Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett came to Ann Arbor yesterday for a reading. She is the author of the Pen/Faulkner award-winning novel, Bel Canto. Even the president of the University of Michigan came to listen to her read.

Bel Canto was, unforunately, a rushed and required reading for me. If it weren't, I'd really enjoy it a lot better - there's an opera theme, the language is at times beautiful and the character development superb. Ann Patchett based the plot on a real-life event that she read about in the newspapers. The story goes that a Japanese electronics tycoon (also an opera fan) is invited to celebrate his birthday in an unnamed South American country. His favorite opera singer has been hired to perform at the party, diplomats and many important people have been invited, and the party will be held at the vice-president's luxurious home. Terrorists storm the house after the sixth song and the heart of the story deals with how the hostages and terrorists form strange and remarkable bonds.

It's going to be made into a movie (to be produced by the people of Monsoon Wedding) and into an opera that will premeire at Santa Fe in 2006 (Andrew Lloyd Weber decided to cancel his offer to turn it into a musical - more on this later). Renee Fleming, the famed soprano, will play the opera singer in the movie (but not in the opera). She'd read the book, been told that the opera singer character in the story was inspired by her (she wasn't), called Ann Patchett up, and now they're friends!

Ann Patchett wasn't sure she wanted her book turned into a staged musical. But Andrew Lloyd Weber withdrew his offer after the notorious takeover of a Moscow theater by Chechen rebels in October last year. Many people called or wrote to Ann Patchett, claiming that her book had lead to the terrible incident. A lot of people asked her if she would have finished her book had she been in the middle of it when September 11th happened. She said she would have continued, but if the event had been the Moscow theater, she would have trashed her novel in its unfinished state.

Patchett gave an inspired reading that entertained even those who hadn't read the book. She handled the question and answer session enthusiastically and graciously. While inopportunely chewing on some bread, I introduced myself to her during the informal reception held at Peter Ho Davies's home. It's rather strange to meet a celebrated author, but she had no airs and made an effort to speak to everyone.

Despite my great pleasure in hearing her read and meeting her, I forgot to ask her to sign my book. Oh well.

Go here to read more on Bel Canto.

Posted by Monoceros at September 17, 2003 11:38 AM