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Bel Canto
ISBN: 9780060838720
HarperCollins 2001
By
Ann Patchett
THENOVEL
In the vice president’s mansion in an unnamed South American
country, a lavish party is taking place to celebrate the birthday of
a visiting Japanese businessman. An American opera singer is
entertaining the guests, dignitaries and high–ranking officials from
around the world, when suddenly the room is plunged into darkness.
Terrorists invade the mansion and set in motion a series of events that
irrevocably alters the life of every person involved. For Mr. Hosokawa,
the Japanese businessman in whose honor the party is thrown, the
time in captivity is rife with paradox. He never had any intention of
doing business with the host country and so feels guilty for having
accepted the invitation under false pretenses, solely to meet Roxane
Coss, the opera singer. His feelings of guilt, however, give way to
an undeniable happiness. He is held against his will, and yet under
no other circumstances would he have become acquainted with the
renowned opera singer who has long captivated him.
SYNOPSIS