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The Choir Audiobook
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(3.01) - 732 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In the gentle world of one of England’s beautiful old cathedral towns, crisis looms: funds are short, and the cathedral is in need of major repair. One faction of the community argues that the obvious solution is to abolish the expensive, and nowadays rather irrelevant, boys’ choir. But of course, there are those who disagree: the choir school’s headmaster, a conscientious scholar somewhat out of his depth with his elusive, poetical wife; the cathedral organist and choirmaster, brilliant, wayward, and in love with the lead chorister’s married mother; the former lead chorister, now twenty-three and directionless, who haunts his old school looking for a sense of purpose; and the gentle, left-wing bishop, trying to soothe the angry protagonists. Their stories are marvelously woven into this enchanting story of modern life in old-world England.
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"I had no idea what this book would be like when i started it, and i have to admit the more I got into it, the more I really enjoyed it. The author does a nice job of bringing her characters to life - there were quite a few characters to keep track of, but somehow she managed to weave them all in, and give just enough information that you felt you understood each character without making this a 1000 page novel. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but after about the 4th or 5th chapter I often wanted to read just one more chapter before bed."
— Kenzie (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“A Modern Barchester Chronicle.”
— Sunday Telegraph -
“[Trollope is] one of the most interesting writers to have emerged in the past few years.”
— Daily Mail -
“As in the music that pervades the plot of Trollope’s absorbing novel, contrapuntal technique results in a brilliant composition…Sacred music, the perfect treble of pre-pubescent boys and delicious deadpan understatement create a uniquely rich soundtrack on the pages of this beautifully crafted tale.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Reader Nadia May is perfect for this book, with her sprightly British intonations. She offers a sense of wryness in keeping with the tale. This recording is very much recommended wherever low-key, nicely written contemporary novels are popular.”
— Library Journal -
“This is great entertainment, made all the more enjoyable by May’s easy style.”
— Kliatt
The Choir Listener Reviews
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" The sort of book that leaves a good taste in the mouth - not too demanding, but not a simple, breezy read either. Lovely characters that stayed in my head even after I put the book down. I like Trollope's style. "
— Nitya, 2/19/2014 -
" only read half. Puzzling as Carol and I usually like the same books. Couldn't like anyone. I suspect someone who's involved with church choirs might like it more. "
— Joanne, 2/9/2014 -
" Takes place in small town in England. Story centers around a boy singing in a choir -- The Dean can think only of preserving the cathedral and gets rid of the choir -- Boy's mother falls in love with organist "
— Yvonne, 2/1/2014 -
" Least favourite JT. Didn't even finish it.... Too slow "
— Caroline, 1/21/2014 -
" Fascinating story about the people living inside the close of an English cathedral city, their lives, loves, intrigues. My favorite by this author. "
— Linda, 1/15/2014 -
" In and amongst reading the crime I enjoy, it's lovely to read Joanna Trollope's gentle and oh-so-observant novels about human relationships. "
— K.B., 1/4/2014 -
" Too many characters, perhaps, and not enough plot, but gods, so well written. "
— Clara, 12/30/2013 -
" Yes, she's good, and yes, I read her, but there always seems to be an underlying anger and depression buried in her books. I cannot find any one quote that pinpoints it, it's more like a mist - I feel that the bloom has gone from the world for a while after reading her books. "
— Louise, 12/28/2013 -
" all trollope books are so easy to read, the pages just whizz by, not fantastic reading, but read a while ago so cant remember the plots, couldnt have been that impressive "
— Pob, 12/28/2013 -
" Joanna Trollope is one of my favourite authors and I think this one her best. Keenly observed novel about life in an English cathedral town. "
— Pat, 12/18/2013 -
" I first saw this as a TV production, and recently came across the book. A really diverse range of characters and a good read. "
— Gill, 12/10/2013 -
" One of Trollope's earlier novels, but a good story with human, believable characters. I always love the very realistic dialogue in her books; her characters think and talk like real people. "
— Diane, 12/6/2013 -
" Mmmm! Not my cup of tea. "
— Gill, 11/29/2013 -
" Another great Joanna Trollope read. Enjoyed the characters and I really love books about life in England. "
— Gayla, 11/24/2013 -
" I've read more books in the past couple years of English writers and I must say I'm happy to be a reader. 'The Choir' was an interesting story and kept me on my toes to follow through with each character and the many plot lines. "
— Clifford, 11/23/2013 -
" Yes, it's worthwhile for middle aged ladies like me (-: "
— Lily's, 11/22/2013 -
" 3-1/2 stars. Took awhile to get into all the characters, but quite a satisfying read. "
— Abcdarian, 11/6/2013 -
" I think I've read everything by Joanna Trollope and this first book she wrote under this pen name is excellent. She has a sure hand with people and relationships. "
— Lynn, 11/2/2013 -
" Loved this book! Love the way Trollope writes the interactions of daily life. "
— Debbie, 10/17/2013 -
" An English novel with many interesting characters--too many, probably, to be really effective. The story is about a battle to save a cathedral choir, and deals superficially with the role of music in the church. "
— Marvin, 10/9/2013 -
" Her writing is timeless, very British and totally delightful to read. Her characters and detail provided make the book sing. "
— Sandra, 9/22/2013 -
" This may be one where I liked the film better than the book. Or maybe it's because I saw the Masterpiece Theatre production first. In any case, it was a good reminder of how politics and personalities can get in the way of worship, whether in a cathedral setting or a small-town church. "
— MaryAnn, 9/2/2013 -
" I loved this book. I recommend it highly to anyone interested in the Church of England, music, choirs and human relationships. Gracefully written, funny and interesting. "
— Liz, 6/28/2013 -
" Disappointing. Not up to Ms Trollope's usual standard. "
— Kyra, 4/25/2013 -
" loved this, very typical trollope, without the constant staunchly clerical slant. the cathedral, the music, the organ....loved it! "
— sis, 4/12/2013 -
" A fascinating story revolving around a Cathedral choir, and the people involved. Realistic characters and setting, with a likeable boy caught up in various dramas. Reasonably satisfying conclusion. "
— Sue, 1/28/2013 -
" joanna trollope is one of my favorite writers, always enjoyable. "
— Rose, 12/9/2012 -
" Very enjoyable story depicting life in an English cathedral town. Well-drawn realistic characters. "
— Julie, 10/20/2012 -
" Choral music, England, cathedral, drama... A few of my favorite things! "
— Sarah, 9/8/2012
About Joanna Trollope
Joanna Trollope, a descendant of nineteenth-century English novelist Anthony Trollope, is the author of historical novels and a study of women in the British Empire. However, she has become best known for her lively contemporary novels, often centered on the nuances and dilemmas of domestic life in England. She has now written seven of these novels. Joanna Trollope was born and still lives in Gloucestershire, England.
About Wanda McCaddon
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.