Reviews

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

whatismayareading's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.0

i wish i never read this book. i was a fan of ann patchett before, but this was a huge disappointment. stockholm syndrome classic, not even done in an interesting way. and the ending was a huge flop for me! no resolution or grievance period. 

catalogthis's review against another edition

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3.0

Would have given this a higher rating, but was disappointed by the epilogue...

rachelfreedman's review against another edition

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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

4.5

kayhardt's review against another edition

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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? No

4.0

gregz_newdorkreviewofbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5. Beautifully written, profound, inventive, more than a little funny. Never read anything quite like this. Loved it.

tracyt223's review against another edition

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2.75

It truly pains me to write this review.  I am a HUGE Ann Patchett fan and have loved everything else that I have read by her. This one has been on the list a long time and was glad to finally have the nudge to pick it up when it was chosen as the @badonpaperpodcast October Book club choice.

For me, this was just extremely slow paced. I was not attached to these characters and found myself bored and not really caring what happened to them. It seemed to drag on and on, then the ending was so fast and unsatisfying. The end was only a few pages to wrap up after the super long build up. I also found the choice made in the Epilogue a bit odd.

Overall, this just wasn't the book for me, but I will still continue to read anything this author writes. Cannot wait for the book club discussion to see what others feel about it.

 

rachelviele's review against another edition

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emotional sad 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? No

4.0

Compelling characters and evocative sense of place with a slow burn to inevitable tragedy.

cmcowentx's review against another edition

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4.0

This book is beautifully written. I enjoyed the various relationships, however found the entire premise to be difficult to wholly believe. The characters of the translator and the female terrorists were among the most easy to love. As much as I know I was supposed to like the opera singer and the Japanese man, they were not my favorites.

pcsu6's review against another edition

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2.0

I just couldn't get into this book. I like Ann Patchett. I have enjoyed many of her books. For me, this book was dull, long and disappointing.

kenziekim's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5