Rating: 
Summary: So so
Review: I found the essence of the book intriguing. It dwells quite a bit in a situation that is so far fetched that not even fantasy can explain it. The beginning of the book is interesting, but between the beginning and the end is sometimes unbearable.
Rating: 
Summary: Intriguing look at hostage /terrorist psychology...
Review: A well written book examing the interpersonal relationships that form amongst a group of hostages and terrorists. The plot starts with a bang and then simmers throughout the novel until it reaches the inevitable conclusion. The beauty is in the interactions between the characters. For people who are fans of an action packed plot, this book will be slow. For those interested in the development of personal relationships, this book will be excellent.
Rating: 
Summary: Author didn't do her homework
Review: Two things I appreciate in a novel are an intriguing plot and beautiful prose. Bel Canto began with the promise of both, but the story fizzled from lack of conflict until the final pages. However, the major complaint I have with this book is that she calls the interpreter a translator. Translators work with documents. Interpreters work with the spoken word. I'm quite surprised that the author didn't research the profession of one of the main characters, and not even the editor caught this glaring error. There could be a gripping tale woven from a situation such as this one, but Bel Canto isn't it.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Experience (4.5 points)
Review: The reading of this book is an experience. I almost always choose books that are plot-driven. This is not one of those. This little book is about people in an unusual (and unpleasant) situation. It's how they adapt and survive. It's not for everyone -- but maybe for you.
Rating: 
Summary: 6 stars
Review: I am not normally inclined to write these reviews, but from the amazement this novel has afforded me, I feel I must share my opinion. Since reading Bel Canto, more than a week ago, it has been on my mind frequently...even whilse I was reading it, I was already regretting that the book would soon finish. I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of literature, and more specifically those who have an affinity for music. Ann Patchett has beautifully articulated what some, or at least I, feel about the wonderment that is this passion for music~
Rating: 
Summary: This sucked!
Review: I got this book as a gift from someone I traded books with a lot, usually I've enjoyed all her picks. But this book, despite its great reviews and awards, was horrible. It wasn't even the least bit realistic, given its subject matter, and the lack of dialogue didn't keep it interesting. The romances and awe of the opera singer were absolutely ridiculous to me. To sum up this book in two words...WHO CARES??
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: A librarian from Frankort, MI: This book is about war - an intimate war between deluded terrorists (whose political alignments, significantly, are never really revealed), but there's little emphasis on the horrors of war; rather, Ann Patchett chooses to focus on how art - especially the beauty of music - can save people from themselves. I can think of few messages more appropriate for our troubled times. Patchett has woven an engrossing fiction about opera, terrorism, and Stockholm Syndrome - and her own artistic achievement is that she's able to make it all come together so perfectly. Also recommended: THE LOSERS' CLUB by Richard Perez
Rating:
Summary: Tedious
Review: What's all this hype? As a reader of 2-3 books weekly, I found this beast boring to the point of tearing my hair out from boredom. Absolutely no action, and boring subject matter. This was my Book Club's September read, and if our leader assigns another like this (it ranks right up there with "Unless"), I'll find another book group to join. Long, laborious, filled with useless detail. The characters have no real definition - the reader knows all about them, but they are lifeless. Each of them, up to page 90 which is as far as I could force myself despite going back to this book 3 times, was more lifeless than the next. If the purpose of plot is to advance the story - please tell me what keeps this mess moving?????
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully written
Review: This book's subject could have been very dry if not for the beautiful writing style. I enjoyed the way the author entered the minds of most of the main characters and allowed you to see how differently they saw themselves under their circumstances. They went through transformations. I had now idea where it was going, and I really enjoyed this book.
Rating:
Summary: Slow torture
Review: After watching this book ride the best-seller lists for a while and after reading all of the glowing reviews on the book cover, I decided to check it out. About 100 pages into the book, I kept thinking that surely something interesting was about to happen. It became real torture to continue with this book, but I hate to stop reading books once I have started and I was sure that the plot would pick up or the characters would become more interesting if I just stuck with it. Why else would the book be so popular? Unfortunately, the book did not improve. The plot just kept getting more implausible. Yeah, I am sure terrorists are beautiful, warm, and caring people if you just take the time go get to know them! Aaarrrggghhh... After forcing myself to finish the book, I found the ending to be abrupt and predictable, and the epilogue was ridiculous and unnecessary. After reading the book, I came to the Amazon web site and read the reviews (something I wish I had done before I started!). It appears that people either love or hate this book. Put me firmly in the latter camp.
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