Community of Hostages
We have all been swept away from our normal lives, haven’t we? Like a boatload of victims, held hostage by a small, determined virus.
So, while reading the novel “Bel Canto” by Ann Patchett, I instantly felt a kinship with the birthday party celebrants overwhelmed by an incoming cadre of terrorists who intended to hold the group for ransom. First, there was the initial panic and confusion, followed by an ongoing undercurrent of fear, as the days and weeks drew into months.
Although the site of the kidnapping was luxurious and comfortable (a mansion owned by the vice president of a South American country), the lack of personal freedom and not knowing when the siege would end, challenged and disheartened the victims. I think most of us can relate, as we “stay home” in nice surroundings but need to follow Authority’s rules for socializing and moving about the community.
The situation in “Bel Canto” held some ironic humor. The target of the terrorists—the president of the country—had not even attended the party! He stayed home in his bedroom to watch an episode of his favorite TV drama serial. Sound familiar? We also have a president who watches a lot of television and is absent from reality—no help whatsoever in a crisis.
The “Bel Canto” hostages made the best of their miserable situation, providing aid and comfort to each other, and forging relationships (as we also are called to do). One man, fluent in many languages, who was employed by the birthday honoree, became a translator for other victims and guards alike. The most popular opera soprano in the world, who became a secondary bargaining chip in the absence of the nation’s president, entertained the troops and troupers with her bel cantos. Thus, all of the victims attained a certain level of joy and peace during the worst of times. And aren’t we all trying to do so during these strange, dark days?
Another time I might read and review Albert Camus’s 1947 classic, “The Plague” which also presents striking parallels to the current pandemic.
Meanwhile, I recommend Kim Stafford’s more encouraging seven “Poems for the Pandemic.” Kim is a past Oregon poet laureate and son of the late William Stafford, also a former Oregon poet laureate. Find Kim’s poems on Instagram at @kimstaffordpoetry. Hear him read his pandemic poems at https://projects.oregonlive.com/kim-s...
My favorite is “Shelter in Place.”
Be inspired! Stay well!
So, while reading the novel “Bel Canto” by Ann Patchett, I instantly felt a kinship with the birthday party celebrants overwhelmed by an incoming cadre of terrorists who intended to hold the group for ransom. First, there was the initial panic and confusion, followed by an ongoing undercurrent of fear, as the days and weeks drew into months.
Although the site of the kidnapping was luxurious and comfortable (a mansion owned by the vice president of a South American country), the lack of personal freedom and not knowing when the siege would end, challenged and disheartened the victims. I think most of us can relate, as we “stay home” in nice surroundings but need to follow Authority’s rules for socializing and moving about the community.
The situation in “Bel Canto” held some ironic humor. The target of the terrorists—the president of the country—had not even attended the party! He stayed home in his bedroom to watch an episode of his favorite TV drama serial. Sound familiar? We also have a president who watches a lot of television and is absent from reality—no help whatsoever in a crisis.
The “Bel Canto” hostages made the best of their miserable situation, providing aid and comfort to each other, and forging relationships (as we also are called to do). One man, fluent in many languages, who was employed by the birthday honoree, became a translator for other victims and guards alike. The most popular opera soprano in the world, who became a secondary bargaining chip in the absence of the nation’s president, entertained the troops and troupers with her bel cantos. Thus, all of the victims attained a certain level of joy and peace during the worst of times. And aren’t we all trying to do so during these strange, dark days?
Another time I might read and review Albert Camus’s 1947 classic, “The Plague” which also presents striking parallels to the current pandemic.
Meanwhile, I recommend Kim Stafford’s more encouraging seven “Poems for the Pandemic.” Kim is a past Oregon poet laureate and son of the late William Stafford, also a former Oregon poet laureate. Find Kim’s poems on Instagram at @kimstaffordpoetry. Hear him read his pandemic poems at https://projects.oregonlive.com/kim-s...
My favorite is “Shelter in Place.”
Be inspired! Stay well!
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Sheila
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May 18, 2020 04:21PM
I remember reading Bel Canto a little while ago. I don't think I've ever read "The Plague" though - it does sound rather appropriate to the time.
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Yes, Kim's poems are direct and both passionate and compassionate. He was a wonderful Poet Laureate for Oregon. He took it seriously, as he does most things, and probably set a record for the position in miles traveled.
J.R. wrote: "Yes, Kim's poems are direct and both passionate and compassionate. He was a wonderful Poet Laureate for Oregon. He took it seriously, as he does most things, and probably set a record for the posit..."Hi Jim-- Thanks for liking and commenting about Kim Stafford. He writes beautiful poems-- like his father did. I assume you might know Kim, as a fellow writer.
Jean wrote: "J.R. wrote: "Yes, Kim's poems are direct and both passionate and compassionate. He was a wonderful Poet Laureate for Oregon. He took it seriously, as he does most things, and probably set a record ..."Yes. He has been a wonderful mentor to me and we have enjoyed a long friendship. He's the guy who called Brian Doyle "our resident genius."
J.R. wrote: "Jean wrote: "J.R. wrote: "Yes, Kim's poems are direct and both passionate and compassionate. He was a wonderful Poet Laureate for Oregon. He took it seriously, as he does most things, and probably ..."You are a circle of great friends and excellent writers!
