Bel Canto (P.S.)
This book is in a Controlled Release!
2 journalers for this copy...
From Library Journal
Lucky Mr. Hosokawa. The well-connected Japanese businessman, now in an unnamed South American country on yet another job, is having a very special birthday party. At the home of the country's vice president, opera singer Roxane Cos will be performing for him and his guests. But what's this? Armed men invading the premises? These ragtag revolutionaries are looking for the president and disappointed that he is not there, but that doesn't stop them from holding the party goers hostage. What happens after that was, for this reviewer, a story that failed to ignite. Patchett (The Patron Saint of Liars) generates little tension as she moves her players around the board, and one is disappointed that there is little reflection about the head-on clash of art and life. This book is getting a big promotional pitch, however, so libraries may want to consider.
Lucky Mr. Hosokawa. The well-connected Japanese businessman, now in an unnamed South American country on yet another job, is having a very special birthday party. At the home of the country's vice president, opera singer Roxane Cos will be performing for him and his guests. But what's this? Armed men invading the premises? These ragtag revolutionaries are looking for the president and disappointed that he is not there, but that doesn't stop them from holding the party goers hostage. What happens after that was, for this reviewer, a story that failed to ignite. Patchett (The Patron Saint of Liars) generates little tension as she moves her players around the board, and one is disappointed that there is little reflection about the head-on clash of art and life. This book is getting a big promotional pitch, however, so libraries may want to consider.
I've gotten a version of this book for my kindle, so I'm releasing the hard copy into indygo88's Best of BC Bookbox.
Arrived home in my bookbox. I have another copy on Mt. TBR; however, I think I may put that copy up on PBS & keep this one for myself. :')
3/7/13 - This novel has many rave reviews, and after several of my friends raved as well, I feel guilty & almost want to cave into peer pressure, but I'm going to stick to my guns on this one. My overall feeling was mildly higher than lukewarm after finishing this. Yes, the writing was good, although not spectacular, I didn't think. After pondering this for a while, I think ultimately that it's the plot that just didn't grab me. The story itself is almost ridiculous -- a hostage takeover gone awry. And then it goes on and on and on. I get it that this was more a novel of characterization and the nature of human relationships. But the plot seemed so unrealistic that I just couldn't make myself appreciate it more than I did. I did keep wondering how the story was going to resolve itself, and the rather sudden ending was probably the most satisfying part of the novel for me, disturbing as it may have been.
3/7/13 - This novel has many rave reviews, and after several of my friends raved as well, I feel guilty & almost want to cave into peer pressure, but I'm going to stick to my guns on this one. My overall feeling was mildly higher than lukewarm after finishing this. Yes, the writing was good, although not spectacular, I didn't think. After pondering this for a while, I think ultimately that it's the plot that just didn't grab me. The story itself is almost ridiculous -- a hostage takeover gone awry. And then it goes on and on and on. I get it that this was more a novel of characterization and the nature of human relationships. But the plot seemed so unrealistic that I just couldn't make myself appreciate it more than I did. I did keep wondering how the story was going to resolve itself, and the rather sudden ending was probably the most satisfying part of the novel for me, disturbing as it may have been.
Sending off to PBS member. Enjoy! :')
You have found a BookCrossing book! Please take a brief moment to journal your thoughts upon reading this book. Then, if you'd like, re-release the book (to a friend, a stranger, or back out into the wild). That way you can track its travels & its readers throughout the world!
You have found a BookCrossing book! Please take a brief moment to journal your thoughts upon reading this book. Then, if you'd like, re-release the book (to a friend, a stranger, or back out into the wild). That way you can track its travels & its readers throughout the world!
