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A review by despina19
The Ensemble by Aja Gabel
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!!