Winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award • Winner of the Orange Prize • National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist
“Bel Canto is its own universe. A marvel of a book.” —Washington Post Book World
New York Times bestselling author Ann Patchett’s spellbinding novel about love and opera, and the unifying ways people learn to communicate across cultural barriers in times of crisis
Somewhere in South … learn to communicate across cultural barriers in times of crisis
Somewhere in South America, at the home of the country’s vice president, a lavish birthday party is being held in honor of the powerful businessman Mr. Hosokawa. Roxanne Coss, opera’s most revered soprano, has mesmerized the international guests with her singing. It is a perfect evening—until a band of gun-wielding terrorists takes the entire party hostage. But what begins as a panicked, life-threatening scenario slowly evolves into something quite different, a moment of great beauty, as terrorists and hostages forge unexpected bonds and people from different continents become compatriots, intimate friends, and lovers.
Patchett’s lyrical prose and lucid imagination make Bel Canto a captivating story of strength and frailty, love and imprisonment, and an inspiring tale of transcendent romance.
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I so wanted to rewrite the ending! Even though this review may discourage a reader, the portrayal of humanity’s ability to connect makes this a wonderful, powerful read.
This wonderful book deals with two great forces in the world, music and translation and is beautifully written.
Very hard to get into
Couldn’t get to 20% of book. I had waited years to read this book, was reminded of it, bought it, started reading but I was disappointed in the writing. The characters were so flat for pages, I just couldn’t go on. Maybe someday I’ll try again.
The book can drag in places. Telling the story of captives of terrorists seems like a book of action. However, it’s mostly about the psychological impact on those captured and their reactions. The beautiful singer, Bel Canto, refers to the opera singer who is held captive.
This is my favorite of all of Ann Patchett’s novels! It won several prizes and deserved them!
Good character development but ending seemed to fall apart.
This is the second time reading it. I found it to be a great story well written both times.
The book was a chapter too long. The feel-good ending was superfluous.
unique!
I read this book awhile ago, then went on to read all others by Anne Patchett..she is a great novelist, stories come alive, unusual and interesting, great characters.
It droned on and on with little advancement of the plot I stopped reading about halfway through.
A novel that felt like an opera. I could almost hear the music.
Another writer that truly took me down another twist in my varied journey road of reading, Ann Patchett. She never fails to show me something new in human nature, while at the same time, open up another facet of myself. The reading world is better for having been graced by her talent. I beyond excited to live in the town she calls home and to …
A large group of International and influential guests gather in a palatial building for the birthday party of a prominent Japanese businessman. A famous opera winger performs to general enchantment and then the next moment a group of rebel fighters rush in and take over the building. Privilege comes face to face with deprivation. Powerful …
I was spellbound by the world Ann Patchett opened up for me that sculpted one definition of love after another. She never disappoints, but this prosaic journey she offers is full, rich, satisfying, challenging and informative. Thanks, Ann!
Great book, highly recommend
Ann Patchett uses language to place you in the middle of her stories. This book touches the soul.
One of her best!
I read this book awhile ago and I loved it. The movie version was not very good. A lot of character changes. Read the book it’s much better.