La's Orchestra Saves the World

A Novel

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Emily Gray

Alexander McCall Smith takes a break from his popular No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series for this stirring historical novel. In 1939, Lavender flees London to escape the German bombs and her shattered marriage. Settling in a small town, she pulls together a makeshift orchestra to help cope with the times.©2008 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Delightful...McCall Smith once again creates unforgettable characters and a story that will resonate with readers across generations....A fresh and unforgettable story about the power of human kindness. Highly recommended." (Booklist)

Another good listen

As always, Alexander McCall Smith writes an interesting, engaging story. This book is a wonderful listen.

A World Away

I just started to listen to books while driving home from work. "La" was a great escape to another time and place at the end of a busy day. McCall Smith captures the small things that make up a woman's life with great insight. He never fails to please. Emily Gray narrates with style!

McCall Smith Does It Again!

My only complaint with McCall Smith's books is that they are too short! But I guess that's also one of his books' assets - the writing always conveys the breadth of complex ideas and issues that we all face as we traverse the planet, with such economy of expression and lightness of touch, that it seems there is not one extra word or sentence.

And now, with "La's Orchestra" he brings to life the civilian world of WW II with such clarity and resonance it feels as though he could be talking about things that happened yesterday.


When I am in the middle of an Alexander McCall Smith listen, I always feel as though I am with a friend. I think that Precious Ramotswe of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Isabel Dalhousie of the eponymous series, and now La, are all soul mates, rendered in perfect nuance and salient, luxuriant, radiant detail by Alexander McCall Smith. It's always a bit of a downer when and one of these books ends, and sometimes I feel I need a support group for McCall Smith addicts! Fortunately for like-minded readers, McCall Smith is prolific, and one does not have to wait very long for Mme. Ramotswe or Isabel Dalhousie to reappear. Let's hope we see more of La, as well.

Wonderful historical novel

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It's a terrific read, very enjoyable, and also a sophisticated little piece of writing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of La's Orchestra Saves the World?

I don't think in terms of memorable moments.

Which character – as performed by Emily Gray – was your favorite?

I don't have favorite characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Alexander McCall Smith is underrated because he's such a good read. The way he twists this story, reveals who was involved in the first scene only near the end, avoids cheap tricks, gets inside characters heads...this is a sophisticated writer.

Alexander McCall Smith Does It Again

Alexander McCall Smith does it again in this fabulous historical book. He transports the reader back in time when life went forward at a slower pace, reinforcing timeless principles; never give up and it only takes one person to make a lasting difference.

narrator was perfect,

It's a lovely story, less humor than usual, which I missed, but highly recommend reading it.

A trip back into time

I really liked Alexander McCall Smith's new book. Being English myself helps, but the best part is the author's *amazing* ability to move me back into time during which England was being attacked by Germany in WWII.

The story is itself charming, as usual for Mr. Smith, but what got me was I could see and almost feel how it must have been to be "on the ground" at that time and realize Hitler and the Germans might actually conquer England. To not know how it would all turn out in the end.

A change, but good

This is different from other AMCS books. I recommend it.

This quiet story stole my heart.

Totally different for AM Smith. I really loved this book. It is one that I told my friends about. Set in England during WW2, it is inspiring and lovely.

haunting, thoughtful

If you could sum up La's Orchestra Saves the World in three words, what would they be?

loads of atmosphere

If you’ve listened to books by Alexander McCall Smith before, how does this one compare?

musing, quiet, not as clever or rollicking as Scotland Street series -author and listener try hard to put themselves in the time and place

Which scene was your favorite?

rushing through the rain to the farm by bike - or perhaps the moment of looking up as the concert begins and there he is in the woodwind section

Who was the most memorable character of La's Orchestra Saves the World and why?

mostly told from La's point of view: she tries to understand everyone - farm folk were particularly nicely evoked

Any additional comments?

not nearly enough bookmark breaks for skipping forward and back in case you missed something: not even one per chapter, but something like one every eight chapters--drove me crazy!