Looking for novels that are well written taking place in the tropics, or jungles or third world countries.

I took a chance on it a few years back and was completely taken by surprise at how readable, enjoyable and interesting a story it was.

It's not what you think!!

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The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles. takes place in Morroco. very good read for me.

Miguel Street by V S Naipaul takes place in Trinidad.

Corentyne Thunder by Edgar Mittelholzer takes place in British Guiana now known as Guyana.

The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad in the interior of Africa.

A Burnt-out Case by Graham Greene. set in the interior of west Africa. Greene used for this novel ideas and scenes from an expedition he was a part of into western Africa. He wrote about that trip in Journey Without Maps. non fiction.

thought of another one. The Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux

Wow!  Thanks for all the suggestions.

I actually got Tarzan, Miguel Street, Heart of Darkness, and Mosquito Coast all as trades on Paperback Swap.  Can't beat it!  Then I ran out of credits, but I think these should keep my busy for quite awhile.

Mosquito Coast was made into a movie. I can't remember for sure but I think Harrison Ford was the star.

Good to know, if I like the book I can look for the movie on Netflix.

You may have already read an old favorite that reminds me of State of Wonder.  It is Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.  I also think that Prodigal Summer by Kingsolver might also be interesting to you.  

Another one that I loved and read twice was At Play in the Fields of the Lord by Peter Mathiessen.

A website recommended I Know this Much is True by Wally Lamb. as a book like State of Wonder.  No jungles, but a great novel.

Yes, I have read Poisonwood Bible, one of my all time favorites. I will for sure try At Play in the Fields if it was another favorite of yours, we probably have the same taste in books.  Thanks!

I will give the other two a look, thanks much.

At Play in the Fields of the Lord

just from curiosity was the movie close to the book or different?

I read the book first and found the movie kinda off putting because I can't stand the acting in it of Daryl Hannah.  Just couldn't put her in the role. I was really fixed on the whole idea (remember this is years ago and I was much younger and idealistic) that illness killed all these indiginous people. So movies have a little trouble discussing this science of these things.  I loved Kathy Bates.  OMG, she nailed the character better than the book.  The book is always satisfying for me more than movies, but the movie was pretty good and stayed pretty darn close to the book as I remember it.

As an aside:   One of the best novels ever written is The Physician by Noah Gordon.  The movie absolutely SUCKED!  They left out all of the aspects of this story that made it such a great book.  Skip the movie.  Read the book.

Stephanie S.  I thoroughly enjoyed Tarzan.  Who would have thought. 

and Pamela S.  I have started At Play in the Field of the Lords.  Very good so far.

Rebecca, when I saw this thread had been added to, I hoped it was because you'd taken a chance on Tarzan. And that you did, and that you enjoyed it...makes me happy! It was a book that very much surprised me, because I had a preconceived notion about what it would be (and was sure it would be dumb and preposterous), and it turned out to be completely different, and fascinating, and believable. I am SO GLAD you liked it!!

I always say, it pays to take a chance!!

Happy!

I read At Play in the Fields of the Lord.  It took me a bit to get used to the writing style but then I realized it's a crazy, well written, intense book.  So glad I got these recommendations.  I never would have found these books on my own.

I am having trouble liking The Sheltering Sky.  Not sure why.  Maybe because it could almost be written in any location.  It's more about the characters with less of the culture and countryside where it takes place.  and I must say the characters are a motley crew, lol.

I have never been able to read The Sheltering Sky or make it thru the movie. Boring beyond belief for me.  Glad you liked At Play.......  It is a very intense story.

Ha, I must admit it was a bit boring but some people love that book. Do you have any favorite books?  Perhaps we appreciate a similar style.

Let me think, I am getting ready to leave town and it is painful to undertake this trip.  I know what you are looking for but I have to have some time.  I read up to 5 books a week so there are lots I loved but wouldn't necessarily recommend to you if you like classsy fiction.  I read everything!  (except that new kinda comic book stuff...mange or somthing???)

Off the top of my head tho, you would probably like Dalva and The Road Home by Jim Harrison.  

Sorry it will not be a happy trip.  Thanks for taking the time to reply.  I looked at the reviews for Dalva and the Road Home and right away ordered one of them used from Amazon.  You are right. looks like my kind of reading.  I would never know about this author on my own.  Thanks!

I just noticed this morning that our library has Patchet's State of Wonder. I'll look at it next time I'm there.

I would love to read your review of State of Wonder, Charles.  It would be so interesting from a gentleman reader's point of view.