👶👶👶👶 Bel Canto, Ann Patchett

Great historical fiction takes true talent, and Ann Patchett has proven that she is up to the task. This curious novel is a fictional representation of the hostage situation in the Japanese Embassy in Peru in 1996, filled with an eccentric cast of characters. The author accentuated this novel with beautiful language, fascinating similes, and a true awareness of human nature.

I truly enjoyed Patchett's wry observational humor. It was truly brilliant the way she melded poignancy with comedy. I found myself laughing out loud at some of her observations... a hard feat considering the novel centers on a rather serious situation. It was quite entertaining getting to know the quirky characters.

Although the epilogue was unexpected, and didn't quite parallel the rest of the novel, it didn't upset me quite as much as it did some readers. I suppose I can appreciate why it happened; after all, tragedy can bring unlikely people together. However, I would agree that it was the weakest point of the novel.

Read 6/4/15