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the universal availability of cell phones), the narrative keeps the reader
focused on the events taking place inside the mansion. As time
passes, the boundaries between hostage and terrorist begin to blur.
Friendships are formed; passions flare, and mutual interests and talents
are discovered. As the days become weeks and the weeks flow into
months, an uneasy rhythm marks the time spent in captivity as the world
is reduced to the four walls of the vice president’s mansion.
Much as an opera takes the listener through various stages of emotions,
Bel Canto
delivers similar impact for the reader. The beauty of the
music is always present (“Soon enough the days were divided into three
states: the anticipation of her signing, the pleasure of her signing, and
the reflection of her singing”) and in stark contrast to the harsh reality of
the situation. Mesmerizing with its lyrical prose,
Bel Canto
builds to an
unexpected and poignant crescendo that
resonates with emotion.
An
exciting
chance
to explore
a thought–provoking
story
on the page
and
on the stage
.
The only woman not eventually released by the terrorists, Roxane
Coss is the central figure in the story. As much as Gen, Mr.
Hosokawa’s translator and a gifted linguist, makes it possible to
overcome the language barriers, it is Roxane’s exquisite voice that
bridges the chasm between the hostages and the terrorists. All
those in the house, regardless of their knowledge and understanding
of opera, recognize the sheer splendor of Roxane’s singing and
understands that they, in the midst of this terrifying situation, are
witness to an awe–inspiring talent. Her singing and the practice
routine she devises allow her to maintain a hold on her previous
life—and, by extension, her fellow hostages are able to do so as well.
Her singing is their only link to the world they have left behind, and
because of this the power that Roxanne holds is greater than that of
the gun–wielding terrorists.
Just as the hostages have no contact with the outside world (except
through the Red Cross representative; the story takes place before