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Bel Canto
Ann Patchett. HarperCollins: 2001 (hardback). ISBN: 0060188731. 336 pages.
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About the Author
A page of detailed biographical information on Bel Canto, including excerpts from interviews in which Patchett interprets her own work.
Learn why Patchett thinks she "can't write a good villian."
Character Tree
A list of major characters and their dominant characteristics and values, showing characters’ relationships to each other.
An international cast of captivating captives and sexy terrorists--so many great opportunities for peace, love, and misunderstanding. Take a look to this section to help you unravel and recall the myriad webs of attraction, connection and intrigue.
Streams of Themes
A breakdown of potential major discussion themes in Bel Canto, including ways these themes are interconnected.
Bel Canto begins, of course, with a beautiful song, a song that continues to weave its spell throughout the rest of the novel. What is it, exactly, about this song that eventually seduces all the inhabitants deeper into this dreamworld? Explore the themes of the power of music, the lure of unearthly beauty, and the horrible inadequacy of words in this section.
Doorways to Discussion
A chronologically and thematically organized list of discussion questions, which function to explore, in a logical and thoughtful manner, the questions and possibilities that Bel Canto evokes.
Everyone seems pretty ecstatic about the unexpected turn of events in Patchett's novel--but are there any characters who remain outside the warm glow of discovery and communion? Who wants to break up the happy home, and why? For a complete list of discussion-nudgers, turn to this section.
All in the Family
A synopsis of the literary traditions and genres with which Bel Canto is affiliated and a brief explanation of these connections, giving your book group the opportunity to understand Patchett’s novel in a larger literary perspective.
Read this section, and you'll discover what Bel Canto and Romeo and Juliet have in common. We explore three important literary techniques: confinement of characters, shifting points of view, and foreshadowing. Plus, you'll learn all about the 1996 hostage situation in Lima that inspired Patchett's novel.
Talk Back to the Critics
Excerpts of some major critical reviews of Bel Canto from authoritative journals, newspapers, and magazines. We encourage your book group to enjoy the opportunity to argue with expert opinion.
It was almost impossible to find a negative review of this book, but we include some juicy observations about Bel Canto that are sure to get your group talking. Like this one, for instance: "Patchett's point seems to be that, if only people could put aside the rush and muddle of modern life, even the most brutalized among us could work miracles. Boiled down and beribboned like that, Bel Canto sounds perfectly awful: Groundhog Day at gunpoint."
Taste Test
A selection of other books on subjects similar to those in Bel Canto to consider for future book group meetings or for private reading.
What did you like best about this novel? Whether it was the poignant love story, or the international flavor, or the highly unusual circumstances, we've got some recommendations for you!
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