The poignant - and at times very funny - new novel from the author of THE MAGICIAN'S ASSISTANT, which was shortlisted for the Orange Prize. BEL CANTO features the intriguing combination of opera and terrorism. Latin terrorists storm an international gathering hosted by an underprivileged country to promote foreign interest and trade, only to find that their intended target, the President, has stayed home to watch his favourite soap opera on TV. Among the hostages are a world class opera singer and her biggest fan, ...
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The poignant - and at times very funny - new novel from the author of THE MAGICIAN'S ASSISTANT, which was shortlisted for the Orange Prize. BEL CANTO features the intriguing combination of opera and terrorism. Latin terrorists storm an international gathering hosted by an underprivileged country to promote foreign interest and trade, only to find that their intended target, the President, has stayed home to watch his favourite soap opera on TV. Among the hostages are a world class opera singer and her biggest fan, a Japanese tycoon who has been persuaded to attend the party on the understanding that she will perform half a dozen arias after dinner. The tycoon's engaging and sympathetic translator plays a vital role in the subsequent relationships between so many different nationalities closeted together, interpreting not only the terrorists' negotiations but also the language of love between lovers who cannot understand what the other is saying. Ultimately, it is the terrorist strike that does more to promote foreign relations than anyone could have hoped to achieve with the party.
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine.
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading.
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Very Good or better condition, Near Fine. This book is in stock now, in our UK premises. Photos of our books are available on request (the pictures you see on Alibris are NOT our own).
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Good. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
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Seller's Description:
Good. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
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Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
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New. Glued binding. B-format paperback. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
The author creates a world familiar to almost no one...an international party (where people cannot even communicate due to differences in language) that is invaded by rebels who hold the guests hostage...and subtly demonstrates how beautiful life could be if only we could block out the prejudices and stressors of the world and love one another... While so unlike a "typical" real life month, it captures every reader's understanding of joy and sorrow. Beautifully written and powerful.
Shifan
Jul 25, 2013
August monthly reading
This book will be my August Reading Choice.
Fantastic and compelling. Dystopia is always my favorite.
Oh so wonderful, if you really want to choose a book after a chick lit, this will definitely be the choice.
I really recommend it, and I need to write fifty words to get my review.
Phyllis M
Oct 27, 2011
excellent read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Bel Canto. It was one of those books that I didn't want to put down. I found the ending to be surprising (and a bit disappointing) but would still recommend this book whole heartedly.
Rosanne
Aug 18, 2011
Paperback was in good condition...perfect for my summer reading. Bel Canto is a great read; I highly recommend it . It reads quickly and helps if you have a background and/or a love of classical music. As well, Bel Canto involves cultural differences, politics of many differing views and enduring love and friendships that all come together in a beautifully written story. My favorite character was the Japanese business man. It seemed like there were 2 endings; the first I thought would come and the second was a surprise. Have a good read with this novel.
Fredo
Sep 5, 2007
Life Interruptus
There are many remarkable aspects to this engrossing story of a group of socialites discovering the depth of their true selves while being held hostage by a band of revolutionaries in the Embassy of a small South American Country. What is surprising is that out of the discomfort of a constricted life and the ongoing threat of death, people find their way to what really matters in their lives and it's not long before masks are dropped and genuine connections are made. In a claustrophobic stage that merges the third world with the art world and the world of jet setters, it is the skill and sensitivity of Ann Patchett that puts the reader exactly in place of each character, so that at the end we feel we understand that freedom doesn't always look the way we think.
