If one could guarantee my safe passage through the Amazon Jungle, I would go in a heartbeat. But since that is very unlikely, Ann Patchett’s State of wonder is the closest I could get to that extraordinary, frightening, life altering experience. It is undoubtably one of my favorite contemporary novels, and I will attempt to explain why, without spoiling your own discovery of the book. So, here we go !
The Story in one phrase
After the death of a colleague in the Amazon jungle, Dr Marina Singh embarks on a journey of a lifetime, in trying to discover the circumstances of his death and the scientific advances of the team sent by her pharmaceutical company to research a cure for malaria.
My favourite character
It is a testimony of the admiration I have for the way Ann Patchett constructed her main character, that I chose Marina Singh as my favourite. Throughout the story she lives very intense moments in extreme situations, and she is without the shadow of a doubt, transformed by this whole experience. However, she manages to maintain the Observer status for most of the time, and I find that particularly enriching. Of course she has internal moments of taking sides, of judgement faced with so much novelty, but what remained with me long after I finished the book, was the respect she had for a culture so different to hers.
Top 3 details
The moral puzzles : Ann Patchett touches on some delicate and morally sensitive subjects, like the entitled attitude of westerners, or the elaborate advancements in fertility medicine and the question of interfering or not with natural circumstances. The debate is never ending, and my point here is not to launch a discussion, but I have to admit that the subtle conclusions of the book agree with my point of view. Either way, it is thought-provoking, if nothing else.
The value of respect : from the very basic survival in the jungle, up to the ethical conundrums of medicine, respect seems to be the very fine yet powerful underlining of the book. There is value in courage and there is value in being a visionary, no doubt about it. Yet being respectful of every living entity, may ensure the vision does not surpass the most valuable part of our humanity. Balance is our natural state and yet so difficult to reach at times.
The surprising construction of the action : for a book with so many subtle messages, I was surprised to find them amongst passages of thrilling action. Yes, it is the jungle, so one might expect some intense adventures, but nothing prepares you for the sudden bursts of danger and fast-thinking reactions that make the reading experience so exciting.
My favourite Quote
The question is whether or not you choose to disturb the world around you, or if you choose to let it go on as if you had never arrived. That is how one respects indigenous people. If you pay any attention at all you’ll realize that you could never convert them to your way of life anyway. They are an intractable race. Any progress you advance to them will be undone before your back is turned. You might as well come down here to unbend the river. The point, then, is to observe the life they themselves have put in place and learn from it.
– Ann Patchett, State of Wonder
Yin Yang
Even though the story itself could be almoast a thriller novel, I sense a very Yin vision of the world in the book. I truly believe in the message of equilibrium and moral balance that it sends out,not to mention it is a very enjoyable read. Consider yourself challenged !
The Ritual
Confession time : I’ve never been to Brazil !
So everything you see here today is the fruit of my imagination, combined with books and documentaries.
Here is a glimpse of what I imagine my ideal Brazil to be like :
- Music
There is no introduction needed for Brazilian music. These are the rhytms that make us instantly travel, no matter the destination. I would start my day with some samba to get me motivated and active, and maybe chill down in the afternoon with some bossa nova.I am a big fan of the Putumayo collection, so I would recommend starting with these two albums :
- Moqueca
Now that we are well into the rhythm, let’s bring in the flavour : Ann Patchett’s book has opened my apetite for fish, so a Moqueca would be a brilliant choice for today’s lunch.
Imagine tender flakes of cod gently simmered in a luscious coconut milk broth, infused with the bold flavors of garlic, lime, and a rainbow of peppers. This Brazilian Moqueca is sunshine in a bowl—warm, vibrant, and irresistibly fragrant. It’s the kind of dish that instantly transports you to a seaside table, where the air smells of the ocean and the rhythm of samba drifts through the breeze.
Want to bring this tropical comfort food into your kitchen?
The full recipe is waiting for you now on theritualofreading.com ! - Amazonite
One thing the amazonite crystal and I have in common, is that neither of us is connected to the Amazon. But one can easily imagine why the modern name of this cool green and turquoise crystal, was chosen in honour of the mythical river. I like to hold mine while reading, as it is a very balancing gemstone for yin and yang, and very useful for our creative and imaginative side, a true friend of the artist. And when you take a break from reading, to rest your eyes, what could be more wonderful than to admire the unique details each crystal offers to us. It is not difficult to imagine that in the millions of years it took to create such beauty in the darkness, a special energy has been imbeded into each and every crystal.
And that is something worth contemplating. - Brazilian lemonade
The afternoon is cozy and we drift away reading. But in the hot and humid jungle, what could be better than a… Brazilian Lemonade !
This one was surprising, I have to admit, but delicious nonetheless. To be repeated !
Cut up your limes into fairly large pieces, skin on. Add them to your blender, with some ice, and water. Blend well until the limes are very fine, and for the original twist, add in some condensed milk. I opted for the sweetened one, and so I didn’t add any sugar. If you have unsweetened condensed milk, then don’t forget to add some sugar while blending.
Then strain into your jug, and you’ll have a creamy and very frothy lime frappucino, or simply put, a Brazilian lemonade.
These were my festive rituals while reading State of Wonder, and I honestly feel like I’ve been to Brazil and back, with slightly less drama than the characters in the book. I hope this was inspiring for you, and for all the Brazilians out there, please add on your suggestions in the comments below.
Until next time, enjoy your reading, and your rituals !
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