This is the Ann Patchett novel I recommend above all when recommending her novels in general (which I do fairly often). It has a purity that some may find unreal but to me simply comes down to maintaining the dream. The theme here - as in Willa Cather's "Troll Garden" - is the power of art. She shamelessly distills - some would say reduces - key characters into types, and a moment's critical thought (which usually would come from me) might uncover all that is unlikely in these. But the novel seems to me to have a larger point, being almost a parable about the different ways people come to or honestly live the power of art, whether as a performer, an aficionado, an innocent or a beast in human form being almost unknowingly tamed. The fact that it takes a relatively known actual event and repurposes it to this larger, almost ritual effect adds to the magic without really distracting from the fact that the ugliness and harsh realities implicit in the book's model have little if anything to do with the more exalted journey drawn delicately out like a silk thread in the book itself.

Finished this novel only 10 minutes ago! It is an animated (even silly, if I may be allowed that observation) story, but the writing is excellent! I read with pen in hand and marked some of the phrases I wanted to refer to when discussing the book at a group gathering next week.

Patchett's writing (I've only read this one book, so far) reminds me of John Irving a little bit. Her story is a little less intricate and moves along more quickly, which makes for a shorter volume. However, I am interested enough to have already looked up reviews of some of Patchett's other works and will probably read them, in time.

Good read, unless you have more pressing uses for your time. I'm ambivalent, but feel as if reading Bel Canto was not exactly wasted effort!!

The premise of this book is a good one: a group of strangers taken hostage by terrorists. Unfortunately, reading this book is like biting into a beautifully decorated cake, only to find that it is dry and stale. There is minimum chracter development, and as a result I found myself not caring about any of the chracters. (Everyone in the book seems to be obessed with the opera singer, but it is hard to understand why.) In the beginning of the book there is tension between the hostages and terrorists, but the author lets the flame die out rather quickly, and in the end it seem as though she is writing about people being at "summer camp". The book never explores how the situation is affecting the hostages psychologically. The ending of the book is unexpected, and somewhat unbelievable. Very disappointed in this book, a slow read that never lives up to its potential.

This book is a very powerful, moving, mostly well-written book that deserves most of the kudos it has earned. As might be expected given the subject matter, the ending is more than a touch depressing; that, in itself, I could accept given the implausibility of any other outcome. But I felt that the brutality of the ending was not sufficiently explained; without giving away too much, it is hard to describe what I feel was missing, but I do feel that it would have helped if we, unlike the characters, had had some insight into the thought process that led to the result.

I loved this book: the character development, the plot, the humor. The writing itself is beautiful and gripping. I couldn't put it down. I recommend it 100%.

Despite the author's occaisional warnings that this hostage situation could come to no good, this story of a bungled coup turned siege read like a super-long comic opera libretto.

Take a ragtag bunch of soldiers, mix in a hodgepodge of multinational dingitaries and tycoons, and lock them all in a South American mansion with a famous singer. A businessman and a soldier both turn out to be gifted musicians! Some of the cute boys with guns turn out to be even cuter girls! One mild-mannered translator presides over all the awkward romantic entaglements!

The hilarity of the basic plot (especially the part where the terrorists had no specific complaint with their government) didn't match the serious tone at all. The author, who is clearly imaginative and reasonably knowlegeable, didn't seem intimate enough with the vast number of cultures she tried to capture--some of her characters teetered into stereotypes. So, while the writing was elegant and some of the characters interesting, the tone and the pace seemed off.

It was a good read, but I think it would have been perfect as a comedy.

I was not at all crazy about this book. We have just recently started a book club and this was the second book to read for it. I just couldn't get into it. We did have a rather intense discussion about it.

Bel Canto is an easy read and is, for the most part, very satisfying. Yes, there are a couple of situations that are a little unlikely, upon further reflection (the romantic relationships, the fact that all the terrorists are won over by the Diva) but mostly it is a thought-provoking, interesting experience to read this book.

I liked the leisurely pace until the sudden climax. I thought a lot about how everyone's sense of reality was very warped after months and months in that house. Everyone's sense of normal, sense of what love is, sense of control was a result of having too much time to think and obsess over each other.

With this in mind, many of the situations which arose became more understandable.

I thought it was OK that (**those two characters, don't want to spoil it**) ended up together without a lot of explanation. I can think of several possible reasons why this happened, but I like the fact that it was left up to me to speculate.

I was thoroughly enjoying the novel until the author's choice of Russian names for Victor Fyodorov's brothers: Dimitri and Mikal. It has always been Dmitri,and I have never known a Russian Mikal. I would have thought they were from a different part of Russia if the author did not mention they were from Leningrad. I would love to find out the story behind this choice.

This was an original and, in its way, inspiring story about friendship and love, despair and hope. Six years after I read it, the characters remain alive for me. How many books do that to a reader?

This book was selected as a book club read, but I am really struggling with this. The premise of a group of people being kipnapped for months on end is just ridiculous. Although the characters themselves are interesting, in general, this one is a slow, tedious read.

A world-famous opera diva and forty international dignitaries are held hostage for several months in the living room of a sprawling mansion "somewhere" in South America by a gang of amateur terrorists who are demanding "freedom for their people". The problem is sustaining reader interest in this situation for 318 pages. The author attempts to do this, largely, by means of long, rambling monologues, either verbal or mental, by the various hostages--monologues that often go on in unbroken paragraphs that last for two or more pages. Needless to say, this makes for tedious reading. I'll admit I often found myself dozing off while trying to slug through this seemingly endless book.

Toward the end, though, the story picks up. Ironically the hostages, at least the few whose thoughts we are privy to, become wedded to their state of captivity and give up their desire for freedom. This is mainly due to the opera singer finding an accompanist among the hostages and the two of them giving daily concerts that completely enthrall and win over hostages and terrorists alike. They all become fast friends, and there are even a couple of love affairs. Unfortunately, the ending is too abrupt and brief. The author attempts to more or less wrap things up in the epilogue, but it is too detached from the main story to give the kind of satisfaction the reader's been waiting for. What saves the novel is the overall testament to the power of beautiful operatic singing.

Sarah Bruce Kelly
Author of THE RED PRIEST'S ANINNA

I had to read the negative reviews because i so loved this book. It is a book I always buy when I see it used so I can give it to friends. Men and women love it as we see from other reviews. Thank goodness for great authors like Ann Patchett.

This was a wonderful beautifully written book. Perhaps it was a little slow to start, but the book reminds you of the beauty of people that lies below the surfaces, people that we frequently rush past or discount.

My 25 year old granddaughter asked me for the names of some good books. I ordered "Water for Elephans" and "Bel Canto" to start her off. I read both of these books when they first came out and consider them "must reading".

I enjoyed reading this book very much. It was definitely engaging, I found myself interested in seeing how every thing would turn out in the end.

First, I want to say that I think it is easy to misunderstand this book's premise because of its description. People here have given it negative reviews because the terrorists aren't "realistic" or because of the "unlikely" love stories.

The problem is that I don't think this novel is meant to be "realistic". The situation with the terrorists is meant to be absurd.

No, in real life, terrorists would not be stopped dead in their tracks by an opera singer, but then, in real life, White Rabbits don't talk and animals don't run farms. If you are a literalist, a person who reads a book and scoffs at the impossibilities, then read something less imaginative.

This novel is about connections, translation, it is about romance and if you don't like reading about passion you are not going to like the climax of the story- it isn't sexy, however.

About the ending: I enjoyed it, too. This is surprising because I wanted a happy ending (you know Disney style, with birds, flowers & what not?) although I figured I wouldn't get it.

However, I believe the ending serves its purpose. This couple does what they do (I don't want to give it away) in order to preserve the feelings they had while they were hostages.

I understand that this novel has a few technical flaws, but I didn't notice them. I was looking for a world to get lost in, a place to sink into. I wanted to suspend disbelief for awhile. I even found some of the dialogue funny. ( The moment when Thibault needs help in the kitchen, for example).

I finished this novel about 3 hours ago and I am now thinking about music, romance, language and tragedy. I've got that dreamy "good book" feeling.

***Spoilers Ahead***

Only continue if you've read the book...

I thought the writing was very good and I did like the premise of the story, however, some things just seemed a little too unrealistic for me. I've heard of Stockholm Syndrome and understand that there are instances where captors and their hostages bond, but with so many people cooped up in the same house together for that long, it just seems like someone at some point would try to escape or cause some problems. If there were fewer people in the house, it would have made more sense to me. I know the captors had guns, but when they slacked off on guard duty, you would think someone would take advantage of that. Also, I can't see any government letting a hostage situation go on that long. They would have came up with some type of resolution much sooner. My last complaint is about the epilogue. I think I would have enjoyed the book way more if the epilogue wasn't included. It just didn't feel right to me at all.

I do get the whole "see how music brings people together even when they can't communicate" thing and it's an interesting premise, I just didn't buy the whole captor/hostage family-like relationship. Add a few believable confrontations and I think this book would have been amazing.

Ann Patchett's characters in bel canto are so believable. I was attached to them by the end of the book. This book is my favorite book of all time. The story line is captivating and the characters are intricate and interesting.

In the jungles of South America, terrorists disrupt an international gathering of wealthy diplomats and powerful businessmen. The rebels hope to capture their country's president, but unexpected events transform their perfect plan into a hostage crisis. Although few speak the same language, captors and captives alike reach an understanding through music, forming unexpected bonds, discovering hidden potential, and learning the meaning of happiness under the most unusual circumstances.

There's a reason Bel Canto is an award-winning bestseller. Patchett has a gift for language, crafting a tale of beauty and violence, of love and tragedy. Her vivid descriptions, humorous yet believable characters and all-too-familiar depictions of relationships combine to create a novel that sings.

This is one of the best written books I have read in years. Amazing characters and the story went in directions I didn't expect. There are several sub plots taking place and all are masterfully intertwined. Unique characters, interesting developments and it all happens in what first seemed like an completely implausible circumstance, but as the book unfolds I got really drawn in to a few characters. It was a hard book to put down.

Ann Patchett showed such talent in her ability to develop each of the character's personalities and relationships with one another. When the international guests at this event are first taken hostage I, of course, sympathize with them and view the terrorists as monsters. But as the story continues Patchett thoroughly develops each of the characters (including the terrorists) in a way that completely switches your mind set and opinion of everyone. As the most unlikely relationships begin to form and develop between characters who don't even speak the same language or, even more drastic, between terrorist and hostage you become more and more enthralled in their circumstances and attached the characters themselves. The ending was heart-wrenching but also so beautifully written in a way so that I was able to imagine every detail in my mind and the scene became real. It was a very emotional ending, but more importantly Patchett opens you up to contemplate the complexity of human nature and human interaction in such a profound way, a way that you don't even see coming in the beginning.

the country is definitely Peru several references like the "garua" that settles over lima and pisco sours which are the national drink -- there was a take-over of a Japanese ambassador's home several years ago which lasted several months -- worth looking up on wikipedia to put this novel into context

A birthday party has been arranged for a prominent
Japanese businessman named Mr. Hosokawa. The
only reason that Mr. Hosokawa has agreed to come
to this party in his honour is that Roxanne Coss, a
world famous soprano, is there to sing for the
guests. Unfortunately, the party turns sour quickly when
a band of revolutionaries breaks into the house and
holds the guests hostage.

It is much more a tale about how we build relationships
with others by stopping all of our normal activities and
paying attention to one another as human beings.

People even under extreme stress will search out
comfort with each other no matter what the situation.

Add the illustrious voice of an angel, the music flows
through them everytime she sings for everyone.
The bonds grow between captive and captor.

This is the kind of book that, for me, lets your mind wander. I would read a page and then find that I couldn't remember what I had just read. I got about halfway through it and then stopped. I just didn't care what happened to the characters. I usually look forward to reading but I actually dreaded sitting down with this book. And no matter how boring, no matter how poor the writing, I can almost always find something to pique my interest and get me through to the end. Not this time.

I was expecting more from this book after hearing glowing reviews from trusted sources. It dragged for me. While I loved the language and imagery that Patchett used, I had no emotional attachment to the characters. I found most of them to be quite shallow and unsympathetic. While I believe that the pace was intentionally slow, so as to add the proper setting for the story, it never regained what momentum it had in the beginning. I was lost in the monotony, and it was a struggle for me to get through. Probably closer to 1.5 stars for me, as, like I said, I did enjoy the prose, just not the story or characters.

An interesting allegory about an elite group of people trapped in a concept that continues to breakdown, but still persists. The story is so similar to El Angel Exterminador that I kept getting distracted by looking for comparisons.

An unusual book, but one of those you remember well. It builds like "Bolero" with finely drawn characters. Felt like I was there watching, unseen.

The book never lets you down, and you will stay up late nights, reading rapidly to see what follows. But you realize the enjoyment will soon end, so you will slow down your reading to stretch it out. Each character gives you a gift, as each one shows you their character. At times, characters are very funny--the poor host saddled with so many guests for so long, the French man who cooks for them all. And there are so many sweet, wonderful moments. Implausible, yes, but what a great read.

There is an absolute beauty in the simplicity of this story and to Ann Patchett's writing in general that I find irresistible. "Bel Canto" was the first of her books that I read and it lead me to read every other novel she's written. I'm only sorry I have to wait for something new to be published.

Page 15 - "Instead he listened to Maria Callas sing a collection of Greek songs on his Nansei headset, ...."

Exactly when did Callas record these little Grecian treasures? John Ardoin certainly makes no reference to them is his terrific book "The Callas Legacy"

Flung Bel Canto out the window with disgust at page 15 as unresearched rubbish. Obviously written by a philistine.

As winner of the PEN/Faulkner award, Ann Patchett's Bel Canto possesses beauty, lyricism, and elegance. From the first page, the author commanded my attention and held my interest. The plot wasn't one that enthralled me as I read the back cover of the book; yet, I could not cease reading once I opened this treasure.

Beyond her sophisticated style--a captivating song itself--Patchett's talent lies in her ability to challenge our preconceived notions, our prejudices. Had the final scene at Ruben's home taken place in the second chapter, I honestly would have rejoiced. However, through her gradual character development, I found myself opening my heart to new characters--just as the individuals in the book welcomed others into their hearts and families. I admired Carmen for her newfound confidence and love of learning; I appreciated Beatriz's unexpected kindness; and I applauded General Benjamin's orders to take the captives outdoors.

These characters overcame all odds--fears, language barriers, and confinement. Reaching out to others for companionship, they also learned to love something new about themselves. Ruben took pride in menial work; Roxane taught her skill to another; and Cesar found his voice. And, of course, some found love in the most unlikely places and people.

Like many others, I found the epilogue needless. Not only was it unexpected, but it did not further my understanding of the new lives of the characters. Yet, I forgive Patchett; I savored each word before the epilogue, and I must accept those four pages as part of it. If I take something from the ending, I take hope. Life goes on, and so does the love that grew in an unlikely place. These relationships--these lives-- will be remembered.

This was an unforgettable story--both tragic and heroic. I highly recommend this book.

I thought that Bel Canto was beautifully written. It's an original, elegant novel about a group of strangers held hostage by a group of kidnappers. I thought that the characters were excellent. The plot moved well, and the writing was just fantastic. My only gripe has to do with the last three pages, which I felt weren't realistic. I won't spoil anything, though.

This small book is a wonder - a beautiful character study and a story that grabs you from the first sentence. The author's attention to detail is wonderous, yet the story never bogs down. I loved it all, but must agree with some reviewers that the ending was a bit of a let-down. High recommendation for book discussion groups.

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.

I am an avid reader; currently living in an unnamed South American country. I could wax poetic about the beautiful writing and character development in this book, but let's be honest. I was reading it on a nine-hour flight without another option, otherwise this book would have been passed over quickly. It took numerous attempts to even keep going. It was unrealistic, superficial and I feel the ending was disrespectful to the people who made it that far. It was unbelievable and I feel the author lost interest in the book herself and copped out. This book rates in the bottom ten of all time, personally.

Wow. I don't think I've ever had an afterglow after reading a book. Just like an awesome love-making session, I just sat there afterwards, basking in the feelings that Bel Canto arose in me. "Bel Canto" literally means good singing, and Patchett certainly delivered a good read about good singing and the transformative power of art, even in settings where, on the face of things, no beauty should be found at all.

This book is a tragicomedy about a 4-month hostage experience that turns into something extraordinary. It centers around the presence of the world's most famous soprano, but other characters are far more gripping. Some characters, like the red-cross negotiator, wither under the trying circumstances. Other characters, like Gen, come into their own and continue to amaze us with his development. Patchett's strength is for developing nuanced characters.

Her other strength is carrying readers to the rhythm of the book (or should I say, the music?) I was tense in the beginning when the crisis ensued, got lulled into the same hypnotic complacency that the hostages and terrorists did in the middle of the book, then tensed up again as the plot thickens at the end. Good reads are supposed to do that, but Patchett does it exceptionally well, really tying the readers' complacency to the characters'.

Just read it. You'll be glad you did.

Technically, I LISTENED to this book, narrated by Anna Fields, who did an amazing, amazing job. It got so that I could tell which character was speking before she finished a sentance; she was that good.
The story itself was moving -- happy, sad, terrifying, ridiculous -- the way any period of your life is; it isn't all one thing or the other. Patchett did a wonderful job developing the characters. I am going to miss Mr. Hosakawa.

This book sat on my shelf for years before I finally picked it up. Once I started I couldn't stop. The story is beautifully written and despite the entire book taking place in one house it is engaging and entertaining. It takes some stretch of the imagination to think this story could be real but I don't think it was ever intended that way, being in a small country in South America that's never actually named.

When I finished the book I was taken by how Patchett had been able to match my emotions to those in the book - I felt nervous in the beginning for the hostages, then took up the fantasy of terrorist and hostage living together after the whole ordeal was over. I couldn't wait for a happy epilogue checking into Gen and Carmen, Mr. Hokosawa and Roxane, Cesar, Beatriz... Now I'm reeling and dejected.

Beautifully written, this book reminded me of reading Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The "unreality" of it all. Not meant to be taken literally. Loved the way the narrator was upfront about what happened later in the story because then our concentration is on how it all unfolds. Great use of the omniscient point of view. The narrator puts his spin and interpretation of events as they are unfolding. People coming together and crossing the artificial boundaries that we put up to separate ourselves. The characters are able to find themselves as they are being held hostage. Their needs and wants, and also those of the hostage takers, are reduced yet intensified with their limitations as hostages. (I'm sure there is a better word for hostage takers, but I can't think of one now. Captors?)

It was interesting to hear another friend's perspective on this book. I had heard before reading it that it was either hated or loved. After talking with my friend who hated it, I better understand the polarization. Suspension of disbelief is necessary to enjoy this book. Her main reason for not being able to enjoy the book was predicated on her belief that that people in a hostage situation wouldn't behave in this way, and she has a point, they wouldn't. However for me, it wasn't so far from the realms of possibility. In horrific situations people do amazing things to adapt, and will often identify with their captors. I was willing to suspend disbelief because I was caught up in the greater beauty of the connections the characters starting making with themselves and with each other.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys beautiful and lyrical prose in a tale that leans heavily on the fantastical.

WOW. I loved this book, and I think you will, too.

In an unnamed South American country, government officials are throwing an elaborate birthday party for Mr. Hosokawa, the CEO of a vast Japanese electronics company. The officials are hoping to dazzle him into locating a factory within their borders, bringing jobs and prosperity to the nation. To lure Mr. Hosokawa to the party, an exclusive live performance by famed opera singer Roxana Coss has been scheduled. (Hosokawa is a huge opera fan, and Coss is his favorite soprano.)

The evening is on its way to a successful conclusion when a group of armed terrorists storm the party, looking for the country's president as a high-profile hostage. Unable to find him in the raid (he unexpectedly did not attend the evening's festivities), the terrorists are forced to concoct Plan B, which involves taking everyone hostage. This plan is eventually amended to trading the most valuable hostages (re: top government officials, diplomats from other countries, leading businessmen) in return for the satisfaction of the terrorists' demands.

As negotiations between the authorities and the terrorists drag on, the hostages (all type A personalities) begin to learn how to do, well, nothing. They form bonds with one another and get to know their captors. They look out windows. They leaf through magazines. They learn new languages, play and listen to music, and cook. The hostage situation becomes a rather unique vacation from their normal lives, and the characters begin to adapt to the situation.

A Japanese businessman surprises everyone with his talent for piano. One of the terrorists can sing, and the opera singer sets about teaching him proper technique. A French diplomat relishes his time in the kitchen, chopping up onions and roasting chickens for the assemblage. Some of the characters find love in one another's arms. Their time together becomes the beautiful song of the book's title. A time for reflection, beauty, love, and friendship. But it is also a time of forgetting. Everyone avoids thinking about how the situation must end and what the government will eventually do to force the hands of the terrorists and get the hostages released. Because, as both the characters and the readers know, all songs must come to a close.

I know it sounds like a far-fetched premise for a book, but you will love every minute of this story. The characters are wonderfully drawn, and Patchett's soaring passages about music and careful sketches of human relationships will leave you refreshed and inspired. Don't miss this one.

Bel Canto is a lyrical book about relationships and power and language and opera.

Set in an unknown South American country, a Japanese industrialist is there to celebrate his birthday, lured but the chance to hear a world renown opera singer sing just for his gathering. When the terrorists come to kidnap the President, and learn that the President did not come, the story commences.

It's not strong on plot, but it does have beautiful descriptions and it was a lovely world to spend time in. I particularly liked the priest and his insights, and also how the various leaders were stymied by not having a common language, which made the one translator Gen, a man who would not otherwise put himself forward, a central character. My only quibble is that the ending, after such meandering, is too abrupt. I would have liked a different epilogue - either one with more detail or with a different resolution, but I did like the book very much. It's a keeper.

I have been coming across Bel Canto for several years, either here at Amazon or through my local bookstore - and i always passed it because the story didn't appeal to me, i didn't want to read about terrorists taking over hostages in a house, but finally i caved in and bought the book. I read it in a few days. I loved it. It's about love and beauty and music - oh the music in this book makes you want to listen to Opera and classical music, just so you can capture the essence of what the writer is describing. If you are looking for something different to read, this is the book for you.

I loved this book. I didn't think I would though. I had to read it for a group book read and the topic, hostages, did not appeal to me. But this book is not about hostages at all. It's about who or what you would be if you were taken out of your present role and set free to revision yourself. The writing is beautiful, and Patchett's insights are spot on. I didn't want it to end.

This is a very hard book to review because as others have said .. The writing is so beautiful and lyrical and just sweeps you along. For that I give 3 stars. It was truly a pleasure to bask in.

The story ... A hostage taking ... is so very poorly done that it is actually silly! There is no tension. There is no feeling of doom or danger. There is no feeling of suffering. Nobody gets cabin fever and goes crazy and tries to escape and gets shot. Not even after months of monotony. The Russians are content to play cards for 4 months. I have no idea what the dozens of other people did day after day.

The general plays chess with one of the hostages. The opera singer gets lemon scented shampoo flown in, especially for her and opera music brought in for her and other special treatment.

I really lost it when Gen fell for Carmen.

It's like they are having a picnic basically and they all, hostage and terrorist become brothers. And then it's wrapped up in a slap dash ending. The terrorists don't even make a plan of escape after 4 months. ?
There are so many holes it is ridiculous. It could have been so much better. What a sham that this book won awards.

I heard great things about this book, and apparently many Amazon reviewers think this is a good book, but I didn't like it at all. The book is slow to develop, and everything seems to take longer than it should. There is no character development at all, we don't learn about the characters through actions or speech, instead the author tells us everything, for example, "it is important to remember that so-and-so did love his wife, though not faithfully". It leaves the characters flat and boring.

I HAD to read this book as a book club selection last month. I couldn't wait for it to end. Seemed to drag on and on. As for the ending, it just made no sense. Haven't read any of her other books, maybe I should just to see if she can do better.

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.

More than terrorism or opera, this novel seems to be about how human beings communicate with one another through universal languages such as love, sex, music, food, compassion, fear, work, and responsibility.

While the story itself strains credulity, it is well told in interesting observational detail. The relationships formed and sustained despite (and because of) the unusual circumstance of being held hostage, and how human nature can never be circumvented, are what the author wants you to notice.

An international cast of characters from every strata share the spotlight and contribute, each in their own small way, to a beautiful, well-imagined and tragic love story. Enjoy.

I wish I could have secreted myself away and read this book cover to cover, without interruption. Patchett creates a magical, if unlikely world, within the walls of the South American Vice President's home, where terrorists have taken the attendees at a glamorous birthday party hostage. In an effort to lure businessman Hosokawa to their country in the hopes that he will build a factory and shore up their flagging economy, the country's leaders have invited world renowned soprano Roxane Coss to sing six arias for him. Hosokawa has no intention of investing in their country, but he has fallen in love with Coss through her singing and cannot resist the opportunity to be in her presence in this intimate setting. All is proceeding smoothly until the terrorists burst upon the scene and take more than 100 partygoers hostage.

After the initial fear wears off, jailors and prisoners begin to get to know each other. In time, relationships develop despite language, cultural and socioeconomic differences. Everyone within the confines of the Vice President's house finds themselves reassessing their life before the hostage taking and some realize that they did not appreciate what they had. Others begin to find a new kind of peace and happiness in confinement that they did not know before.

Although we know that this cannot end well, we still find ourselves hoping that the dreams of hostages and terrorists alike can be fulfilled. The alliances formed, and the romances that blossom during the long siege are as inspiring as they are unlikely. This is a magical tale, beautifully told.

I picked up Bel Canto because of the good things I had heard. As an author, I like to give each book more than a few pages to pull me in, because I understand that it sometimes takes that long to set a tone. At first, I wasn't grabbed.

But by page twenty I was hooked!

I know nothing of opera, but I feel that Ms. Patchett has made me feel as if I do. Her writing was lyrical. Her timing was precise. And her ability to write men's thoughts as well as women's was a triumph. There were passages of such insight that they made me want to cheer out loud. And while there were some chapters which moved slower than others, I think this was to be expected given the scene and time frame which she chose. In the final analysis, it was appropriate to the plot for things to move that way.

I am thoroughly impressed, and I will definitely be seeking out some of her other books!

Thank you, Ms. Patchett,
Poonam Sharma

Author of Girl Most Likely To