Ann Patchett’s novel ‘Whistler’ is an enthralling triumph

Few contemporary writers are as adept as Ann Patchett at opening a novel.

Her first chapters are alluring invitations, intriguing introductions.

Bel Canto (2001) starts with a bang: In an unnamed South American country, a grand party is thrown in honor of the president of an electronics company, but after a renowned soprano has finished […] ...