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novabird's review against another edition
4.0
The title of “Bel Canto,” translates into beautiful song. In Spanish, beautiful song is, “hermosa canción.” Patchett imbues the narrative with an evocative, lyrical and intimate descriptive power that had me pausing to savor and then re-read elements of realism, humor and insight; all part of a great compositional piece.
An example of realism; from the hostage, Reuben Iglesias the VP pov:
Even the use of the comma is perfect, showing a slight hesitation before the final action. It also accomplishes the early setting of the tone of being trapped, which all the hostages felt.
An example of humor; from the narrator’s pov:
Here Patchett uses humor here in multiple ways. She draws attention to the deliberate slow pace of the novel. It turns the focus of the group onto a single character. She begins to lighten the effect of the idea of a ‘dangerous terrorist,’ by starting with the ‘discovered’ girl, Carmen. Then there is the irony that there is very little drama or suspense throughout the novel.
An example of insight; from the narrator’s pov;
The simple fact that hostages were allowed to stare for a long time at terrorists is incredibly telling. The power dynamic is shifting. The terrorists must have enjoyed the attention, if not one of them balked at being stared at, or scrutinized by foreigners.
This a beautiful story told through strong characterization. At first we think that Roxane and her accompanist will be the central characters, because of the first kiss. Then we are prepared for a tragedy between Simon and Edith Thibault as they are separated. Next, it is Reuben Iglesias and Esmeralda, who become the love interest. Until it settles on Mr. Hosokawa and Roxane and Gen and Carmen and there has been so much ground prepared in advance of these two couples, that it seems all the more natural.
The tension between Gen and Carmen is more acute than any other relationship, because they are in opposite roles. They risk and overcome the language barrier when all Carmen,
This perfect character reveal shows her keen intellect and her deep passion at the same time.
Patchett increasingly humanizes the terrorists, by allowing their other skills to come forward and personalize them. Ishmael quickly learns chess, and Cesar sings in a voice that equals Roxane’s.
Messner, the Red Cross negotiator is the light of realism even in his professed neutral state. However, he too is greatly impacted by the stalemate.
Yet, still, the bonds of love created between hostages and prisoners were equal to that of any threat, as shown by Gen when he thinks,
“Love is a rebellious bird that no one can tame.” p. 250
The ending was not a surprise to me, yet there was still a sense of great loss. Unlike others, I liked the epilogue. I thought it was a realistic response to grief, which the two of them could share together.
Despite the tone of love conquers all, the plot could have been placed within the realm of a semblance of realism, if Patchett had at least one hostage attempt escape or actually escape. For this reason, I give it 3.9 rather than a full-fledged 4.
All in all an extraordinary novel because of the way Patchett works the relationships between hostages and terrorists into a relationship of mutuality using language with expertise.
I highly recommend this novel with its unique story for those who like strong characterization and can enjoy a leisurely pace.
An example of realism; from the hostage, Reuben Iglesias the VP pov:
“He did not like the tug at the end of every stitch that made him feel like a trout, caught.” p. 48
Even the use of the comma is perfect, showing a slight hesitation before the final action. It also accomplishes the early setting of the tone of being trapped, which all the hostages felt.
An example of humor; from the narrator’s pov:
“If this was the drama of the afternoon, one of the terrorists taking herself (Carmen) hostage for a few hours in the kitchen, then the suspense was better than watching the drizzle.” p. 118
Here Patchett uses humor here in multiple ways. She draws attention to the deliberate slow pace of the novel. It turns the focus of the group onto a single character. She begins to lighten the effect of the idea of a ‘dangerous terrorist,’ by starting with the ‘discovered’ girl, Carmen. Then there is the irony that there is very little drama or suspense throughout the novel.
An example of insight; from the narrator’s pov;
“The hostages stared at the terrorists, and the longer they looked, the younger the terrorists became.” p. 110
The simple fact that hostages were allowed to stare for a long time at terrorists is incredibly telling. The power dynamic is shifting. The terrorists must have enjoyed the attention, if not one of them balked at being stared at, or scrutinized by foreigners.
This a beautiful story told through strong characterization. At first we think that Roxane and her accompanist will be the central characters, because of the first kiss. Then we are prepared for a tragedy between Simon and Edith Thibault as they are separated. Next, it is Reuben Iglesias and Esmeralda, who become the love interest. Until it settles on Mr. Hosokawa and Roxane and Gen and Carmen and there has been so much ground prepared in advance of these two couples, that it seems all the more natural.
The tension between Gen and Carmen is more acute than any other relationship, because they are in opposite roles. They risk and overcome the language barrier when all Carmen,
“needed was the smallest amount of instruction. She ate through information like fire licks up hay and ask(s) for more,”
This perfect character reveal shows her keen intellect and her deep passion at the same time.
Patchett increasingly humanizes the terrorists, by allowing their other skills to come forward and personalize them. Ishmael quickly learns chess, and Cesar sings in a voice that equals Roxane’s.
Messner, the Red Cross negotiator is the light of realism even in his professed neutral state. However, he too is greatly impacted by the stalemate.
“He had aged ten years in the four and a half months they had been living here, and while everyone else seemed to mind it less and less, Messner clearly minded it more.” p. 295.
Yet, still, the bonds of love created between hostages and prisoners were equal to that of any threat, as shown by Gen when he thinks,
“Love is a rebellious bird that no one can tame.” p. 250
The ending was not a surprise to me, yet there was still a sense of great loss. Unlike others, I liked the epilogue. I thought it was a realistic response to grief, which the two of them could share together.
Despite the tone of love conquers all, the plot could have been placed within the realm of a semblance of realism, if Patchett had at least one hostage attempt escape or actually escape. For this reason, I give it 3.9 rather than a full-fledged 4.
All in all an extraordinary novel because of the way Patchett works the relationships between hostages and terrorists into a relationship of mutuality using language with expertise.
I highly recommend this novel with its unique story for those who like strong characterization and can enjoy a leisurely pace.
mmcav's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
izzyg42's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Incredible as always for Ann Patchett. Beautiful writing, and she is so skilled at constructing a mirage of the world that fools you as much as the characters. The ending was stunning and emotional.
lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my gosh. Beautifully written and hit me right in the feels. Loved every character.
lennymckenny's review against another edition
1.0
Like Anxious People, but slow plot, not funny, and a weird ass ending.
eckermama's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
tanya_the_spack's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it! I didn't expect to love this book - romance during a hostage situation - but I did. The author is incredibly talented at working with language. For much of what I've read lately, language is a tool. In this book, language is an art. It was like reading an orchestra. And I loved the story as well. I'd never read anything by her before this one, and now I have two of her books in my to-be-read pile.
colleend's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-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? Yes
3.25
leannecoppola's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good read. An odd situation leads to some interesting story lines. I wouldn't rush out and buy it, but if you're looking for something to read, it's worth it.
dmillet's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5