Books : Bel Canto: A Novel

by: Ann Patchett  Average Rating:
Product Description:

In an unnamed South American country, a world-renowned soprano sings at a birthday party in honor of a visiting Japanese industrial titan. His hosts hope that Mr. Hosokawa can be persuaded to build a factory in their Third World backwater. Alas, in the opening sequence, just as the accompanist kisses the soprano, a ragtag band of 18 terrorists enters the vice-presidential mansion through the air conditioning ducts. Their quarry is the president, who has unfortunately stayed home to watch a favorite soap opera. And thus, from the beginning, things go awry.
Rating: - not overwhelmed
I bought and read this book because I so loved Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchet. This book was well written and lingers a bit in my mind, but I did not feel attached to this book or the characters as I thought I would. The ending I felt was expected and predictable from the last third of the book. Ann's writing skills are amazing, but there were times where I questioned the details of her story. I'm being nit picky, but its the details that draw us in and make us believe. There were too many ... Read More

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Rating: - Lovely book on the topic of humanity and love
I found this book to be uplifting, warm, tender and hopeful in regards to the human spirit and the precious nature of human engagement. I do agree that the ending is a bit abrupt and didn't particularly satisfy me, but every chapter beforehand was a true delight. Patchett uses language and her obvious wisdom about the ways of people, to convey a deeply emotional experience that arises out of a situation of circumstance. Everyday triviliaties take on much more immense significance and the appreciation ... Read More

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Rating: - BOOOOOORING!
This book took me quite some time to get through as I found it to be very boring. The friendships formed and new roles that others learned to take on while be held captive was interesting initially, but at the same time, the same things continued day after day after day of being held hostage. I thought about not finishing this book as I had been reading it for about a month, but thought that may be there would be a great ending...I was very disappointed with the ending as it sounds like other reviewers were. ... Read More