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Bel Canto (P.S.) Paperback – Deckle Edge, June 10, 2008

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Ann Patchett (Author)
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3.9 out of 5 stars 1,371 customer reviews
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Product Details

  • Series: P.S.
  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Harper Perennial Modern Classics; Reissue edition (June 10, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061565318
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061565311
  • Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,371 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,950 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsBeautiful!
By J. Marren VINE VOICE on May 14, 2003
Format: Paperback
"Bel Canto" is a beautifully written story of unlikely love and secret desires. Do not be put off by the barebones plot--a group of people at a party taken hostage by South American terrorists. And do not think you are in for a routine "put a bunch of strangers in a room and then learn their life stories" sort of saga. Patchett gathers together a group that spans nationalities, professions and class and reveals the hidden depths, sometimes in a few short pages, through their interactions with each other.
Take the Russian minister of commerce--portrayed as something of a buffoon who has fallen in love with Roxane, the opera singer. He screws up his courage to declare himself--which must be done through Gen, the translator. What he says to her is completely unexpected--a wonderful story of his childhood and an art book. He declares himself a man who appreciates beauty and therefore worthy to love her, and asks nothing in return. Meanwhile we see into the heart of Gen the translator, as he awkwardly acts as intermediary he realizes he has never told anyone that he loves them, not a woman, not family, not his mother--he feels as if his life has been to act as a conduit for the thoughts and feelings of others, that he has never experienced a real life of his own. Then there is the relationship of Mr. Hosokawa and Roxane, who do not share a common language. Is it possible to love a person to whom you cannot speak?
I loved the transformation of the characters that occurs--the Vice President of the country dreams of adopting one of the young terrorists and becoming a gardener, another terrorist uncovers his great gift as a singer, a buttoned up Japanese businessman becomes Roxane's accompianist, the young priest becomes a gifted and courageous spiritual counselor.Read more ›
6 Comments 427 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
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3.0 out of 5 starsIntriguing, lyrical, improbable, flawed
By Douglas A. Greenberg VINE VOICE on June 14, 2002
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
In this PEN/Faulker award winning novel, Ann Patchett has created an intriguing and poetic tale based (loosely) on a real hostage taking episode that occurred in Peru in April 1997. *Bel Canto* succeeds in revealing the common humanity that persists behind the oppositional roles and stances shaped by social and political structures beyond our individual control. In these times of wars on terrorism and terrorist wars, this story emphasizes that even the most superficially frightening political fanatics ultimately are human beings with personalities, hopes, dreams, and reasons why, and for that reason alone the novel is well worth reading.
In terms of style and texture, Patchett has endeavored to compose a work that is lyrical and "magical," and she largely succeeds in creating an ethereal, dreamlike mood throughout. As such, however, the degree to which readers ultimately will embrace the novel depends upon their willingness to engage in a "willing suspension of disbelief." Those possessed of any significant degree of skepticism regarding the actual nature of political struggle, small group social psychology, and human behavior generally will find much about which to be dubious, beginning with the notion that ALL of the guerrillas would be mesmerized by Roxanne Coss' operatic singing. They also will look askance at the romantic interludes portrayed here, including the prospect of romance between a superstar American singer and a staid Japanese businessman. Furthermore, the lack of substantive political content is striking and to me, disappointing.Read more ›
6 Comments 205 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
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4.0 out of 5 starsBittersweet and unusual story about life, love and music.
By E. Bukowsky HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on January 25, 2003
Format: Paperback
"Bel Canto" is a style of operatic singing characterized by full, even tones and a brilliant display of vocal technique. It is also a whimsical and entertaining novel by Ann Patchett. The book takes place in an unnamed country in South America. A birthday party has been arranged for a prominent Japanese businessman named Mr. Hosokawa. The only reason that Mr. Hosokawa has agreed to come to this party in his honor is that Roxanne Coss, a world famous soprano, is there to sing for the assembled guests. Ms. Coss does sing brilliantly and all seems to be going well. Unfortunately, the party turns sour quickly when a band of revolutionaries breaks into the house and holds the guests hostage.

Patchett, in a display of literary virtuosity, brings the characters in "Bel Canto" to brilliant life. With wit, humor and pathos, the author shows how living in close quarters with strangers sometimes brings out the best in people. Mr. Hosokawa, who is usually a businesslike automaton, blossoms into a sensitive and caring individual under the influence of Roxanne and her lovely music. Gen Watanable, who is Hosokawa's translator and secretary, falls in love with one of the female revolutionaries, and his life also takes off in unexpected directions.

Patchett touches on many themes in "Bel Canto," such as the power of glorious music to touch our souls and the importance of seeking beauty and romance in our lives. Since the world we live in is sometimes a barbaric place, it is not always possible for peace and love to flourish. Therefore, Patchett seems to be saying, it is vital to seize those rare moments in our lives when we can enjoy everything that is wonderful and amazing around us. "Bel Canto" is marred by a pace that is a bit too leisurely and by a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion.Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsAnother of my favorite books. Extremely well written

Another of my favorite books. Extremely well written, the character and plot development keep you on the edge, and the ending ....ooh. But that would be telling. Read it!

Published 16 hours ago by D.K. McCutchen
5.0 out of 5 starsWonderful book

A beautifully written, highly original story about the power of beauty and love.

Published 1 day ago by J and V
2.0 out of 5 starsAd nauseum.

Too repetitive.

Published 1 day ago by Joyce D. Ardrey
5.0 out of 5 starsI read it years ago and remains one of my favorite reads. And I'm a...

Actually this was a gift. I read it years ago and remains one of my favorite reads. And I'm a big fan of the author.

Published 3 days ago by erwink617
4.0 out of 5 starsSome beautiful writng, but not an entirely successful book

I liked that Bel Canto is based on an ambitious idea and contains some gorgeous writing. It meets well the challenge of setting a whole book "in a locked room" so to speak,... Read more

Published 6 days ago by Deuxchatsnoirs
3.0 out of 5 starsWaste of my time and yours'

I am unfamiliar with the author's work besides this one. The plot was fantastical and unlikely. I admit that I'm not a big opera buff, but I don't dislike it. Read more

Published 6 days ago by M. Ford
5.0 out of 5 starsWhy Music?

This book shows so many ways that beautiful music can be meaningful to us in our lives - the effect it can have on a person. Read more

Published 10 days ago by Sally
4.0 out of 5 starsBel Canto sings

Patchett is a superb writer. Plus, I am a sucker for anything involving music.

Published 15 days ago by john4jack
1.0 out of 5 stars... it a bit slow It was just not my favorite book club

The book was too wordy
I found it a bit slow
It was just not my favorite book club ook

Published 15 days ago by Jodi Wolff
5.0 out of 5 starsBel Canto: Ann Patchett's High Note

A bizarre, unique, and totally unexpected, heartbreaking love story amid a kidnapping gone awry. It is unfolding tragedy wrapped in aching, entrancing beauty. Read more

Published 17 days ago by Tina M. Adair

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