The Right Book at the Right Time

Title: State of Wonder

Author: Ann Patchett

Publisher: New York : Harper, 2011.

Review/Summary: Dr Marina Singh isn’t one for adventure. She hasn’t even left Minnesota much until she is sent to the Amazon to delve into the mysterious details of the death of her lab partner, Anders Eckman. After working as research scientists at the Vogel pharmaceutical company for seven years Eckman was asked to go check on another scientist’s miracle drug project in Brazil. He never returns. Now Marina is compelled to follow and she finds herself on an unpredictable journey of discovery. Facing sweltering heat, terrifying wildlife and obstructive natives Marina finally locates the camp where Eckman was last seen. There she is reluctantly greeted by a transformative figure from her past and Marina struggles to learn what really happened to Eckman and what exactly they are all doing in this Amazonian rainforest. A multi-layered, subtly rendered and thrilling read.

Who Will Like This: Patchett fans. Patient mystery readers.

If you like this, try this: Bel Canto, also by Patchett. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese.

Recommended by: Jen, Children’s Assistant

Does this look like something you’d like to try? Check out the Fairfield Public Library catalog to check availability or place a hold!

Title: The Sound of Butterflies

Author: Rachael King

Summary: Thomas Edgar, an amateur naturalist, joined an expedition to the rainforests of the Amazon determined to be the first to capture the elusive butterfly he calls “Papilio Sophia.” He returns home several months later a changed man. Having deteriorated both physically and mentally, he is either unwilling or unable to speak. His young wife Sophie sets out trying to solve the mystery of what happened to her husband in a desperate attempt to bring him back to his former self. Slowly, we learn of the atrocities that befell Thomas and his fellow travelers in the Brazilian Amazon, culminating with the traumatic event that renders Thomas speechless.

This wonderful debut novel from New Zealander Rachael King takes us from turn of the century London to the rainforests of Brazil. Through letters, diary entries, and multi-character narration, we experience the social constraints of London, the dark side of the booming rubber industry of the Amazon, and the perils found in the wilds of the rainforest.

Who will like this book?: Historical fiction and adventure readers.

If you like this, try this: The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney

Recommended by: Mary, Reference Librarian