Bel Canto by Ann Patchett 352 pages
Since I don’t generally want to be swayed by the opinions of others, I often read books without even skimming the book jacket for a clue as to the storyline. Using such logic, I chose this novel and was pleasantly surprised; on the surface, the storyline is uninspiring, but it unfolds into circumstances that need to be experienced. I highly recommend this novel.
In an unnamed South American country, a world-renowned soprano sings at a birthday party in honor of a visiting Japanese industrial titan. Alas, in the opening sequence, a ragtag band of terrorists enters the vice-presidential mansion through the air conditioning ducts. Their quarry is the president, who has unfortunately stayed home to watch a favorite soap opera. And thus, from the beginning, things go awry.
Among the hostages are Russian, Italian, and French diplomatic types. A Swiss Red Cross negotiator comes and goes, wrangling over terms and demands. Days stretch into weeks, the weeks into months. Joined by no common language except music, the 58 international hostages and their captors forge unexpected bonds. Time stands still, priorities rearrange themselves. Ultimately, of course, something has to give.
Among the hostages are Russian, Italian, and French diplomatic types. A Swiss Red Cross negotiator comes and goes, wrangling over terms and demands. Days stretch into weeks, the weeks into months. Joined by no common language except music, the 58 international hostages and their captors forge unexpected bonds. Time stands still, priorities rearrange themselves. Ultimately, of course, something has to give.
Posted By: Regina C.
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