The ending of “Bel Canto” changed our entire view of the book.

This week, we read Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

This 2001 novel tells the story of an opera singer, translator and rich businessman who find themselves in a hostage situation. When the line between hostage and captor starts to blur, unlikely friendships form and even romance starts to bud. 

Sierra Marshall, who just wants a happy ending, joins me to talk about a book that had us weeping, laughing, and “aweeee”ing. 

In this episode we cover: 

• Why Jenna is now buying every book by Ann Patchett
• Why hopeless romantics may want to steer clear of this book because it’s so far from a happy ending
• The beautiful way Ann Patchett shows readers the various types of communication and understanding between people who don’t speak the same language. 

Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you questioning why reading this book is worth it with ending that brutal (trust me, it is sooooo worth it). 

Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:

• DRINK: Tequila with Blood Orange San Pellegrino, Sangria
• TV SHOW - Yellowjackets, Peaky Blinders
• BOOK - The Only Good Indians, All the Bright Places, Lord of the Flies, Where She Went
• MOVIE - The Mist, Atonement

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Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!