Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, is an extraordinary novel that held me captive from beginning to end. As a matter of fact, being held captive is what this book is all about.

A prestigious party is being held at the home of a Vice President somewhere in South America. The occasion is honoring the birthday of Mr.Kosokawa, a powerful businessman from Japan. The famous opera soprano, Roxane Coss, has enthralled the international guests with her singing. It’s a grand event. Until terrorists take the entire party hostage.

From the beginning, the take-over goes awry. The person being sought, the President of the country, isn’t in attendance. This causes great confusion among the three generals leading a gang of gun-wielding youths.

Nothing goes according to plan, but life goes on. From a panicked, life-threatening situation, people fall into a routine. They cooperate, form bonds, friendships, even fall in love.

This is a marvelous, entertaining book, a New York Times Bestseller and winner of the Pen/Faulkner Award. For me, it hit a profound chord. When my husband and I were with the Peace Corps in The Gambia, West Africa, we were “detained” in a single house for 8 days, along with 118 people from many different countries. This book brought back vivid memories of that attempted military takeover.

I highly recommend Bel Canto. You’ll find yourself bunking in with many interesting international house guests.