BocelliOnline

joyce in virginia · Joined: 04 Mar 2003 Posts: 18 Location: Virginia

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett was given to me by a friend when I was preparing to travel to hear Andrea sing, so I read this in airports and in flight. Not only was it a wonderfully romantic book, and well written, but there was so much to identify with, regarding the central characters. Roxanne is a revered soprano and is adored by many but especially from afar by Mr. Hosokawa from Japan, who speaks only Japanese. They are brought together in a most unusual way that is relevant to our world today. This is a love story that brings together people from different parts of the world, different cultures and it will warm your heart as you identify with both Roxanne and Mr. Hosokawa. Ann Patchett won the Pen/Faulkner Award for this book and you will understand why, as sentences are so beautifully written that you re-read them to savor all that is being conveyed. But, foremost for me, Roxanne's world gave insight to the probabilites of Andrea's world.

Willma · Joined: 07 Mar 2003 Posts: 863 Location: Boston

This is one of my favorite books as well. It is beautifully written; the imagery is stunning in its simplicity. The reader is able to identify with all of the characters, capitives and terrorists alike. They are all praying to the same God. They are all moved by the same music. We are all very much alike and want the same things out of life but it is a sad realization that socity often produces situations in which the voice of the downtrodden cannot be heard unless extreme measures are taken. I am sure that General Benjamen would have preferred to end his days in the classroom. I think the ending was appropriate and inevitable and that the two people who shared this experience and this vision should choose to live as one. Of course, the fact that the book ends in Lucca only adds to the charm. This book is well worth the read and will leave you with images and thoughts that will become part of you for a long time to come. However, I cannot see any connection to Andrea Bocelli as you seem to indicate.

Lorna · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Posts: 347 Location: UK

Many thanks to both of you.
I was looking for a good book to read and I have chosen this one due to your comments.
Will get back to you when I have finished it. :wink:
_________________
Andrea is Life, the rest is mere detail

Guest · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2003 9:56 am Post subject:

Willma, You are right, I did leave you lingering with my reference to a comparison to Andrea. The following is what I was thinking when I wrote that:

1. Both Andrea and the fictional character, Roxanne, are much admired throughout the world for their singing voices.
2. Both are sensible and sensitive people.
3. Both possess a passion for music.
4. Both of their singing voices have an extraordinary and lasting impact on others, from all nations.
5. Roxanne traveled, subjecting herself to great peril. Andrea travels a great deal in a troubled world.
6. Both show they are open to love.
7. Both are vulnerable.....surrounded by people, yet alone.
8. Each seeks to please with their concerts. Roxanne sought to ease a trying and tense situation with her daily concerts. Andrea seeks to bring the masses closer to his beloved and beautiful operas.
9. Both sing despite hardship.....Roxanne sang despite being surrounded by danger. Andrea sings despite his long-standing stage-fright.

It was in this vein I thought them similar.....but please know, that not any fictional character can ever equal the impact or influence of OFT.

Willma · Joined: 07 Mar 2003 Posts: 863 Location: Boston

When you said you connected Andrea Bocelli with this book, it took be aback because I simply did not give him a thought as I read it but, of course. you are right on all of those points. However, I think the underlying message of this book - that we are all similar and that we recognize beauty and God in or own way and that we all deserve to be heard with a dignified voice - was so powerful that I was not caught up in the way this point was made - the music. Another example would be "In Search of Bobby Fischer". This is not reallya story about chess but about the critical interplay of technique and passion whatever the particular interest. If that interplay is not mastered, the heights of artistic expression cannot be realized. I think a good book can be enjoyed on many levels, this being an excellent example.

Echo · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 91 Location: South Carolina, USA

Well, Ladies, your beautiful descriptions of this book captured my imagination immediately, and I bought it yesterday afternoon... and as of this morning, I can hardly tear myself away from this lovely story! Ann Patchett makes music with her words, and her writing is truly inspirational.

Many thanks for the recommendation!

nell'amicizia,
Echo :D
_________________
My heart opens to your voice
Like the flowers open to the kisses of the dawn!
But, o my beloved, to dry my tears the best,
Let your voice speak again!
- Mon coeur s'ouvre a la voix, Samson et Dalila - Saint Saens

Willma · Joined: 07 Mar 2003 Posts: 863 Location: Boston

Echo,

I noticed that you come from South Carolina. I have a very close friend in Beaufort - are you close? - and I have visited there many times. She actually graduated from high school with Pat Conroy (The Great Santini). She has turned me on to many great Southern writers most notably Clyde Edgarton who has written some jewels. Try - Walking Across Egypt. Read only on a full stomach. The vivid descriptions of Southern cooking - the greens and the biscuits and the gravey - will get you drooling for sure!

Echo · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 91 Location: South Carolina, USA

Hi Willma :D

No, I'm not very close to Beaufort - in fact, I'm about as far away from Beaufort as one can get and still be in South Carolina - LOL. I'm in Greenville, which is in the foothills of the Appalachians.

Thanks for the reading suggestions! :D

nell'amicizia,
Echo
_________________
My heart opens to your voice
Like the flowers open to the kisses of the dawn!
But, o my beloved, to dry my tears the best,
Let your voice speak again!
- Mon coeur s'ouvre a la voix, Samson et Dalila - Saint Saens

Adele · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 4

I read Bel Canto and thought it was a wonderful book. However, I wanted to let you know of a book that I found even better, especially related to Opera. I don't know if the book has been released nationally yet. I think it will be released in Late June. Here, in New Orleans where the author is from, they had a book release party. I will find out more info as it becomes avialble. The story is about a blind singing teacher who takes on a young student. It was one of the most moving stories I ever read.

Echo · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 91 Location: South Carolina, USA

Do you know the title and/or author, Adele? Thanks! I'll be sure to look for it! :D
_________________
My heart opens to your voice
Like the flowers open to the kisses of the dawn!
But, o my beloved, to dry my tears the best,
Let your voice speak again!
- Mon coeur s'ouvre a la voix, Samson et Dalila - Saint Saens

Adele · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 4

I love this site. Great idea giving book reviews.

Echo · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 91 Location: South Carolina, USA

Thanks much, Adele! :) I'll check it out - I'm a "readaholic", and consume books like snacks :) (Well, not exactly like snacks... those hardcovers would be awfully crunchy...)

nell'amicizia,
Echo :D
_________________
My heart opens to your voice
Like the flowers open to the kisses of the dawn!
But, o my beloved, to dry my tears the best,
Let your voice speak again!
- Mon coeur s'ouvre a la voix, Samson et Dalila - Saint Saens

Adele · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 4

My pleasure! I think you will really enjoy the book.
Bon Appetit!
Adele

Adele · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 4

Echo,
You can order Tempesta's Dream from its website, www.tempestasdream.com.
Adele