An accidental book haul for the new school year

The new school year started last week, so I’m back in central London after spending most of the holidays away. And, with that, comes the temptation of bookshops. I’m usually pretty good these days, but sometimes there’s a new release that I just can’t wait for. This week, there have been two such releases, leading to a rather substantial accidental haul.

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Bel Canto – Ann Patchett

Somewhere in South America, at the home of the country’s vice president, a lavish birthday party is being held in honor of the powerful businessman Mr. Hosokawa. Roxane Coss, opera’s most revered soprano, has mesmerized the international guests with her singing. It is a perfect evening until a band of gun-wielding terrorists takes the entire party hostage. But what begins as a panicked, life-threatening scenario slowly evolves into something quite different, a moment of great beauty, as terrorists and hostages forge unexpected bonds, and people from different continents become compatriots. Friendship, compassion, and the chance for great love lead the characters to forget the real danger that has been set in motion . . . and cannot be stopped.

State Of Wonder – Ann Patchett

About two years ago, someone told me I should read State Of Wonder. I can’t remember why, but I think a few people had all read it around the same time, and were talking about it. It was shortlisted for the Orange Prize in 2012, as well as others. So I bought a secondhand copy, put it on my shelf and forgot about it, largely because I was completely uninspired by the cover, if I’m honest. A few months later, I needed books to take with me to Costa Rica, so packed it (along with Amy And Roger’s Epic Detour, which I read all in one go on my flight to Miami, and cried so much that the woman next to me was quite concerned), and promised my friend that I would leave it with her. I regretted that as soon as I finished it.