La’s Orchestra Saves The World
by Alexander McCall Smith
Young widow La (short for Lavender) moves into a house in rural Sussex after certain unhappy
events. She needs a rest, and a change from the hustle of the London scene. At first she lives
quietly, not really making any friends among the close-knit local community of people who are so
different from her. When war breaks out, she starts a small amateur orchestra to boost morale,
both local and her own. Then she meets with Polish refugee and fellow flautist Feliks...
Fans of this prolific and popular author’s other works (some of which are reviewed on this site)
will surely relish this gentle romance. Apart from the meeting of like minds, there are many other
themes explored in here, including how a morale boosting and community spirited enterprise such as
the orchestra can "save the world." Smith is adept at showing the things about life in
Britain—or any country—that truly matter, as well as getting under the skin of a rural
community like the village described so well in this book. This is a short book, but one to read
slowly and savor as there is quite a lot to think about. |
The Book |
Abacus (Little, Brown) |
23 July 2009 |
Paperback |
0349122059 / 9780349122052 |
Historical Romance / 1940s / Rural Sussex, England |
More at Amazon.com
US ||
UK |
Excerpt |
NOTE: |
The Reviewer |
Rachel A Hyde |
Reviewed 2009 |
NOTE: |
|