The story of a scientist gone wild

Marcy Diaz/Staff Writer

In a detailed account of a woman’s path through loss and ultimate survival, Ann Patchett shows how even a plain Minnesota jane can walk on the Amazonian wild side.

Though a possibly appealing novel for established fans of the award-winning author’s poetic writing style, new audiences might be hesitant to read “State of Wonder.” With over-indulgent descriptions accompanying a narrow melodramatic plot,this novel could have busy college reader’s losing patience.

From the depths of the jungles of the Amazon, a harbinger of bad news is handed to Dr. Marina Singh and her team of cholesterol researchers. A letter, vaguely entailing the news of close colleague Anders Eckman’s sickly death while overseeing fertility drug trials in Manaus, Brazil. Distraught and in desperate need  for closure, Marina agrees to succeed where  Eckman had failed in unearthing more information about head fertility researcher, Dr. Annick Swenson.

As Marina leaves the comfort of her hometown, she is instantly thrown into an onslaught of physical and psychological obstacles. From being plagued every night with childhood nightmares to wielding a machete against a giant python, the middle aged scientist realizes that what she must face threatens more than her mission.

Patchett’s style of writing has built a fair fan base over the years with acclaimed works such as “Bel Canto,” “The Magician’s Assistant” and “Run.” Even so much as to earn “State of Wonder” a momentary spot on the Barnes and Noble weekly National Campus Bestseller List.

Though for this particular story plot, which narrowly focuses on how the protagonist is  personally affected by these deadly lessons of self-discovery, Patchett’s notorious poetic technique came across as plain overbearing. Not to say this was always the case.

There were instances in the author’s writing that truly shined, like when Marina gives her condolences to Eckman’s mourning wife and children.Patchett captured that sentiment of grief perfectly, but outside of those heart-gripping moments it felt like she purposefully smothered pages and pages of scene detail just to test the limits of human patience.

Since FIU is entering its fourth stressful week into the busy fall semester, this isn’t really the book even the speediest reader should get hooked on. However, it should be mentioned that a satisfying ending as well as a great sense of accomplishment await the brave few who accept this challenge.