Patchett creates an amazing almost-utopian community among her hostages and terrorists, and it really is one you want to just wander around in and live in forever.

Her writing is lovely -- some very strong metaphors but generally understated. Lots of subtle humor, too. But mainly lots of humanity -- love and understanding for all of her characters, "good" and "bad."

One of the best I've read in a while.

-- Shaun