I'm not sure why this book didn't get better reviews on Goodreads because I enjoyed it. The novel follows the lives of four members of a chamber music quartet, from when the ensemble is formed in college to when they are professional musicians. The book explores their relationships with each other, which are complicated and evolve over time, and the challenges of balancing career and family. In fairness, the book is probably more accessible to people who have a background in or knowledge of classical music.
"They were playing now, like they always had. It wasn't easy. It never had been. It was something like a miracle, all this music, each note a discovery you've already made, but it was also maybe the most ordinary thing in the world, to assemble and compose and perform - night after night - a life." - Aja Gabel, The Ensemble
I've had The Ensemble by Aja Gabel on my TBR shelves for years, and was excited when it was featured on a recent episode of the From the Front Porch podcast. I took it as sign from the universe that it was time for me to read this debut novel about four classical musicians. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it.
I'm a bit familiar with symphony musicians; the players I know are middle-aged so I assumed these characters would be in that stage of life, but that's not the case. Jana, Brit, Henry, and Daniel, members of the Van Ness Quartet, are in their early 20s, recent college graduates who are finding their way to personal and professional adulthood.
This is very character-driven with a strong coming-of-age theme. I appreciated the behind-the-scenes look at classical musicians' lives and didn't realize the physical toll the profession can take on their bodies. But I couldn't relate to any of the characters, most of whom felt cold and stand-offish. The author played violin and cello and is definitely knowledgeable about classical music, and I liked how pieces and composers were featured throughout the plot.
I love this bright cover and am curious if Ms. Gabel will write another novel.
I've had The Ensemble by Aja Gabel on my TBR shelves for years, and was excited when it was featured on a recent episode of the From the Front Porch podcast. I took it as sign from the universe that it was time for me to read this debut novel about four classical musicians. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it.
I'm a bit familiar with symphony musicians; the players I know are middle-aged so I assumed these characters would be in that stage of life, but that's not the case. Jana, Brit, Henry, and Daniel, members of the Van Ness Quartet, are in their early 20s, recent college graduates who are finding their way to personal and professional adulthood.
This is very character-driven with a strong coming-of-age theme. I appreciated the behind-the-scenes look at classical musicians' lives and didn't realize the physical toll the profession can take on their bodies. But I couldn't relate to any of the characters, most of whom felt cold and stand-offish. The author played violin and cello and is definitely knowledgeable about classical music, and I liked how pieces and composers were featured throughout the plot.
I love this bright cover and am curious if Ms. Gabel will write another novel.
