"Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett

   
   This is an interesting selection for the book club to be doing at this point in time.  Today I am on day 55 of social isolation and it suits the topic of the book: hostage taking.  At times, it seems like we have been taken hostage.
  However, it was a great book to focus on.  It is the most amazing combination of characters, plot, setting and language- the four aspects of a book that I look for.
  Because of the topic of the book, I was not expecting such an intriguing novel.  I wanted to read it slowly and carefully, because every sentence is worded so beautifully!

   
   This cover is simpler, but clearly shows the real theme of the book- the power of music!
  The first cover shows that the hostage-taking occurs at a very elite dinner party.  The vice president of the South American country has invited these guests to celebrate the birthday of a very important Japanese businessman.  And the main ingredient in this dinner party is opera, with the most famous opera singer to entertain.
  And so, she is taken hostage as well as the 200 plus dinner guests.

Ann Patchett- author

  "Bel Canto" refers to a style of operatic singing that began in the late 16th century in Italy.  The author said," I wanted to write a book that would be like an opera in its structure, its grandeur, its musicality, its melodrama." 
   And that is exactly what she did!
  Such an unusual setting, such fabulous writing!  I loved every word!