I haven't read a book by Ann Patchett before, but this one was good enough that I will make an effort to read another.
Bel Canto tells the story of a group of international businessman who are attending a birthday party in a poor war-torn country. The party is invaded by a group of terrorists looking for the President. Since the president isn't there, they take the party goers hostage. The situation becomes a long-term deal. The hostages and terrorists develop connections and a strange alternate reality. (We all know about Stockholm syndrome, but the relationships in this story seem completely real.) Of course, the book doesn't end happily, but that was easily predictable early on because how could that situation possibly end happily?
The best part of this book are the characters. The title is named after an amazing opera singer who performed at the party. The middle-aged businessman whose birthday it is and his translator are also prominent figures. The terrorists include many young poor recruits from the jungle, including two girls.
This book includes a great deal of violence. There is also some sex, including adultery, although that isn't descriptive and is just mentioned. It isn't appropriate for young readers.
This book is a quick easy read and definitely worth the time.
