I guess I’ve turned into an Ann Patchett fan. We recently discussed her Bel Canto here and now we have moved on to her State of Wonder, a drama that combines medical intrigue with jungle adventure.
The action starts when Marina, a doctor in the employ of a Minnesota pharmaceutical company, receives word that her colleague has died.
His body is still down in the Amazon. He traveled there to check on the progress of a compound scientists have extracted from the jungle trees. This compound could turn into a big money-making drug for the company. And by the way, wonders Mr. Fox, the CEO, what’s holding things up down in Brazil?
At the behest of Mr. Fox, as well as the new widow, Marina boards a plane to Brazil. Once there, she butts heads with Dr. Annick Swenson, the seventy-three year-old woman who has given her whole life to the project.
I’ve met a few Doctor Swensons in my life. These are women who don’t give a flip if you can’t walk their speed in your high heels.
Regarding their dead colleague, Dr. Swenson says, “I’ve hardly ever see a man so ill-suited to the jungle. . . . Now, one would think when a person comes to a place where he doesn’t want to be and he is not wanted, he would have the sense to go.”
And to Marina, “Does it matter at all that you’re not invited?”
Meanwhile, everybody works on the rainmaker drug, eagerly awaited back in Minnesota. They study the tribal women who get pregnant on into their seventies.
Do you think a few thousand American women would like that option?
Ha, would you?
Let’s sit down over a nice supper of Chicken Tortilla Chowder and Angel Flake Biscuits. We can share our Dr. Swenson stories.
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