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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
Incessantly romantic in a manner that, surprisingly, I really enjoyed. Though not the most responsible, it is read best in a bubble away from its real-world inspiration, its underlying geopolitics, it’s romanticization of a place and a people to help the romantics of the book.
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Okay, I finally read this - after starting it almost 20 years ago. It's been sitting on my bookshelf all that time, as I've read dozens and dozens of books since then, and I had only ever made it through the first chapter - maybe. I went on to read several Ann Patchett books (which I've *loved*), and kept saying I needed to finally read Bel Canto. and I didn't. No idea why the hesitation. When I first picked it up, I think I found myself underwhelmed and not invested, nor interested. And of course, I kept hearing from friends who liked and loved the book.
Whatever the reasons for the long delay, I just read the whole book! (thanks to audio books, which is how I read most things these days.) I feel accomplished, I stayed interested, and, as usual, loved the way Ann Patchett uses the same words we all know in ways that sound lyrical, yet not over the top. The storyline was good, and I didn't have any problem with the plot points some readers found "unlikely." Not the best Patchett book I've read, but worth every bit of my wait to finally read it!
Whatever the reasons for the long delay, I just read the whole book! (thanks to audio books, which is how I read most things these days.) I feel accomplished, I stayed interested, and, as usual, loved the way Ann Patchett uses the same words we all know in ways that sound lyrical, yet not over the top. The storyline was good, and I didn't have any problem with the plot points some readers found "unlikely." Not the best Patchett book I've read, but worth every bit of my wait to finally read it!
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
One of the best-written books I have ever read, it ruined me for other books for a long time. Patchett creates a fascinating story with unforgettable characters who are transformed by their circimstances.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes