A recent recommendation and a well regarded book by most measures, I thought I'd really enjoy Ann Patchet's State of Wonder. Based on the first sentence of the Amazon description, "In a narrative replete with poison arrows, devouring snakes, scientific miracles, and spiritual transformations, State of Wonder presents a world of stunning surprise and danger, rich in emotional resonance and moral complexity," it really does sound great. Unfortunately, I just didn't end up enjoying it.
Usually when I don't enjoy a book it's because "nothing happens" or "it's too slow." Interestingly, neither was true in this case. The book had a lot happen; in many ways it was an adventure novel. Also, the pace was good, while there were a few times that it either was repetitive or the plot stalled, for the most part, I thought it moved fairly quickly and I was curious what was going to happen next. So, then, while all the hate?
Well, the novel did something that was rare for me - I found I didn't care at all about the characters. And, I'm not sure why. I guess they were likable enough, but I found their motivations pretty surface level and not real engaging. Again, it was a good plot too - the Amazon, snakes, a mysterious death, etc. For me, unfortunately, that couldn't outweigh that vast staleness of nearly every character in the story.
I suppose I should at least check myself as it may be a case of sexism. The core of this novel revolved around two woman doctors; perhaps that's the reason I couldn't identify as much and care as much about the story. There is also a major sub plot about pregnancy; so, again, perhaps that was part of my challenge. Either way, when you find you really don't identify or care about the characters, it makes it much harder to enjoy the story.
Of course, I think I am in a minority on this point. The person who recommended the book loved it, as did many, many people on Amazon and Goodreads. The author, Ann Patchet, she's no slouch either, winning the Pulitzer six years ago. And, to give credit, there were parts that were really great in the story. I found the start quite interesting and it had a good ending. And, to be clear, the book was a page turner; the plot was solid and filled with a ton of action.
So, on a whole, the book is one you'd probably enjoy; most people do. However, like any book, some people will enjoy it more than others, and I'm clearly in the minority for this one. Going back to the Amazon note there was absolutely "emotional resonance and moral complexity" taking place. But, I just found I didn't care much what that emotion and morality looked like.
