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slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Ensemble is a gorgeously written contemporary about four very different people brought together by the common dream of being recognized in the field of classical music.
With excellent character development and an insightful portrayal of the intricate relationship shared by quartet musicians, Aja Gabel has woven a beautiful story about what it is like to be a professional classical music player and part of a quartet for almost two decades.
Although, a lot of musical reference throughout the book went completely over my head because (sadly) my knowledge of classical music is pathetically lacking, I still enjoyed its wonderful prose and the constantly changing complex group dynamics of the four lead characters.
Recommended if you like character oriented literary fiction and classical music.
For more reviews visit my blog Booktimistic - Books, Outdoors & Optimism
**Thank you Riverhead Books and Goodreads for my copy. I won this in the Goodreads giveaway**
With excellent character development and an insightful portrayal of the intricate relationship shared by quartet musicians, Aja Gabel has woven a beautiful story about what it is like to be a professional classical music player and part of a quartet for almost two decades.
Although, a lot of musical reference throughout the book went completely over my head because (sadly) my knowledge of classical music is pathetically lacking, I still enjoyed its wonderful prose and the constantly changing complex group dynamics of the four lead characters.
Recommended if you like character oriented literary fiction and classical music.
For more reviews visit my blog Booktimistic - Books, Outdoors & Optimism
**Thank you Riverhead Books and Goodreads for my copy. I won this in the Goodreads giveaway**
The Ensemble is the story of a quarter of musicians who never would have been friends, but the intense world of classical music tightly binds them together. Brit, Jana, Daniel and Henry spend decades of their lives working through their music, the relationships, their resentments, and their dynamics.
What I Appreciated About This Book: I loved this book! I just love books that deep dive into someone's, or a group's, psyche. The Ensemble delved deeply into this foursome- their pasts, their relationships, the "stuff" that made them who they are and the great musician they have become. The book does not shy away from showing the ugly side of life, which I love as long as it feels genuine, which it surely did in this book. The Ensemble so rawly and beautifully defines what drives people and how that shifts with time and age. I was blown away by the writing and for Gabel's ability to see people.
What Did Not Work For Me: Not much! There were parts of the book that were redundant, but it's so slight. I want to be clear that this book is not for everyone, but if you like books similar to my taste, PLEASE pick up this book or download the audio. It's brilliant and beautiful. Also, I listened to this from @libro on audio, and my favorite narrator, Rebecca Lowman, does this book justice.
What I Appreciated About This Book: I loved this book! I just love books that deep dive into someone's, or a group's, psyche. The Ensemble delved deeply into this foursome- their pasts, their relationships, the "stuff" that made them who they are and the great musician they have become. The book does not shy away from showing the ugly side of life, which I love as long as it feels genuine, which it surely did in this book. The Ensemble so rawly and beautifully defines what drives people and how that shifts with time and age. I was blown away by the writing and for Gabel's ability to see people.
What Did Not Work For Me: Not much! There were parts of the book that were redundant, but it's so slight. I want to be clear that this book is not for everyone, but if you like books similar to my taste, PLEASE pick up this book or download the audio. It's brilliant and beautiful. Also, I listened to this from @libro on audio, and my favorite narrator, Rebecca Lowman, does this book justice.
This novel blew me away. At first, I fell in love with it based on the cover, but by the end of the first narrative (each part is broken into narration by members of the quartet), I was head over heels for the group and the words Aja Gabel used to piece their lives together.
I have no musical background, save for a semester in middle school playing trumpet so horrifically the director must have thought giving me last chair was generous. I have no familiarity or investment in the world of professional classical music. But. Gabel is able to describe music and all the processes and emotions that come with it in such a way that is not only beautiful, but sensory.
With The Ensemble, Gabel alternates between narration by each member of the quartet: Jana, Brit, Henry, and Daniel. Usually, when an author does this, I prefer one voice over the rest. But here, each character was so complex and interesting and fully human - I was never disappointed when the narration shifted.
I expected to love this moving story of four people linked together by their shared passion - I didn't expect it to become one of my favorite books. Like Top Three favorite, if books can be ranked as such. It is such a phenomenal and impressive debut novel. I'll be holding my breath until Aja Gabel releases her next piece of work.
I have no musical background, save for a semester in middle school playing trumpet so horrifically the director must have thought giving me last chair was generous. I have no familiarity or investment in the world of professional classical music. But. Gabel is able to describe music and all the processes and emotions that come with it in such a way that is not only beautiful, but sensory.
With The Ensemble, Gabel alternates between narration by each member of the quartet: Jana, Brit, Henry, and Daniel. Usually, when an author does this, I prefer one voice over the rest. But here, each character was so complex and interesting and fully human - I was never disappointed when the narration shifted.
I expected to love this moving story of four people linked together by their shared passion - I didn't expect it to become one of my favorite books. Like Top Three favorite, if books can be ranked as such. It is such a phenomenal and impressive debut novel. I'll be holding my breath until Aja Gabel releases her next piece of work.
the way this books describes music and the way those who play it get lost inside it, or found in it, is beautiful. but overall, I think it's overwritten, sacrificing singular moments of enlightenment for a "literary" feel with lots of rolling, sweeping descriptions. when there is a poignant moment, it sinks amongst the flowery sentences surrounding it.
i really contemplated not finishing and would note that this novel really only hits its stride in the last third.
i really contemplated not finishing and would note that this novel really only hits its stride in the last third.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I almost didn’t finish this one...but somehow I plowed on until the end. This book read like a string of stream of consciousnesses but from a bunch of different characters at different times. The story itself was somewhat enjoyable and kept me reading (again just barely) but the narration was just not my favorite.
Hauntingly personal and enrapturing look at a group of people's lives. Had no expectations going in, but couldn't put it down. Fantastic.
I really enjoyed The Ensemble! I put it down earlier this summer, but it turned out to be an interesting look at choices, character, and how our past can or won’t define us.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
this book was beautiful. a very moving story with unforgettable characters. my ONLY issue was the presence of lots of exposition dump, but Aja Gabel at least did her part in making it bearable to read. i definitely recommend this one.