State of Wonder - Ann Patchett

[highlandcoo]

Just finished this unusual and memorable novel.

I love Ann Patchett's writing; didn't think she could do better than Bel Canto but really want to recommend State of Wonder if you enjoy intelligent, thought-provoking fiction.

That's it really :)

I loved it too! One of the best books I've ever read.

I've not read anything by her before - what's it like? Would I be able to follow it on less than 5 hours sleep a night?!? My brain is pretty mushy at the moment due to nb/toddler night-time tagteaming.

Grumpla, it's a literary novel rather than a light read, but not hard going IMO.

It's a difficult novel to categorise. The setting involves a tribe in the Amazon where the women continue to have children well into old age. This has great implications for a drug to combat infertility, and a scientific research centre is set up there, however the drug company funding the research becomes frustrated by the slow progress, and sends someone down to investigate. What follows on from that forms the plot of the book.

It's not really a plot-driven novel, however; much more about the characters and their relationships. I'm not very into science, and probably wouldn't have been drawn to this book, but I do rate Ann Patchett as an excellent writer and this had me hooked.

PS meant to say good luck with the night-times! :)

Finished this today and what a wonderful book - goes on my (short) list of all time favourite reads.
Reminded me of Poisonwood Bible a bit (which is also on the list).

Not read any of Ann Patchett's work before - are they all as good as this one?

good to know. Bel Canto is one of my favourite ever books, as is The Poisonwood Bible. State of Wonder has been glaring at me on the shelf for months just like The Poisonwood Bible did, so maybe I should get on with it.

I loved this too! I couldn't bring myself to read another book for about a week afterwards!

freelance, definitely try Bel Canto, another truly original piece of writing.

Run is also very good, but less unique IMO.

I also have The Magician's Assistant waiting to be read.

HilaryM .. yes, definitely get started on State of Wonder and would be interested to hear what you think when you've read it :)

I loved, loved, loved The Magician's Assistant. Read it years ago. Picked it up because I liked the colour of the cover.

I then read Bel Canto.

Will definitely State of Wonder. Thanks for reminding me that I like Ann Patchett.

I loved The Magician's Assistant, and I enjoyed State of Wonder. Must get to Bel Canto and her others.

Finished. Blimey it's good. She's a brilliant brilliant writer - the plot is Conrad meets Atwood meets Kingsolver - but Patchett has a strong style of her own which is utterly beautiful.

I wish I could read books this good all the time. When I think of the hours I've wasted on rubbish.

Anyway, read it everyone. It's stunning.

This thread spurred me to borrow The Patron Saint of Liars from the library. It was her first book.

Thank you for this recommendation. Brilliant read will now start on her other books x