This was a brilliant book - the best I have read in a very long time. I'm going to give it as a gift to a friend....enjoy!

This arrived a few days ago, many thanks :-D

I've not heard of the author or the book, so look forward to giving it a go.

From the back of the book:

Kidnappers storm an international gathering hosted by a poor Latin American country to promote foreign trade. Unfortunately their intended target, the President, has stayed home to watch his favourite Soap. The takeover settles into a siege, bringing together an unlikely assortment of hostages including a beautiful American opera diva, a Japanese CEO who is her biggest fan, and his unassuming translator, Gen. Two couples, complete opposites, fall in love, and a horrific imprisonment is transformed into unexpected heaven on earth.

When I read the synopsis on the back of the book I didn't think it was really my kind of thing. But once I started to read, I was hooked. The writing is extraordinary, I'm not equipped with language (like the author!) to say why, but trust me, this is a beautifully written book. The relationships that develop between the hostages and the terrorists are the focus of the book, this is what keeps you gripped and hopeful that everything will end happily. Thank you so much Fredam for giving me the chance to read this powerful and emotionally charged book.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

I'm taking this to the Cherry Tree OBCZ meet in Oxfordshire tomorrow (31/01/09)

A really intriguing blurb on the back - then having read your journals, even more interesting. Just sorry that this may languish on Mt TBr for a few weeks.
Having read it, fascinating in a surreal way. Especially interesting was the depiction of singer and the effect that music has on the listener.

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

What happens when a terrorist group's attempt to kidnap the president turns into a long-running stand-off. Unexpected love affairs and talents blossom.

Found several books in the Dolphin Cafe - reading another one first.