Bel Canto - Ann Patchett

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⭐ 7.5/10

(Originally written by Joseph)

Real mixed thoughts on this one. This book is BEAUTIFULLY written in my opinion, and had the perfect balance of making you feel smarter just for reading it while still being accessible. But on the other hand, I like plot. This book has little plot, and as a result it took me a while to get through it because there wasn't enough going on to the point of wanting to know what happens next.

This book is about a fancy party being overtaken by terrorists who then hold the building under lockdown. Sounds exciting right? But no, the whole uniqueness in this book is that negotiations are slow going, and we get to experience what this unique situation would feel like through the perspective of several characters as this chaotic situation begins to normalize. We spend lots of time with the characters from both sides (terrorists and hostages) as they go about daily life, form relationships, form new identities and even fall in love all the while a tension looms as we know that at some point, this whole thing will likely end badly one way or another. The character development is incredible, I just wish these characters I loved got to live in a more interesting story.

I know the complaints I have are kinda the point of the book, and for that reason i can't be too harsh. I really did love the writing and the characters. This book is artsy and smart, and if that's your thing then read this book. It's likely one I'll remember more fondly in time.

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