A variation on the South American theme

I know that our next book is supposed to be by a South American author (see entry for 14 April) but how about a book set in South America to complement this theme? Bel Canto was an excellent book group read (I think in 2003); it had all the required ingredients for vigorous discussion - suspense, an engaging plot, a striking female protagonist, a mystery man, music, oh, and it was beautifully crafted. Now I read that in her new novel, State of Wonder, Ann Patchett revisits South America where Bel Canto was set. The Independent describes it as "an adventure story with a strong woman at its centre" and talks about Patchett's desire to populate her novels with women who are heros, all of which sounds promising. The protagonist, Dr Swenson, is "a deeply moral rebel, part Indiana Jones and part Marie Curie". That phrase alone is enough to make me buy it. Mind you, the only other Patchett book I have read, Run, left me feeling shortchanged. So let's hope that this is more Bel Canto than Run.