Saturday’s Book: “State of Wonder” By Ann Patchett

No, I haven’t forgotten my own rule of not reading two books by an author that I like in a row. I’ve often regretted it when I ignored the rule in the past.

So, this isn’t quite in a row, I read two other books in between (since I was listening to an audiobook by Margaret Atwood, I’m not counting that one). But the fact that I had seen this new (2011!) book by Ann Patchett just waiting for me on the library shelf coupled with the fact that my vacation is almost over was too much to resist.

I DID have a crsis though, somewhere around chapter three.

The general storyline about a doctor going off into the depths of the Amazon Jungle in search of a doctor who sounds as if she had lost her grip on reality seems like a nod to Conrad’s Heart Of Darkness.  Since I haven’t fnished the book yet I’m not completely sure how much of “a nod” it is but that didn’t bother me.  Conrad is extremely difficult to read and reading Patchett flows so easily!

What upset me was “the formula”. Think: succesful good loking female doctor, who doesn’t really have a life besides work, with a dark secret in her past (which is connected to the doctor in the jungle) who then goes on a journey. So I was really concerned. I wondered if after all my excitement this would be a book I wouldn’t want to finish.

But I underestimated Ann Patchett. I CAN NOT predict what is going to happen next and this is not tear jerker. It isn’t Bel Canto which I found more magical, but there is no way I’m going to miss a single page of this book.

I’ve already read two thirds of the book. Whatever the ending I don’t think I’ll be disappointed. Even a recognized formula is different in the hands of a master.

B.T.W-What is the idea behind printing books with rough, uneven ends of pages? This is one of them. I don’t see the point of that…

Note from Monday afternoon: Finished the book. Totally did NOT predict the ending. Glad I read it!

 

2 thoughts on “Saturday’s Book: “State of Wonder” By Ann Patchett”

  1. Hi Naomi!

    Oooh that’s a good rule – I will keep that in mind!

    I have never read anything of Patchett’s – if you said she’s good, she’s good!

    Have a great week,
    Vicky

    1. Vicky!
      I heartily endorse that “rule” based on my experience.
      I would start with Bel Canto if you haven’t read anything by Ann Patchett.
      Enjoy!
      Naomi

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