Bel Canto, Ann Patchett, HarperCollins, 2001, 318 pp
I first read Bel Canto in 2004, before I was blogging though I was keeping a fairly thorough reading log. The novel was my introduction to Ann Patchett and I have since read almost every one of her books.
This is what I had to say about Bel Canto back in 2004:
"An international opera star, a Japanese businessman, his interpreter and others are taken hostage in the home of a South American Vice President.
The power of music transforms all these people. The hostages as well as the terrorists (who are poor people from the jungle) all undergo changes. Several people fall in love across political and national and even language barriers. It has a surprise ending.
Much of what happens is fairly improbable but it is that which makes the book so charming. It is purely a work of imagination. The writing is beautiful with a nice light touch. Completely a pleasure."
I still find that a correct assessment. In 2004 I read it for a reading group discussion at my local library. This time I reread the book for Molly's Group. At my suggestion we made an event out of our meeting. We went together to watch the movie, then gathered at Molly's mom's home to discuss.
Most of us loved the book. Rereading it, I loved it even more. Also most of us felt the movie fell far short of Ann Patchett's exploration of the inner lives of the characters. I however, was entranced throughout the film and merely dubbed in what the characters were thinking and feeling because the novel was still brilliant in my memory.
Julianne Moore was excellent as the opera singer, though being a singer myself I was not convinced she was actually singing. She was not. She was lip synching to Renee Fleming who almost made me like opera.
In summary, if you liked the novel I recommend the movie despite it shortcomings. It is showing only in a limited number of theaters in Los Angeles so I predict it will not stay for long, possibly not past this Thursday. It is not nearly as bad as the negative reviews would lead you to believe.
It is already out for rent as well, the movie I mean, I'm planning to see it and review it no later than this week (hopefully!) Unlike you, I wasn't that enamored with the book having remembered the events on which the novel is loosely based. I liked it fine, but I wasn't blown away. Then again, the novel idealizes terrorists, and I read the novel after September 2001, so it's possible that that event made me put the novel in perspective.
ReplyDeleteI will be interested to see what you think of the movie. I know you have those caveats about the book and I do truly understand your viewpoint. While rereading it I thought about that. Ann Patchett has a big huge hopeful outlook on life and she puts that in all of her novels. I decided she was using her imagination to explore what could happen when two such opposed groups of people are thrown together. She does not sugarcoat the situation at the end of the story but shows how often government is incompetent at resolving such conflicts and I have to agree with her on that. Not that I am in favor of terrorism in any guise but it does seem to be the end result of extremes of oppression and of hopelessness for the oppressed and of extreme religious beliefs.
DeleteI agree with you in that oppression sometimes breeds terrorists; most oppressive rulers favor that form of fighting as well.
DeleteI've not seen the movies and am not sure I want to, although I do like Julianne Moore. I think I prefer to live with the images of the characters that I have internalized.
ReplyDeleteI cannot fault you for that decision.
DeleteI have read two books by Ann Patchett but not this one. While I liked The Patron Saint of Liars, I didn't really like The Magician’s Assistant at all.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I don't usually enjoy the movies of the books I read, just as Dorothy. It's not just that I have my own pictures in my head, they often jsut change far too much. Having said that, I do enjoy classic adaptations, especially those of Jane Austen.
Happy Reading!
Oh I also really liked The Patron Saint of Liars! I guess I don't ever expect a movie to fully capture a novel but sometimes I get interested in how the movies were made, the choices made, etc.
DeleteI totally agree, the movies are never like the book and there are a few where I would like to watch the film if they make one but not always.
DeleteOh that's wonderful that you discussed the book & the movie with your book group. Excellent. It's too bad it's not playing in our town here, though I just noticed that The Children Act is here. Renee Fleming could make quite a few like opera, ha. I will eventually return to Bel Canto.
ReplyDeleteIt was really cool to do. Carmen says the movie is available for rental, not sure where, probably Amazon. Netflix says it will be there in November. I want to see The Children Act. I liked the book a lot.
DeleteVia Google Play. The Children Act is available as well through the same platform. I saw Bel Canto last night. Will be posting my thoughts this Saturday. I'm planning to watch The Children Act soon, let's see if I can accommodate this weekend.
DeleteI await your reviews.
DeleteI haven't read Bel Canto!! I do love opera, but don't have the opportunity to attend the opera very often.
ReplyDeleteI may now have to read this novel some day as well. My reading list is growing longer!
It is a wonderful novel!
Delete