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piapaya's review against another edition
It's ambitious and layered and the ideas in it as they relate to music are really quite beautiful. My main point of critique is that it's written in such a way that you'll never forget that the story is an artifice and that the novel was written by someone with an MFA.
I want to go into a detailed thing at some point about how writers can pull off novels about a group of friends (e.g.: A Little Life, The Secret History, Never Let Me Go, etc.), but I'll save that for another time.
I want to go into a detailed thing at some point about how writers can pull off novels about a group of friends (e.g.: A Little Life, The Secret History, Never Let Me Go, etc.), but I'll save that for another time.
evacos's review against another edition
4.0
The writing was image evolving, which I like. On the other hand I was overwhelmed by all the thoughts the musicians had. I personally never think like that but I appreciated the perspective.
sgreenleaf's review against another edition
3.0
Things happen, and it is all beautiful, but I wanted deeper characters and more art.
hil_knecht's review against another edition
3.0
This was just ok . I don’t regret reading it but i won’t be recommending it to people any time soon.
bethpindilli's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
darbileigh's review against another edition
5.0
This book was really hard to follow. But I really really enjoyed it. What a spectacular read for anyone who has ever taken part in the world of classical music. I loved this.
despina19's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My first 5 star read of summer 2024! This book is SO good! The writing is beautiful; I read on Kindle and ordered a hard copy so I can mark it up.
In the opening scene, we meet Jana, Henry, Brit and Daniel, on the night they are performing as a quartet at their final performance at their conservatory before graduating and going on to compete in a prestigious competition. As we meet each character, they reflect on whether the song they are playing is a love song, as suggested by their Professor. As we get each character’s take, we meet them for the first time, and I was immediately drawn in to their world and their lives and thrilled to meet this dysfunctional, familial group of colleagues/friends.
The book follows them for almost 20 years as they go from young, ambitious musicians to the middle of their careers. We watch them navigate their professional lives, relationships inside and out of the group, and balance their ambitions with other relationships.
Each section lists the classical pieces they are playing throughout the different time periods. I listened to the songs as I read which elevated this experience even further.
I adored this character driven book! There is a lot that happens, but the plot takes a back seat to how exquisitely Gabel portrays these characters. It was so beautiful, I did not want it to end. This is one that I know will stay with me, and I hope Aja Gabel comes out with something new soon!!
In the opening scene, we meet Jana, Henry, Brit and Daniel, on the night they are performing as a quartet at their final performance at their conservatory before graduating and going on to compete in a prestigious competition. As we meet each character, they reflect on whether the song they are playing is a love song, as suggested by their Professor. As we get each character’s take, we meet them for the first time, and I was immediately drawn in to their world and their lives and thrilled to meet this dysfunctional, familial group of colleagues/friends.
The book follows them for almost 20 years as they go from young, ambitious musicians to the middle of their careers. We watch them navigate their professional lives, relationships inside and out of the group, and balance their ambitions with other relationships.
Each section lists the classical pieces they are playing throughout the different time periods. I listened to the songs as I read which elevated this experience even further.
I adored this character driven book! There is a lot that happens, but the plot takes a back seat to how exquisitely Gabel portrays these characters. It was so beautiful, I did not want it to end. This is one that I know will stay with me, and I hope Aja Gabel comes out with something new soon!!
brookerees's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Kinda boring, not much happend. Maybe I'm not that into orchestra stuff but if anyone could be I feel like I am at least in the outskirts of that comunity. I guess if I think about stuff in my own context it's a but better. Maybe I'm too young to appreciate it.
anijelly's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
staciek3's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I think the book was interesting, especially given that I felt enveloped in a classical musical group for the duration of this story... their lives, how their career looks, and their challenges both mental and physical. These are things you don't really think about or give much thought to unless you know someone or are involved in this yourself. That part was interesting, but I didn't really like the characters, and for me, that was missing with liking this book more. It also felt like it was vacillating too much with the characters and their story lines. I was hoping that this was going to be a bit more like Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, I'm not sure why, but I was, and so this was not like that at all.