Warmth and a biting wit harmonize perfectly in this second novel (after
The Hive) about the rebirth of an almost moribund community choir in the suburban village of Bridgeford, England, which is on the verge of losing whatever small-town charm it has left to superstores and outside developers. In this delightfully clever and emotionally satisfying story with an ensemble cast, Hornby (wife of novelist Robert Harris and sister of novelist Nick Hornby) zooms in on the personalities and drama within the microcosm of a local choir. St. Ambrose School and a couple of characters from Hornby's first book enter briefly, but while those who read The Hive will feel they're catching an inside reference, others will not be missing any necessary background.
VERDICT This snappy comedy of suburban manners among the middle-aged is as heartwarming as a catchy pop song and as carefully arranged as classical choral music. Readers of Anne Tyler, Ann Leary, and other wry observers of human nature will enjoy visiting Bridgeford.
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