Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

This novel is loosely based on an event which actually happened in Lima, Peru a few years ago when the country was under President Fujimori and terrorists stormed the Japanese Embassy.
We thought this was a very well written novel where Ann Patchett was able to tell the story from seemingly no one particular person's voice.  We were able to sympathise with hostages and terrorists alike and felt this has the makings of a good movie!
I was particularly inspired as I had just visited Lima and had my suspicions this novel was based there even though the author was deliberately vague about the country. The introduction of an opera singer and accompanist added a lovely element to the story.  You almost felt compelled to put on the particular piece of piano music or aria while Ann Patchett was describing the performances...

We rate this book 9/10 and would have given it a higher score if the love stories were a bit more toned down.  The ending also surprised a few of us.

Our suggested list of holiday reading :


Caleb's Crossing : A Novel by Geraldine Brooks
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald
Seven Days in the Art World by Sarah Thornton
The Lemon Table by Julian Barnes
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

We wish everyone a safe and Happy Holiday and look forward to more good books in 2012!