
La's Orchestra Saves the World
A Novel
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Narrated by:
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Emily Gray
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Editorial reviews
Emily Gray’s narration brings vivid life to Lavender, a determinedly no-nonsense bluestocking who, shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, finds refuge from a failed marriage in a bucolic English village. There she forms a local orchestra and develops a relationship with Feliks, a flute-playing Polish refugee whom she eventually comes to suspect of being a German spy. Gray’s performance carries reserves of wit and hesitant curiosity towards her new surroundings, her voice conveying a furrowed brow, a quizzical look, and a dry sense of humor, all of which make for an entertaining performance.
Gray is not always helped by her material: Although Alexander McCall Smith is a wildly successful author, with two very popular series of books translated into almost every known language; his latest is an unfocussed affair that doesn’t quite manage to do justice to the very big themes invoked. But only at a few moments does the awkwardness affect Gray’s sparkling performance, notably her handling of the male characters. The supporting cast of country folk are also drawn with a very broad brush, but, again, there is little in the book to support the narrator. Overall her performance is a real gift to the story, bringing spice and liveliness and real involvement to this slender tale.
The story focuses at the dilemma of tending to one’s own garden, Candide-style, in a period of history that demands action and resolve. The great historical forces can feel bolted on to the rest of the narrative, with the characters stumbling over the joints. Also, the author’s attitude towards the importance of music and art in times of war is unclear: Music, we are assured, can "heal the temper of the world", but the presence of a community orchestra seems an unnecessary layer and contributes very little to the story its members are barely visible. Far more convincing is the mirroring of Lavender's feeling that she has betrayed Feliks with Britain's betrayal of the Polish people in the Yalta Conference, and Gray distinctly portrays Lavender’s struggle as well as the character’s underlying moral strength, a quality that is the book’s finest attribute. Dafydd Phillips
Critic reviews
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Another good listen
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A World Away
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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.
McCall Smith Does It Again!
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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.Wonderful historical novel
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Alexander McCall Smith Does It Again
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narrator was perfect,
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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 trip back into time
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A change, but good
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This quiet story stole my heart.
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If you could sum up La's Orchestra Saves the World in three words, what would they be?
loads of atmosphereIf 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 placeWhich 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 sectionWho 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 evokedAny 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!haunting, thoughtful
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