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Loading... Bel Canto (edition 2002)by Ann Patchett
Work detailsBel Canto by Ann Patchett
it a book about an unusual view regarding a story between terrorists and hostages.they live in the same building sharing same food and other entertainments until the last moment of the turning point.the author is successful in making the tale in a poetic manner due to the language she uses. (  ) athula | May 18, 2013 |  Read this book years ago. Excellent. The reason I was interested in reading her new book. (  ) librarian1204 | Apr 27, 2013 | Time stands still in Bel Canto - for the hostages taken captive at a birthday party for a Japanese businessman in an unnamed South American country; for the terrorists, mostly teenagers, who hold them captive; for the Red Cross worker whose vacation in the unnamed country is suddenly extended for months; and especially for the reader who joins them in existential limbo. As the days stretch into weeks and months, the line between captor and captive blurs. The novel appears to be based on the Japanese embassy hostage crisis in Peru in 1996-97. While sticking to the basic outline of the historical event, Patchett explores the effect of prolonged captivity on both the hostages and their captors. Each takes on a new role within their enclosed society. A high government official becomes a janitor. A business executive becomes an accompanist. A diplomat becomes a chef. Terrorists become students. The only thing missing is a prophet, for no one imagines life beyond a day-to-day existence, or what might happen when the crisis ends. I wouldn't recommend rushing through this book. The middle is more important than the beginning or the end. It raises questions about the difference between who we are and what we do, about communication, about loyalty and friendship. This would be a great book group selection since it offers so many possible discussion topics. (  )4  cbl_tn | Apr 27, 2013 | I didn't want it to end...and then the ending threw me for a loop (thus 4 stars and not 5). ( ) melissarochelle | Apr 13, 2013 | This book got far too much credit. It was passable, but as it goes on, it gets more and more unrealistic (pet peeve: using magic realism techniques as a substitute for plot) and precious. It appeals on the same level as a romance novel, which is fine, but it bothers me that this author gets literary acclaim. (  ) idyll | Apr 9, 2013 |
 ''Bel Canto'' often shows Patchett doing what she does best -- offering fine insights into the various ways in which human connections can be forged, whatever pressures the world may place upon them.  Although this novel is entirely housebound, at the vice presidential mansion, Ms. Patchett works wonders to avoid any sense of claustrophobia and keeps the place fresh at every turn.
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