Ann Patchett’s State of Wonder (blogged about it here) was possibly my favourite book of last year and so when another Twitter user alerted me to an email discussion about the book I was happy to be included. It’s a while since I participated in serious literary criticism (Euripides may have been involved!) and at first I was a bit taken aback by the depth and detail of the analysis. However it was a very interesting experience and made me aware of aspects of the book I otherwise would have missed. Questions were raised I hadn’t even thought of, and as a result of rereading the book (something I rarely do even with favouties) I noticed things I had missed in my first greedy rush to the end.
If you’ve read this book and literary discussions float your boat, do take a look at David Hebblethwaite’s blog (we are running to 3 instalments!) over the next few weeks. I hope I managed to keep my end up!
Ali Bacon / Books and Other Things 
I’ve just finished this book and also thought it was great; the ‘voice’ was brilliant, really pulled me into the story. I did want to shake the central character at times, but she stayed on the right side of plausibility by simply convincing me that such things could happen.
Not my favourite Orange Prize shortlist though; I adored The Song of Achilles
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Hi Nina
Song of Achilles next on my list!
AliB
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I had a mixed response to it and was disappointed I wasn’t as easily swept away by it.
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Hello Claire – thanks for visiting. Still not sure why this one appealed to me so much – sometimes it just happens. Took a peak at your recent reading – some fascinating stuff.
Ali B
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