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I love this book because it is 100% character driven. It follows the lives (over decades) of two men and two women (the narrator changes from chapter to chapter) that form a quartet that binds them forever. The whole book is about the relationship they maintain with one another, how they let those evolve but never break, but also their relationship with others, and the extreme social, emotions and physical sacrifices that come with living for your music. The characters are so relatable that you wish you could reach out to them and shield them from their mistakes.
This is a quiet, character driven book. Beautifully written, will stick with me.
This is a story about four young musicians who form a quartet of Chamber Music musicians, and their lives together as a quartet over many years. It is written flipping between the different perspectives of each of the musicians. I enjoyed learning a bit about a world I am truly not familiar with at all, including the musicians' struggles to become great. I also appreciated how it discussed the differences between learning to play as an individual and learning to play as a group, and how that acted as a metaphor for their relationships with one another. However, I felt that most of the story was largely TOLD rather than actually happening, despite the different perspectives presented by changing point-of-views. Additionally, I felt that the characters were largely written to their different personalities and not more dimensional. For example, Jana, first violin, the leader, the one who is responsible for bringing the quartet together, is consistently presented as a serious woman, dedicated to her craft. She does not have any family except for the quartet (which is true for Brit, and largely for Daniel as well). Yet, we barely know anything else about her. Brit, second violin, is the sweet, hopeless romantic, and Daniel, cello, is the oldest, and most abrasive of the group. Henry, viola, child-prodigy, may be the most well-developed character, but even later in the book when they note he has changed and grown, still seems to be largely one-dimensional. I am happy that I read this book as it had been on my TBR for a while, but it wasn't an "addictive" story for me.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
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
I really enjoyed this book in the beginning, but the more I read the less I liked it. I almost stopped reading when I came across the line "Brit looked at them like they were disfigured", which occurs a little over halfway through the book, because ableist statements like that are completely unnecessary and should've been flagged and cut out during the editing process. As a whole, however, that statement is one of the few examples of lazy writing in this book. It is well crafted, albeit some parts felt a little rushed. There were moments which happened off-stage, such as trips the group went on which were only alluded to, which I would have liked to read as full scenes. Sometimes it felt like I was missing crucial parts of their lives with all the jump cuts, although I liked the cinematic feel of those moments. I also would've liked to have had the chance to spend more time with Jana and less with Daniel and Henry.
If you enjoy classical music and stories about complicated friendships, I think you'll enjoy this book.
If you enjoy classical music and stories about complicated friendships, I think you'll enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer
Okay. Okay. I was looking forward to reading this for months because I thought it would be like “The Interestings.” It’s not. I was about twenty pages in before I flipped to the author bio to see if Gabel had graduated from a writing program. She had. It’s a book that reminds me of everything I don’t like about literary fiction, MFA program fiction - you can’t even get into the story, loose as it is, without getting mired in backstory and interiority. It’s a book that’s supposedly about an ensemble but the four members of the ensemble rarely interact with each other in present time - most interactions are in the past, thought about, sans dialogue. We are assured, as readers, that the ensemble is codependantly close, but they barely interact on the page. There’s hardly a story on the page at all, just musings and backstory. Ugh. Disappointing to have waited months for this story only to find nothing at all.
Also, not surprised that Gabel was a student of Alexander Chee’s because I had all the same issues with “Queen of the Night.” I’m sure this is an excellent book for others, but is summertime and I just want a damn story.
Also, not surprised that Gabel was a student of Alexander Chee’s because I had all the same issues with “Queen of the Night.” I’m sure this is an excellent book for others, but is summertime and I just want a damn story.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Thanks to Riverhead for an advanced copy of this book.
I was initially super excited to read this book right when it came out based on Annie Jones at From the Front Porch podcast‘s recommendation…then, some other readers I trusted came back with mixed reviews, so I put it off. I’m thrilled I finally made the time because I adored it! It’s one of those character-driven novels where there’s not much action, but completely pulls me in anyway. Gabel opens the book with a chapter that immediately lays out the dynamics between the members of the Quartet…and they are subtly complicated. These people clearly love each other, but you also get the feeling one could kill another in the night. And, that’s what makes this book so engrossing. It’s all about the simmering dynamics of this group and it explores the implications of having an essentially business relationship that supersedes all other relationships in their lives…even the ones that probably should come first (spouse, kids, etc). How do they manage this tension over the course of their lives? And, Gabel’s writing is just gorgeous, especially for a debut novel. If you loved The Interestings (my review), The Ensemble should be next on your list. PS – you do not have to love classical music to love this novel…I no nothing about classical music and don’t particularly care about it either.
Visit https://www.sarahsbookshelves.com for more reviews.
I was initially super excited to read this book right when it came out based on Annie Jones at From the Front Porch podcast‘s recommendation…then, some other readers I trusted came back with mixed reviews, so I put it off. I’m thrilled I finally made the time because I adored it! It’s one of those character-driven novels where there’s not much action, but completely pulls me in anyway. Gabel opens the book with a chapter that immediately lays out the dynamics between the members of the Quartet…and they are subtly complicated. These people clearly love each other, but you also get the feeling one could kill another in the night. And, that’s what makes this book so engrossing. It’s all about the simmering dynamics of this group and it explores the implications of having an essentially business relationship that supersedes all other relationships in their lives…even the ones that probably should come first (spouse, kids, etc). How do they manage this tension over the course of their lives? And, Gabel’s writing is just gorgeous, especially for a debut novel. If you loved The Interestings (my review), The Ensemble should be next on your list. PS – you do not have to love classical music to love this novel…I no nothing about classical music and don’t particularly care about it either.
Visit https://www.sarahsbookshelves.com for more reviews.
emotional
reflective
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
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes