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La's Orchestra Saves the World Audiobook
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(3.01) - 3,120 listener ratings
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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
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“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
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A New York Times bestseller
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Selected for the December 2009 Indie Next List
La's Orchestra Saves the World Listener Reviews
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" 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 -
" beautifully stunning. Relished every page. "
— Sarah, 2/12/2014 -
" What a joy to read. It was fun to be in England for while. "
— Jessica, 2/7/2014 -
" Good book to listen to while doing PT. Thanks for the suggestion Ruth. "
— Janet, 1/22/2014 -
" Not what I had hoped, but was entertaining and informational at least. "
— Janelle, 1/21/2014 -
" Eh... a story who's plot lines were never developed. I was expecting more. "
— Laurie, 1/20/2014 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" Another low-key story that got just a bit political at the end. "
— Marge, 11/30/2013 -
" Nice short story. I enjoyed the characters. Not as good as his other books though. "
— Corrie, 11/30/2013 -
" 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 -
" Pretty good, quick read "
— Roxane, 11/19/2013 -
" 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 -
" Loved it! I thought I had already written a review. "
— Elizabeth, 11/16/2013 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" Liked this one especially because of the music involved. "
— Diane, 2/2/2013 -
" What a fun book! Super quick read, and very charming indeed. I highly recommend this one. "
— yaniv, 12/1/2011 -
" Stand alone gentle WWII English countryside story. "
— Barbara, 10/26/2011 -
" Heart warming, beautifully written and according to expectations: McCall Smith is a wonderful writer! "
— tinne, 9/28/2011 -
" Oh my goodness! What a great read this was! "
— Hazel, 6/23/2011 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" Lovely tale of how people coped during WWII in England. It's not preachy, just well written. "
— Agnes, 6/3/2011 -
" 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 -
" Sweet story. Well worth the read. "
— Anne, 5/31/2011 -
" It was okay. A quick, good read, but nothing too special. "
— Gaby, 5/19/2011 -
" 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 -
" Enjoyable, easy read although I think I like his Ladies Detective Agency series best. "
— Jan, 5/16/2011 -
" 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 -
" 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, 44 Scotland Street novels, Corduroy Mansions series, the Perfect Passion Company novels, 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.