Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, 319 pagesOrange January; Orange Prize Winner: 2002
Can there be a love story when rebels hold people hostage? How about when no one speaks the same language? Is opera the universal language?
In an unnamed South American country, rebels take over the birthday party of Mr Hosakawa, hosted by the country in hopes that he will open a factory there. He has only agree to come because the famous soprano, Roxanne Coss will be singing. Unfortuneately, the president, the purpose of the kidnapping, decided at the last minute not to come to the party. The kidnapping turns into a Dog Day Afternoon, with no where to go and a long session. The rebels and the hostages gradually become closer as the seige continues.
The characters are beautifully written and given a story so easily that the reader knows who everyone is and all their history. Gradually the rebels are introduced and fleshed out as the hostages get to know them. The story unfolds so graciously and easily that it is easy to forget the violence of the situation. Everyone is a person we care about and want the best for. The Stockholm syndrome, whereby hostages begin to care for their captors, is easily developed and the reader becomes a part of that too. The pacing of the story was excellent and kept the feel of the events.
Really good book.
This really has gotten great reviews. I'm glad you thought it was a "really good book", as well. I began lisening to it years and years ago, and for some reason had to stop. ??? I remember liking it at the time. Maybe I need to recheck it out. Thanks for the reminder. :)
ReplyDeleteI listened to this one a while ago and thought it was just average. The pacing was off for me. Something would just begin to happen in the story and then she would then go off on different tangents. Having said that I can remember quite a few things that happened in it. I remember particularly not liking the last chapter/epilogue.
ReplyDeleteI was a bit disappointed I guess, having had such high expectations for it.
I've been wanting to read this book for a while now. I really liked your review!!
ReplyDeleteThis has been on my to-read list forever - there are too many good books out there!
ReplyDeleteMy best friend insists I need to read this, and I own it, but so far it doesn't grab me.
ReplyDeleteI read this awhile ago and really enjoyed it. I don't remember the details anymore I just remember the feeling it gave me when I read it.
ReplyDeleteI read this a few years ago and cried like a baby at the end of it. I didn't expect to like it when I picked it up, but more than a lot of other books I've read, "Bel Canto" has really stuck with me over the years. This book gets such mixed reviews so I'm really happy to hear you liked it.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my all-time favorite books. When I finished it, all I remember thinking was, Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI picked this book up, but then read several negative reviews so decided not to read at the time. Your review makes me want to give another shot...I'll at least read the first few chapters and decide from there.
ReplyDeleteI tried reading this last year and didn't get past the first few pages, maybe I just wasn't in the mood. You're making me want to try again though!
ReplyDeleteYes, this is really a good book. Actually, I think it's a great book!! I loved the beautiful prose and came to care about the characters. I wrote my review before my blogging days, but maybe that's a good reason for a re-read. I'd love to write a review for it!
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