Bel Canto

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Which aspects of Bel Canto, like style, characters, or plot, most compelled you to continue reading? 
• What was your reaction to the way the story unfolded? What surprised you about the novel? Were there any sections that you felt detracted from the overall meaning of the story?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Bel Canto features a large cast of characters. Which character did you most connect with, and why?
• One of the themes that Bel Canto touches on is the effects of trauma. How did the novel’s exploration of this theme resonate with you? Did you feel it was handled realistically?
• Discuss the novel’s exploration of religion. What questions did it raise while you were reading? Did any of the novel’s conclusions surprise you or cause a change in your perspective?
• Consider the network of relationships that evolve over the course of the novel. Did any of them surprise you? 
• Discuss the novel’s exploration of the concept of community. How does it reflect your understanding of community? Does it complicate your thoughts on the topic?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• Consider the novel’s depiction of the “terrorists.” What real-world conflicts do their goals evoke? Does the novel offer an accurate and sensitive depiction of Indigenous and/or working-class movements?
• What political role does the novel envision for art? How could these ideas be applied to real-world scenarios?

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• Analyze Roxanne’s character arc. How does she grow and transform through the events of the narrative?
• Bel Canto explores the concept of voice, both literally and figuratively. Discuss the various voices in the novel and consider how they contribute to its thematic meaning.
• Discuss the way that Patchett uses time in the novel. How does the novel’s treatment of time affect both narrative and thematic development?
• Analyze the development of the “terrorists” over the course of the novel. Trace the evolution of this group of characters, as well as how the other characters’ understanding of them shifts. 
• Explore the novel’s examination of the shifting nature of community, family, and connection. Trace the development of this theme throughout the novel.

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Consider how the novel would be different in a different time and place. Which settings might work well with both the novel’s plot and themes?
• Write an alternate ending to the novel. What would you change about the current ending? How do you envision the long-term future of the characters (as represented in the Epilogue) as a result?

Need more inspiration for your next meeting? Browse all of our Book Club Resources.