60 pages 2 hours read

Ann Patchett

State of Wonder

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapters 8-9Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 4: Marina’s Life at the Station and Discovering the Lakashi Secret

Chapter 8 Summary

In the weeks that follow her arrival, Marina settles into the routine of the station. She meets and becomes familiar with the other scientists who work with Dr. Swenson. Among these are a married American couple, the botanists Alan and Nancy Saturn, and an Indonesian researcher, Dr. Budi, who is in charge of clinical research organization. Marina too, is given a job at the station, running various tests in the lab. Because her luggage has not been found, she is forced to borrow another shift dress from the Lakashi, and scrounge together basic toiletries from her new colleagues.

Given that the deep jungle that surrounds them is so dangerous, the researchers are limited to the confines of the research station. Other than the weekly lab work, there is little to break the monotony, other than bathing in the river on the hot afternoons when the electricity goes out. Even the river has its perils; it is filled with dangerous Candiru fish, poisonous snakes, and various other hidden dangers. In spite of this, everyone, including Marina risks the swim, seeking relief from the heat and boredom in the waters.

As for the Lakashi, their cycle of work is routinely interrupted by what Dr.

Related Titles

By Ann Patchett

SuperSummary Logo
Study Guide
Ann Patchett
Guide cover image
SuperSummary Logo
Study Guide
Ann Patchett
Guide cover image
SuperSummary Logo
Study Guide
Ann Patchett
Guide cover image
SuperSummary Logo
Study Guide
Ann Patchett
Guide cover image
SuperSummary Logo
Study Guide
Ann Patchett
Guide cover image
SuperSummary Logo
Study Guide
Ann Patchett
Guide cover image
SuperSummary Logo
Study Guide
Ann Patchett
Guide cover image
SuperSummary Logo
Study Guide
Ann Patchett
Guide cover image
SuperSummary Logo
Plot Summary
Ann Patchett
Guide cover placeholder