A review by oliviasbookshop
The Ensemble by Aja Gabel

adventurous emotional hopeful informative reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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.  
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