This was my first Patchett book and I wasn't disappointed. I've read the thoughtfully-written positive and negative reviews, and can see the points some people have made about the main character's (Marina) unbelievable naivety, stupid choices, and deep feelings about a seemingly shallow relationship with her boss. Thoughts of marriage to him, come on! One reviewer said she should have run off with Milton and I absolutely agree. I wanted to shake her silly sometimes. And, yes, the science doesn't hold up to scrutiny.

BUT... I enjoyed the journey. It was a page-turning adventure to me with a little spiritually and mystery thrown in for good measure. I suspended disbelief and went along for the ride. I rarely found myself stopping and saying to myself, WHAT??? Nothing jarred me out of the story, I was firmly immersed.

Was this the greatest writing, the greatest character-development, the most believable plot development I've ever read, no. But it was a unique story, with an intriguing plot, with a wonderful setting (as someone else said, the jungle was a character in itself), and people you cared about, with a shocking plot twist, and it broke my heart.