A review by phantomgecko
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

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

3.5

Often when I'm talking to my husband about what I'm reading, he'll ask, "What's the point of this book?" and basically if he needs to ask, the answer is just people. Bel Canto is 100% about people and how they feel. You get glimpses of much more than just the "main" characters. Backstory after backstory. Tidbits that don't affect the plot at all but add flavor to the people soup.

This character is ashamed of her cowardly husband; this character fell in love with art as a child; this character is in love with a coworker; this character is trying to use this situation for political gain.

It's a slow book. There's a plot, but often the plot doesn't matter. The characters do tho.
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