Lyrical Fiction

When I think about lyrical fiction I often think of flowing prose, but not flowery, that moves effortlessly through in and around characters - sort of like Huck Finn going down the Mississip'. And come to think of it, Twain was a pretty lyrical writer himself. I guess thoughts of whimsy, or even long frilly dresses might also pop into an explanation of lyrical - but those are really not required, and the writing might drip into something more insipid and purple, rather than fluid and beautiful.

I'm kind of sneaking up, trying to be lyrical (but feeling more bumpy than anything) on my latest read. Bel Canto has been on the bedside stack for a few years now. I finally picked it up, as my bookclub read of the month (a sure way to get something read). I have been floating along with this book for a few weeks now, lost in the, yes, lyrical prose and storytelling. I've also had an odd feeling of claustrophobia, wanting the book to end, but not really wanting it to end. Bel Canto is about an international group of executives and politicos held hostage by a terrorist group somewhere in South America. It deserves the many awards and accolades that it has won. What I am most amazed with is the range of voices that Patchett creates - and how she breaks rules of POV (point of view) all over the place - dancing between the inner thoughts of each character. There are times where I am swirling, but not with confusion, it's more with admiration with how she keeps it all floating.

I'll be sad to finish the book I have about 20 pages to go. I have a feeling that things will not end well (shhh, no spoilers). The book has held me hostage for a few weeks - but like the hostages in the book, I didn't really want to leave.