Reviews

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

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bluebonnet_books's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

tracyrosen's review against another edition

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5.0

I read this book years ago and what I remember most is how much I loved it. Time for a re-read.

clarkness's review against another edition

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emotional reflective 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

4.5

The sense of gentle kindness at the core of this story is so wonderful and unique. To watch a tense situation slowly transform into a sort of fantasy utopia of care, love, and mutual support and respect was unexpected and yet deeply rewarding. The narrative is slow at times but I think that's the only way for this story to be told.

samhoward's review against another edition

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5.0

There is nothing I can say about Bel Canto that hasn't been said by others more skilled than I, but there is something strange and lovely about being 20+ years late to a book that is already so beloved. While I'm furious with myself for waiting so long to read it, I'm pleased at the same time that I came to this in my mid thirties, as opposed to say, my 20s when I was trying to catch up modern literary classics I missed in college while reading for Brit Lit courses.
The dreaminess of the read is so captivating. The book is its own universe and I am happy to have had a peek inside.