On December 11, 2013 we held the meeting at Nettie's
house and there were 10 members present and
2 special guests. Those present were Julie, Nancy, Donna, Kathy,
Betsy, Madeleine, Sarah, Janet and Nettie. We were
happy to welcome Sandy Laramore and Doug Reichl
who joined in the lively discussion that ensued.
Sarah led the discussion with a number of prepared
questions and observations.
The first topic was the ethics of pharmacological
researchers in these remote jungle areas. Was it
best to gain the knowledge they came for, take what they need
and leave the environment and natives intact? Or should they
try to change them? Possibly these people would be impervious
to changes in the long run. Dr. Swenson had the first philosophy as
she ruled her little world with her iron hand.
The next topic discussed was how Dr. Swenson became
impregnated and whose sperm was it. Many theories were
set forth but we agreed that the author may have left this
so the readers could make their own interpretations.
The next topic was what about Marina's future. Some thought
she would return to the jungle others thought she would stay in
Minnesota and would be pregnant.
Sarah pointed out that many times wealthy patrons get characters
named after them in novels. Barbara Bovender was named after
a patron. We discussed the characters of the Bovenders and envied
their free ride to adventures. Sarah doubted that a pharmaceutical
company would have spent that kind of money on such an
uncharted and uncommunicative course as this project was.
We all envisioned that this would be a great movie and Sarah confirmed
that indeed there was one in the making.
We all loved the beat of the book replete with fire torches,
poison arrows, jungle ululations, anacondas, magic mushrooms
and tree bark. The book was likened to Joseph Conrad's
"Heart of Darkness".
Betsy chose the book "The Chaperone" by Laura Moriarity.
The next date chosen was January 14, 2014 which is actually
a Tuesday. We will have it at Nettie's again as the
venue was better for discussion than any of the restaurants
we have tried. We voted Sandy in as a new member and
Doug said he will attend more often.
Happy reading and stay warm!
