Bel Canto by Ann Patchett Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Bel Canto
Book Review: A unique conceit
Summary: 3 Stars
I was ultimately disappointed. It was an interesting conceit, a houseful of opera lovers held as political hostages in an unnamed Latin American country and their maturing emotional allegiances throughout a long standoff but it all eventually bogged down. Ann Patchett clearly has command of her authorial voice but at times it felt a little too showy, too self-aware. Oh, she can write (the scene where one of the hostages is discovered to be able to play the piano was extraordinary) and the story's setting was unique- but she went on too long and then resolved it abruptly in way that least stretched credulity but somehow seemed lazy and in the epilogue threw all reason to the wind mating unlikely characters. I suppose that it may make some people take a second look or listen to opera and on the whole that is a good thing. I felt especially unsatisfied because half way through I thought I had a really wonderful book so I feel let down. That, I think, means that her editor did not do his job.Book Review: Achingly, hauntingly lovely--addictive!
Summary: 5 Stars
As an author, I have a general policy against reviewing books online. But "Bel Canto" caught me so totally offguard that I can't resist. It has instantly earned a spot on my favorites list.
In an age where most people tend to read in fits and starts, setting books down and picking them up when the moment allows, I found myself completely spellbound by "Bel Canto." I couldn't walk away from it without longing to pick it up again (eventually I gave up trying to get anything else done and just collapsed on the couch and read).
Coming into this book, I knew absolutely nothing about it. I expected it to be generic literary women's fiction. I was so wrong!
Every character is treated with the same care and gentle hand, with no unnecessary nastiness thrown in for the sake of melodrama. There are characters I adore as if they were beloved family members remembered from childhood. It never occurred to me to be put off, as some negative reviewers have been, by the idea of the terrorists not being completely evil. Patchett succeeds in humanizing them, which creates a far more interesting book than if they'd been cartoonish bad guys.
The writing and language are perfect--humorous and dignified, regal in their simplicity and austerity.
Not only that, but the music! I have a healthy appreciation for classical music but have never really connected with opera. This book sent me scurrying to iTunes--not just looking to buy, but wanting to learn more about the voices and the women behind them.
I spent the whole day feeling like I was in some romantic dreamy haze, with a soundtrack of opera running behind me. There are far worse ways to pass the time!
Book Review: After this one? I bought all her books
Summary: 5 Stars
Oh - this book! This wonderful, amazing, lyrical, gut and heart-wrenching book. This was the first book I read by the incredibly talented Ms. Patchett - and upon finishing it - I promptly went about buying everything else she's written. The characters are so beautifully drawn, the language is so evocative, the feelings behind the words are so intense... I just loved this book and was so sad that I eventually had to finish it.Book Review: Almost spectacular
Summary: 4 Stars
For me this was one of those books where the story did not match the brilliance of the writing. That opinion, however, may have been influenced by the fact that, just as I began reading, someone gave me a very good idea what to expect at the end. It's hard to know how I would have felt about the story without that unwelcome advance knowledge (Spoilers should have their mouths taped shut!!).
The writing was indeed beautiful, and the story was compelling, but there were a few parts that seemed just a bit too preposterous and the ending was too abrupt for my taste (no spoilers here!). For one thing, I think she would have been better off focusing on fewer characters and developing them a bit more.
Still, I would recommend this book without reservation to those who love contemporary literary fiction. I will certainly read more of her books.
Book Review: Amazing
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was so amazing. What started out as a thriller with the terrorists taking people hostage, turned into a love story and a relationship between the terrorists and the hostages that you would never expect. The grim situation turns into a beautiful event, and the ending will have you speechless.