The Ensemble by Aja Gabel on June 25, 2019
Genres: Fiction / Coming of Age, Fiction / Literary, Fiction / Women
Pages: 352
Format: Hardcover
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
This was the book I didn’t know I needed. A captivating novel unfolds the story of four young friends as they navigate the competitive realm of classical music, exploring the intricate web of ambition, passion, and love that weaves through the tapestry of their lives.
The characters in this were so complex and I was so invested in their lives and what was going to happen for them. They met because of their shared love of music but their lives were connected from that first moment. It’s like they were tethered together by a bond closer than family.
Brit is the second violinist, a beautiful and quiet orphan; on the viola is Henry, a prodigy who’s always had it easy; the cellist is Daniel, the oldest and an angry skeptic who sleeps around; and on first violin is Jana, their flinty, resilient leader. Together, they are the Van Ness Quartet.
I was surprised that this was Gabel’s debut novel. She has a way with words. Her vivid scenery puts you in the location she is writing about as if you were there. What a great story of ambition, but more importantly, friendship. You will feel all the feels while reading this one.