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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One of the best books I have ever read. From an English major and someone who reads approximately 2 novels per week – both ‘good literature’ and complete mind candy in multiple genres, that is saying something. If you think it’s not your cup of tea you will be happily surprised to find it really is EVERYONE’S cup of tea. Amazing story.
Loved this book. A realistic and riveting depiction of Stockholm Syndrome.
It builds slowly. You have no idea where it’s going, but you’re so intrigued by the setting (a birthday party, an international crowd, a famous soprano performing) that you stay with it. And you think a story about terrorists isn’t your thing but you’re surprised by the turn of events. There is harmony, cooperation, and a satisfying ending. What a …
Ann Patchett knows how to tell a story. Original and gripping.
Based on author’s favorite premise of putting a group of strangers together in a stressful situation. In this case a diverse set of hostages taken while attending a musical performance in a South American country.
To me this book was just OK, didn’t see what the rave was about. While the story line was original, and I liked some of the characters, I would it was tediously slow, especially in the beginning.
I think this is a really good book with a tragic ending. I liked it a lot.
One of my all time favorites
Well written but slow and a bit tedious.
Vivid suspenseful thriller mystery
A life-time favorite book. Do not miss reading this exquisitely written story.
As with all of Ann Patchett’s books, extremely well-written, thought-provoking, and with memorable characters who, along with the story itself, still inhabit my thoughts. I couldn’t put this one down – the story and compelling characters still haunt me. One of the books I most hated to see end – I found myself slowing down in the final chapters.
This was the worst book I’ve ever read. It came highly recommended, so I kept waiting for it to get better, but it never did. I have to say, it really upset me just how rediculous the story was.
a page turner
I liked this story. Exciting.
This is a unique book and I loved it!
The kind of book that lingers with you long after you finish.
painfully slow
I really enjoyed this book. The way the characters develop throughout the book and how love is so powerful in the novel. The ending is what you make it out to be. I personally felt so sad and had a different interpretation of it than others. But I do recommend it. Ann Patchett is an amazing author.
Great read until the end, which fell flat.