Reviews

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

tashaseegmiller's review against another edition

4.0

I really didn't know what to expect from this book except that it came highly recommended. And when I started it, I wasn't sure, but then I was. Bottom line, the writing is amazing, the characters were intriguing and the plot? I would love to know where in Patchett's head this came from because it was unlike anything I have read before.

The ending still has me completely unsure what to think, though, because it's not wrapped up in a perfect little package, which I like sometimes but I find myself wanting more, which I guess is the indicator that it was a good book.

alirbwgirl's review against another edition

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

paige1947_'s review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

olarson511's review

adventurous mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

devlev7's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a very interesting and creative story - I didn’t know what to expect going in and continued to not know what to expect throughout. It definitely aligned with my memories of reading Bel Canto many years ago, in its air of mystery, interesting setting, and undertones about race and culture and people’s assumptions about each other. One complaint I do have is that I felt the story wrapped up kind of quickly. It moved at a fairly measured pace until the last 50 pages or so when so much happened that it felt rushed. Otherwise, enjoyed it and will be processing it for a while!

imonyourside's review against another edition

5.0

I have no words to describe this incredible story. Possibly one of the best books I’ve ever read.

georgiagokerr's review against another edition

emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I can't wait to read more Ann Patchett. Her writing style is incredibly engaging and visceral; the atmosphere of the rainforest was so well established I got itchy just reading it. I wasn't bothered by slower moments in the pacing, because the writing was so compelling. The blurb on the back of my copy says the ending is "as shocking as it's satisfying," and while it was completely shocking (my mouth dropped open) I don't think satisfying is a word I would use. Not unsatisfying either, just gut wrenching and then melancholy and then mildly-infuriating.

I would like to rant about the moment they left Easter, because what??? Excuse me???? I mean, I think I get it in the context of the book, especially after the conversation she had with Dr. Swenson, but still. My heart.

This book somehow managed to be a confusing mystery, an engaging adventure story, and a complicated literary fiction novel, and I applaud it for the its multitudes. I do have questions about how well the representation of Indigenous groups in the Amazon rainforest has held up since 2011, but I'd be interested in picking up one of her newer releases. 

ladybughug's review against another edition

emotional reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars (I make my own rules!). I was really interested and curious the whole time I was reading this book (all of 2 days), but it fell flat for me at the end. The story was great... I just wanted something more. So many unanswered questions!

noemie_rigatoni's review

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0