Reviews

The Ensemble by Aja Gabel

kendrareads's review against another edition

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medium-paced

4.0

A family saga about a different kind of family. Well written and well composed. I think it would have held a lot more weight had I been a musician, but overall a very good read. #mmdbookclub pick for November

knitwgrace's review against another edition

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2.0

I could tell this book was well written but it definitely wasn't for me. If you like books that are about relationships and how they change over time, this may be a good choice for you.

michellekmartin's review against another edition

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3.0

Okay, so I actually give this 3.5 stars! There were many things about this book that I loved and some things that I struggled with.

I loved that the story took place within the world of classical music. I loved all the references and the way that Gabriel connected the plot line to the dynamic arc of the pieces in really intense moments. I loved that we got a really in depth look at these characters and followed them through their individual timelines and experiences as a quartet. I think my favorite characters were Brit and Daniel - those were the ones that I connected with the most in telling their story.

That being said, I found the writing difficult at points and felt like the plot dragged at points. I appreciated the emotional insights at times, but at other times I felt like they were a bit too much and I found myself having trouble getting through certain sections.

Overall, I really enjoyed parts of this book but not all of it. I am looking forward to seeing more work from Aja Gabel though because I felt like this was such a unique world to set this story in.

frizzylizzybeth's review against another edition

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

5.0

darbileigh's review

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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.

amytir's review against another edition

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emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

klkreiling's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was exception, layered, heartfelt. I loved it so much, loved each of these characters so much. I know nothing about chamber music, but found myself captivated by the story of these artists and their lives.

abarnhart's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

giginiky's review against another edition

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1.0

Dnf

margee_loves_reading's review against another edition

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Broke my foot and library loan ended!