Las Orchestra Saves the World Audiobook, by Alexander McCall Smith Play Audiobook Sample

La's Orchestra Saves the World Audiobook

Las Orchestra Saves the World Audiobook, by Alexander McCall Smith Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Emily Gray Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc. Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 4.67 hours at 1.5x Speed 3.50 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: December 2009 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781440763410

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

25

Longest Chapter Length:

30:40 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

07:37 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

17:09 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

100

Other Audiobooks Written by Alexander McCall Smith: > View All...

Publisher Description

A heart-warming stand alone novel about the life-affirming powers of music and company during a time of war, from the best-selling and beloved author of The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency. When Lavender, La to her friends, moves to the Suffolk countryside, it's not just to escape the London Blitz but also to flee the wreckage of a disastrous marriage. But as she starts to become a part of the community, she detects a sense of isolation. Her deep love of music and her desire to bring people together inspire her to start an orchestra. Little did she know that through this orchestra she would not only give hope and courage to the people of the community, but also that she would meet a man, Feliks, a shy upright Pole, who would change her life forever.

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"This was a lovely little book, like all of Alexander McCall Smith's books. I enjoyed getting to know La and her efforts to help in the war effort. La is interesting, though an ordinary woman. I would read any of Mr. McCall's books. They are about real people doing real things. "

— Verona (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Alexander McCall Smith writes about the enduring, patient qualities of love…The novel pays heed to our national yearning for a story to chew on.” 

    — Times (London) 
  • “La’s Orchestra Saves the World is crafted with the author’s usual wit, wisdom, and grace. Like a pianist putting listeners at ease with the opening phrase, McCall Smith immediately makes us feel confident that this is a true and resonant tale.”

    — Washington Post
  • “Unlike anything else in McCall Smith’s work.” 

    — Independent (London)
  • “The evocation of war-torn England, with its palpable mood of defiance, determination and survival, is beautifully caught.” 

    — Scotsman
  • “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 (starred review)

Awards

  • A New York Times bestseller
  • Selected for the December 2009 Indie Next List

La's Orchestra Saves the World Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.6969696969697 out of 53.6969696969697 out of 53.6969696969697 out of 53.6969696969697 out of 53.6969696969697 out of 5 (3.70)
5 Stars: 4
4 Stars: 16
3 Stars: 12
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
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Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A great story of the trials of war in people's lives living in the countryside and making ends meet. Great characters, living in a community with the same issues. La's orchestra became a salve to help the daily life seem bearable. "

    — Mim, 2/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " beautifully stunning. Relished every page. "

    — Sarah, 2/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " What a joy to read. It was fun to be in England for while. "

    — Jessica, 2/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good book to listen to while doing PT. Thanks for the suggestion Ruth. "

    — Janet, 1/22/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not what I had hoped, but was entertaining and informational at least. "

    — Janelle, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Eh... a story who's plot lines were never developed. I was expecting more. "

    — Laurie, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I loved this. The ending of the story is worth the wait. I found myself wanting the story to go faster, but the gentle satisfaction of a story told well and right is rare these days. "

    — Cathy, 1/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Did not like this book as compared to the 44 Scotland Yard book series. The characters did have alot of interest to me. "

    — Arlene, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A delicate love story set in England during World War II. The story shows life fairly accurately, the surprises, the loneliness, the joy. La is a strong heroine, and this book was a pleasure to read. "

    — Colleenish, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A quiet little gem of a book. The story didn't live up to its title by any means - oh well. Overall a nice read. "

    — Linda, 1/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Another low-key story that got just a bit political at the end. "

    — Marge, 11/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Nice short story. I enjoyed the characters. Not as good as his other books though. "

    — Corrie, 11/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I was a little disappointed by this novel. I was hoping for more drama during the war years and more British wit. "

    — Leticia, 11/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Pretty good, quick read "

    — Roxane, 11/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not sure what to say about this. It started out good and was too weak and rushed at the end. It had the potential for more but failed. I am not unhappy to have read it but I'm glad to be moving on. "

    — Paige, 11/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Loved it! I thought I had already written a review. "

    — Elizabeth, 11/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book, in McCall Smith's meandering tone, covers the life of La (Lavender) Stone, through her childhood, time at school, courtship and marriage, life during WWII and after, making comments on the power of music, war and other issues on the way! I enjoyed it! "

    — Duckpondwithoutducks, 10/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another typical but enjoyable A.M.S. book - ordinary and sensible person trying their best to live a responsible life. The setting is WWII England in a small vilage. "

    — Sally, 10/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Liked this one especially because of the music involved. "

    — Diane, 2/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " What a fun book! Super quick read, and very charming indeed. I highly recommend this one. "

    — yaniv, 12/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Stand alone gentle WWII English countryside story. "

    — Barbara, 10/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Heart warming, beautifully written and according to expectations: McCall Smith is a wonderful writer! "

    — tinne, 9/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Oh my goodness! What a great read this was! "

    — Hazel, 6/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This is one of my least favorite books by Mr. Smith. The story is moderately interesting and the characters well done. "

    — Bonnie, 6/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Very quiet story about loss and life in the British countryside during World War II. The book starts off very well, with an engaging premise, but peters out quickly to an ultimately unsatisfying ending. "

    — Mary, 6/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Lovely tale of how people coped during WWII in England. It's not preachy, just well written. "

    — Agnes, 6/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was an enlightening portrayal of life in pastoral England during WWII. I was almost dismayed by the end, but it did not disappoint. "

    — Carissa, 6/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Sweet story. Well worth the read. "

    — Anne, 5/31/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It was okay. A quick, good read, but nothing too special. "

    — Gaby, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A gem of a little book - both in size and in story. Nothing much happens but the setting and the characters are charming. "

    — Maura, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Enjoyable, easy read although I think I like his Ladies Detective Agency series best. "

    — Jan, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A simple and enjoyable story of life in England during WWII. Although La did not think she was accomplishing much she made a difference to those around her; making the best of hard times. "

    — Julie, 5/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Truly inspiring tale of a woman who helps a community maintain morale durning a time of great strife; a small but essential heroism in a large context. "

    — Harry, 4/29/2011

About Alexander McCall Smith

Alexander McCall Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie series, and more. He has also written stand-alone novels, books for children, and nonfiction works. In 2004 he was named the British Book Awards Author of the Year and Booksellers Association Author of the Year. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served with many national and international organizations concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and taught law at the University of Botswana.

About Emily Gray

Emily Gray grew up in a military family and started audiobook narration in 2001. She has been heard bringing to life the adventures of Becky Bloomwood in Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series. Emily and her husband started the Classics Acting Company in Dallas where she has appeared in The Cherry Orchard. She is the winner of three AudioFile Earphones Awards.