Reviews

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

maddiemxrris's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring sad tense 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? No

4.75

thorny66's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

thereaderintherye's review against another edition

challenging dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.25

toph444's review against another edition

emotional

4.0

lilyloveslit's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 ⭐️

srweigel's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-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

4.0

mya_kershaw_dann's review against another edition

emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

colleenkpowell's review against another edition

inspiring sad slow-paced

4.5

gwparsons's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

beckca03's review against another edition

5.0

I began Bel Canto by listening to it on my ipod, and while I normally enjoy (prefer?) books this way, this is really a book better read. The beauty of Ann Patchett's writing is astounding, and the themes of love, rage, turmoil, and redemption emerge stronger when sitting down with a hardcopy.

Normally I like a book with a good, strong "context" (setting, plot, etc.) but lately I find myself drawn more towards books with complex character development, of which Bel Canto fits.

While its not a quick read, it is the kind of book you can pick up on a Sunday and be immersed in immediately, and then return to it a few weeks later when you feel in the mood. If you enjoyed The Road by Cormac McCarthy, this should be your next book.

(Ironically enough, after finishing Bel Canto, I picked up another of Patchett's books - Run - and found it extremely shallow, in both symbolism / themes and character development.)