Bel Canto – 2002 Winner
Latin terrorists storm an international gathering hosted by an underprivileged country to promote foreign interest and trade, only to find...
Among the hostages are a world class opera singer and her biggest fan, a Japanese tycoon who has been persuaded to attend the party on the understanding that she will perform half a dozen arias after dinner.
The tycoon’s engaging and sympathetic translator plays a vital role in the subsequent relationships between so many different nationalities closeted together, interpreting not only the terrorists’ negotiations but also the language of love between lovers who cannot understand what the other is saying.
Ultimately, it is the terrorist strike that does more to promote foreign relations than anyone could have hoped to achieve with the party.
"The bigger your advance, the worse your review. I think that people want women to succeed, just not too much."
Podcast
Jessie Cave, Jessica Fostekew and Jordan Stephens discuss Bel Canto on our #ReadingWomen podcast
Listen to the podcast
Maggie Gee
Anna Burns
Helen Dunmore
Sarah Waters
Ann Patchett
Chloe Hooper
Kitty Aldridge
Maggie Gee
Steve Davies
Helen Dunmore
Sarah Waters
Rachel Seiffert
Emma Richler
Anita Rau Badami
Lily Prior
Nani Power
Ann Patchett
Kathy Page
Joyce Carol Oates
Sue Monk Kidd
Elizabeth McCracken
Chloe Hooper
Joanne Harris
Lesley Glaister
Jennifer Clement
Anna Burns
Barbara Kingsolver
Ruth Ozeki
Susanna Clarke
Maggie O'Farrell
Tayari Jones
Kamila Shamsie
Naomi Alderman
Lisa McInerney
Ali Smith
Eimear McBride
A.M. Homes
Madeline Miller
Téa Obreht
Barbara Kingsolver
Marilynne Robinson
Rose Tremain
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Lionel Shriver
Andrea Levy
Valerie Martin
Ann Patchett
Kate Grenville
Linda Grant
Suzanne Berne
Carol Shields
Anne Michaels
Helen Dunmore
Tune into host Vick Hope and a line-up of incredible guests on our weekly podcast full of unmissable book recommendations.
Join the Women's Prize newsletter for a chance to win a stack of all 6 brilliant 2023 shortlisted books, and get the latest book news, author features and exciting competitions! (You can unsubscribe at any time)*
