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Bel Canto (novel) by Ann Patchett l Summary & Study Guide
This study guide includes the following Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion.
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First published August 8, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 24, 2012
I thought the book was o.k. while I was reading it. After I finished reading it I read an interview with the author that was attached to my digital copy of the book. I like the book more after reading the interview. I didn't realize that the book was based on an actual event that took place in 1996. She followed pretty closely what happened in real life.
July 28, 2014
as the book began I didn't care much for the characters, and I was in a hurry to get past the kidnapping, out of the house and (hopefully) into the Jungle, where it would becomes about survivalism. After awhile it became clear that nobody was going anywhere; our set was almost claustrophobically small. You don't really get a visual of what is happening beyond the wall - you are one of them, the kidnapped; you are all of them.
The plot didn't feel realistic, which irked me a little, but the characters did. And once you realized where it was going, there couldn't be any other way for it to get there. A younger me would have liked this better. A younger me might not have had as much respect for the logistics of allowing 59 people to grow roots in a mansion. An older me knows better; the very unsustainability (irresponsability?) of the house's society in microcosm kept me from becoming fully invested in it. As much as I wanted to suspend disbelief as we are told the characters did, I could feel the inevitability of the return to "real life" bearing down on the book like a semi-truck...and the fact that the characters somehow lost track of the fact of The End ultimately throws into question their maturity.
I still believe in "tribes", in families. I still believe in everyone being allowed to fall into their proper roles; in the growth of affection and respect through proximity. I wish I could've crossed the gap and invested properly in this tribe; but as stories go, this was a pleasant enough one just to watch from a distance.
The plot didn't feel realistic, which irked me a little, but the characters did. And once you realized where it was going, there couldn't be any other way for it to get there. A younger me would have liked this better. A younger me might not have had as much respect for the logistics of allowing 59 people to grow roots in a mansion. An older me knows better; the very unsustainability (irresponsability?) of the house's society in microcosm kept me from becoming fully invested in it. As much as I wanted to suspend disbelief as we are told the characters did, I could feel the inevitability of the return to "real life" bearing down on the book like a semi-truck...and the fact that the characters somehow lost track of the fact of The End ultimately throws into question their maturity.
I still believe in "tribes", in families. I still believe in everyone being allowed to fall into their proper roles; in the growth of affection and respect through proximity. I wish I could've crossed the gap and invested properly in this tribe; but as stories go, this was a pleasant enough one just to watch from a distance.
March 11, 2013
This book was LONG! The interplay between the hostages and the terrorists was interesting but there really needed to be more action or plot twists in 500 pages. The twist at the end did not make any sense.
July 31, 2012
Beautiful while the song lasted.
May 30, 2013
A captivating novel within a unique setting. Music, love, and a chilling ending.
September 25, 2024
Characters, plot, timeline, and theme review
This study guide helped me recall the basics of the story and setting, but does nothing to capture the lyrical, almost reverent, realistic writing of Ann Patchett’s crafting of Bel Canto. The nuances of her fine storytelling is missing, but if you need a refresher it was a well done summary.
This study guide helped me recall the basics of the story and setting, but does nothing to capture the lyrical, almost reverent, realistic writing of Ann Patchett’s crafting of Bel Canto. The nuances of her fine storytelling is missing, but if you need a refresher it was a well done summary.
November 23, 2019
A wonderful story. The characters lived and breathed for me, and I highly recommend it.
March 11, 2022
one of my all time favorites and reviewed for book grooups long ago
January 21, 2020
Could not finish it.
July 14, 2012
Patchett's idea for the storyline is interesting. She succeeds in creating a world completely different from our normal world with characters to whom the reader warms up quickly. I would have preferred a different ending.
July 1, 2013
This novel came highly recommended and it is indeed a wonderful love story. I enjoyed the plot, characters and prose but did not find the story deeply moving or captivating as some characters seem one dimensional. It will make a great movie.
October 6, 2013
Boring
May 20, 2013
The book was slow to start, but then I was hooked. Couldn't put it down. I wasn't happy with the ending, but it had to be that way.
January 27, 2015
I read this book when it was first published - the 2007 reading was the second - I really liked it both times.
January 2, 2016
Very unusual. The author has style of writing that carries you along without realizing the time is passing.
February 5, 2016
Loved it.....the end was a surprise!!!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews