A review by kylegarvey
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

reflective medium-paced

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

2.0

 

Like Woolf's To the Lighthouse (zeroing in on minuscule modern life) or DeWitt's Last Samurai (heavily important freshness), Patchett's book presents a curious sort of literary intrigue. Hostage crisis observed through opera? Love bursting forth from trauma like some kind of caterpillar from some kind of weird cocoon? 

 

I'm just obsessed now, I'll admit, with the irresistible book-review headlines that editors would have to go through. O Cant Bel-ieve Patchett's Novel Doesn't Charm. Patchett's Book Claims Titular Beautiful Song It Can't Deliver. Bel Canto? More Like Smell Canto. O if only Patchett could ring my Bel but she Cant. Bel Canto Can't Be Literary Bellwether Patchett Wants. Etc., etc., etc.