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Novelist Ann Patchett Rereads 'Bel Canto' in New Annotated Edition
Nov 22, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Ann Patchett, award-winning author of 'Commonwealth' and the beloved 'Bel Canto,' shares her journey revisiting her iconic novel. She reflects on the growth in her understanding of opera since its initial release and discusses the dual emotions of admiration and critique as she adds her annotations. Patchett explores how time and personal experiences can shift perspectives on familiar stories, revealing the emotional depth and complexity of her narrative as it relates to contemporary issues.
57:43
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Quick takeaways
- Ann Patchett's experience rereading 'Bel Canto' emphasizes the value of time in gaining a more objective perspective on one's writing.
- Through her annotated edition, Patchett highlights the importance of critical self-reflection for writers in recognizing both strengths and weaknesses.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Revisiting Past Works
Writers often avoid rereading their own work due to the emotional discomfort it can cause. Ann Patchett explains that the repetitive reading during the drafting and editing phases creates a strong aversion to revisiting completed manuscripts. However, she took on this challenge with her reissued novel, 'Bel Canto,' finding it both enlightening and fun to annotate the text. This experience allowed her to reflect on her growth as a writer and better appreciate the complexities of her earlier work.
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