The winner of several literary prizes, this novel is set in an unnamed South American country with a Japanese president where the indigenous people speak Quechua (so probably Peru). A birthday party in honor of the president of a large Japanese manufacturing company is held at the vice president’s mansion, and the only reason the Japanese manufacturer attends is that a world-famous soprano – the manufacturer’s favorite – is invited to perform.

Immediately after her performance, the celebration is invaded by a group of terrorists, and the nearly 200 guests are taken hostage. The remainder of the novel is what happens in the aftermath of the invasion.

Inside Little Free Library.

Inside Little Free Library.