A lovely genre-defying novel — part political thriller, part love story, part survival drama. Patchett’s lush, lyrical characterizations lift what would have otherwise been a crazy-impossible plot into the realm of can’t-stop-thinking-of-the-characters lit. An enjoyable read!

Defne recommended this to Rajiv, who claims that it is one of the best books he has read all year (a claim I can hardly believe since we read James Frey’s stuff plus the Sounds of the River and Colors of the Mountain plus a ton of Chuck Palanuick (?)). At any rate, heather was kind enough to get it from the library so now I can put that claim to the test…

This is a truly remarkable book. The descriptions are so vibrant that I felt I was living alongside the characters. I noticed after finishing the book that I genuinely missed it. Its a book you wish could go on forever so that puts it on my Top 10 list!

I enjoyed the book as a pleasure read even though I thought the ending was fairly abrupt, needed work, was somewhat unbelievable, and failed to link the entire story with the ultimate ending. I put the book down, thinking, “That was pretty good, but, huh???”

What a wonderful book. I strongly suspect it’s going to end sadly, but I’ll remain happy I read it. Gorgeous writing!

(completed Apr 11, 2005) I gave this to Judy for Christmas and borrowed it without asking last week :). I could hardly put it this book down over the weekend. It certainly took me by surprise around chapter 3 when I realized where it was going. It made me cry, but not until a page after I would’ve expected. It kept me awake last night, the way an equivalent real, live event would have. Great book. (recommended by Meg)

Patchett thinks of the mundane details that somehow seem necessary and become lyrical. Enjoying this…

Beautifully written story, even if belief has to be suspended a bit for the plot line. Wonderful characters that are alive and vibrant. Unfortunately, I hated the ending. It may be paralleling an operatic tragedy, but it didn’t sit right with me.

Delightful, disturbing and sad.

Our county library has sort of a book club where, each year, they recommend a book for the community to read. This year’s selection was Bel Canto. I greatly enjoyed it and have been delving into Ann Patchett’s other works.