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.