Author of interest: Ann Patchett

The first thing I read by Ann Patchett was Truth and Beauty: A Friendship. I remember how much I was interested in the story of the author's friendship with another girl who was terribly disfigured. I thought Ann Patchett had many things to tell the rest of us about our own lives and friendships.

Since then, I've learned that the novel that really put her on the map, Bel Canto, is in the works to become an opera - to be given its world premiere right here in Chicago at Lyric Opera. Renee Fleming has been behind the commissioning of the opera from the start, although she will not be starring in it. The novel  - based on a real incident - takes place in Lima, Peru, where guests at a hotel, including a famous opera star, are taken as political hostages. The opera's composer, Jimmy Lopez, is also Peruvian, so it looks like this could be something great. I may have to save up to buy tickets!