Play Book Tag discussion

I really enjoyed this book about a group of people from all over the world, gathered at a party in the home of a diplomat in Peru. The diplomat wanted to encourage a Japanese business man to visit the country, to increase trade, and perhaps build an operation in the country. The businessman loved opera, so the diplomat brought in a famous opera singer to lure him to a party in his honor. They were taken hostage by a militant group in Peru, and that's when the real fun began. The house was well protected by a wall, and the siege went on for a very long time. Long enough for them all to get to know (and even care about) one another.

This is the first Ann Patchett book that I really enjoyed. I loved getting to know the characters, and seeing the gradually understanding of their similarities and differences. It was often touching or amusing to see how the characters interacted with one another, overcoming (or not) the cultural and language barriers. The opera singer was beautiful and seemed magical to many of the characters. Many of the events at the end and in the epilogue were surprising and memorable. I found it to be a very satisfying read.

I loved this one

One of my lifetime favorites. I thought the writing superb.

So glad you enjoyed this one too, Nancy! I almost gave it 5 stars. I still might change it at some point because I think of it from time to time.

Joy D wrote: "So glad you enjoyed this one too, Nancy! I almost gave it 5 stars. I still might change it at some point because I think of it from time to time."

I was on the fence about reading it because I didn't really like the one that was set on the Amazon River - but then again, it stayed with me a very long time. That matters to me too.