Ann Patchett
in conversation with
Maile Meloy
Monday, June 13, 2011, 8pm
Track 16, Bergamot Station
2525 Michigan Ave, Bldg. C-1,
Santa Monica, CA
Ann Patchett joins us at Live Talks Los Angeles to discuss her new novel, State of Wonder. Patchett has dazzled readers before with her award-winning books, from The Magician’s Assistant to the New York Times bestselling Bel Canto. Set in the Amazon jungle, her new novel grapples with serious social and cultural issues.
Marina Singh gave up a career as a doctor after botching an emergency delivery as an intern, opting instead for the more orderly world of research for a pharmaceutical company. When office colleague Anders Eckman, sent to the Amazon to check on the work of a field team, is reported dead, Marina is asked by her company’s CEO to complete Anders’ task and to locate his body. What Marina finds in the sweltering, insect-infested jungles of the Amazon shakes her to her core. For the team is headed by esteemed scientist Annick Swenson, the woman who oversaw Marina’s residency and who is now intent on keeping the team’s progress on a miracle drug completely under wraps. Marina’s jungle odyssey includes exotic encounters with cannibals and snakes, a knotty ethical dilemma about the basic tenets of scientific research, and joyous interactions with the exuberant people of the Lakashi tribe, who live on the compound. In fluid and remarkably atmospheric prose, Patchett captures not only the sights and sounds of the chaotic jungle environment but also the struggle and sacrifice of dedicated scientists. Visit her website: www.annpatchett.com
Maile Meloy is the author of four books, most recently the story collection Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It, which was one of the New York Times Book Review‘s 10 Best Books of 2009 and one of the LA Times‘s best books of the year. Her first novel for young readers, The Apothecary, will be published this fall.
Tickets:
$20 General Admission
$35 General Admission including Ann Patchett’s book
$95 Reserved Seating, Ann Patchett’s book and reception from 6:30-7:30pm