State of wonder by Ann Patchett

By Eithne Farry  on Tuesday 31 May 2011

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A sexually charged tale of the search for a fertility wonder-drug hidden deep in the Amazon rainforest.

A sexually charged tale of the search for a fertility wonder-drug hidden deep in the Amazon rainforest.

Inspired by the secretive remedies of the indigenous Amazonian tribes, feisty Dr Annick Swenson, assisted by lab researcher Anders Eckman, is developing a drug that promises women a life-long chance to bear children, but she's cagey about her research and progress. When Eckman dies suddenly, his wife and colleagues are devastated, leaving Marina Singh to retrace her friend's progress from snowy Minnesota into the heart of darkness. Finding herself in a remote corner of the Amazon, surrounded by mystery and terrified by giant anacondas and rumours of cannibalistic tribes, Marina is forced to confront mistakes and out-takes from her past in the hot and heady swelter of fecund nature.

Orange Prize-winner Patchett's sixth novel is mesmerisingly good, exploring a provocative issue with graceful, cinematic aplomb.

£12.99 Bloomsbury

Review by Eithne Farry

Release date: Tuesday 31 May 2011

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