty, admiration, and fear.

There is no story to match this, at least not since Homer. “I don’t know another story to match this,” says she.Ĭorrect. Swenson understands the hard truth, when it finally slaps her in the face. Annick Swenson, seemingly lost in the jungle without even a telephone, the true heroine? Or is she the villain? Whatever, Dr. Fox must remain behind to keep the ship from sinking. The heroine departs partly because she’s guilt-tripped into it, and partly because she’s in love with the anti-hero, a CEO named Mr. Marina Singh, an unwilling volunteer on a mission. Eckman contracts a tropical fever and perishes. Anders Eckman, departs on a great quest, which includes birdwatching and searching for a disappeared mad scientist. To wit: The hero leaves home the hero returns home.įirst the hero, Dr. It’s the archetypical plot of ancient and modern literature. The journey takes us from frozen Minnesota to steaming Amazon jungle. One reader called State of Wonder “A life-changing experience.” For anyone paying attention, it is a life-informing experience, at least.Īs a story, State of Wonder is a tale of grand adventure, bordering on science fiction, in a faraway and dangerous place. After two readings, I think it has “classic” stamped all over it.

I can’t wait to see how the story stands the test of time. I’m planning to give it a third go, a few years hence.

I missed most of the message on first reading. But also our ability to persevere and survive. Perhaps most importantly, the story reveals our willingness to deceive, disappoint, and betray one another. The Ann Patchett novel explores, among many things, the potential for human excellence, the power and consequence of romantic love, the implications of paternal presence and absence. “STATE OF WONDER,”is a 21st century fairy tale.

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