This is a book with big themes. Ostensibly, a story of a community of people who, against all the odds, find a way of staging a life changing and life enhancing concert in their village. Yet permeated with far deeper reflections on the fragility of humans; of all humanity. It powerfully evokes the dread and intensity of states of anxiety, alienation, feeling 'othered', not being heard, not being listened to. And the universal truth conveyed in this wonderful book is that every character has their weaknesses, but when understood and working together as a team, each can also play to their strengths, find new energy and resolve to move forward and perform - the sum very definitely being greater than it's parts...... Most of all, it is a story about looking under the surface for truth; the truth of one's identity, undimmed by personal shame, lack of self belief, the mistaken perceptions and expectations of others. That if we not only hear, but actually listen wholeheartedly, a greater truth can be revealed. Ultimately, this is a book of love and hope. It is full of warmth and empathy. With one or two exceptions - well someone has to be the 'bad guy' - characters are drawn with kindness and gentle humour. Even those who are heading in the wrong direction, are redeemed towards the end of the book and show themselves capable of moral strength - the ability to do the right thing. "Everybody deserved a second chance". And what a page turner! Hard to put down, I kept reading another chapter before turning the bedside light off. There is great pace throughout, sub plots, twists and turns. The reader is led to scenes of near catastrophe before the day is saved. Such is the skill of the author in compelling the reader to care about the central characters, willing them not to be misunderstood and for there to be a happy ending. Deft touches of wry humour are threaded throughout the book, lightening the more difficult and complex themes of deafness and changing patterns of behaviour. Victoria embodies sharp insight and wisdom, with dry wit and a taste for adventure: " We all carry heavy burdens, Shelly dear. The only difference is the volume at which Marilyn carries hers....." "But then again, she'd always preferred a rollercoaster to a roundabout". Sam Collins skilfully plays upon themes of hearing, listening and perception which are woven into the narrative, hinting but not revealing the central mystery of A Beautiful Noise, which comes much later on. A key tenet being that we should all " see more, feel more......listen more." Ultimately, ideas of truth and change come together vividly in the final chapters: "Sometimes you just have to find your own voice - Trust yourself and speak your truth. If it is there, you will hear it, if you listen properly. And if it is not, walk away." It is a huge credit to the skill and imagination of Sam Collins that she manages to convey so much truth about the human condition via the medium of a romp through the village of Bedingford.
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A Beautiful Noise by Sam Collins initially felt a bit daunting, given that it’s been a while since I picked up a work of fiction. But thanks to my wife’s introduction, I found myself immersed in the lives and journeys of the characters within this small community. Collins does an excellent job of bringing out both the warmth and the tension among characters, exploring themes like identity and vulnerability with a gentle humour that’s never overbearing. What really stood out to me were the musical references, which made the story feel authentic and resonant. For anyone who loves music, these details add an extra layer of enjoyment, underscoring how sound and music shape experiences and relationships. Overall, it’s a story of hope, second chances, and connection, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
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I missed A Beautiful Noise as soon as finishing the last page. I miss being a part of the fabulously dubious community of imperfect and selfish souls created by Sam Collins. Then, inside this community, I miss her skilful development of key characters as they manage their experiences of deafness, grief, and hearty music-making. I miss their determination to bring their ambitions and dreams to fruition. This book could become a study in modern tragi-comedy as it explores the dance between darker and lighter elements of the plot, the tragedy becoming all the more moving as it is coupled with its hilarious life partner. The themes of sound and music running through the plot generously encompass references from opera, to jazz, to classic and progressive rock. It would seem that Sam has first-hand knowledge of the music business and all that goes on behind the scenes, and the storytelling seems authentically rooted within such experience. There is also an impressive knowledge of acoustics, which has an indispensable purpose within the story (watch out for the effect of 3 decibels!). I can’t tell you anything else without giving away the story. But just one spoiler: there is a deep understanding of the many varieties of depression, fragility and damage, and how these conditions can endure. But also, there could be healing with good company and rewarding activity. Despite all the humanity and virtuosity in the writing, however, what this book really is, first and foremost, is a rollicking good rock and roll tale told with a healthy dose of side-splitting irreverence.
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Hugely enjoyable, thought-provoking and entertaining with great depth of characterisation and some surprising twists and turns. The characters truly came to life and I felt invested in their situations and relationships and in their human struggles and vulnerabilities. I also learnt a lot which will stay with me. A really well-written novel.
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I bought this after it was recommended by a friend, but wasn't expecting to enjoy it quite as much as I did! Really original story, very well-written, with wit, intelligence, and great characters. A true love story in its widest sense (not 'romance') and I learned something too. Highly recommended, I think it would have very wide appeal.
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no for me, the first caper was ok , after what I found t predictable , hence a bit boring.
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I read the reviews but misunderstood the ethos of this book. Unfeasible plot, unattractive characters (of which too many and too confusing) and forced "humour" of empty gags and unfathomable phrases. Poor reading altogether, forced myself through100 pages and had to abandon. I suspect the writer sees villagers as angry, banal and only interested in appearances. As for their underlying traits, the writer failed to develop my admiration for any of them. Mostly it was the forced jokes and wordplay that drove me to shut the book.
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I enjoyed the cast of characters and their quirks and their challenges that brought them together . I also found the style of writing and storytelling enjoyable. I loved the bits of the “British humor “ It was truly a refreshing read.
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A wonderfuly engaging page turner full of mysteries and unexpected resolutions. I will be revisiting and highly recommend it as an inspiration and antidote to the turmoil of life. The characters are fully realised very entertaining and from every walk of life. A great pleasure.
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Loved this book! It's a very pleasant story, heart-warming, funny and with surprising twists, set in a quite English village, where the characters are described with great skill and sensitivity by the author. I highly recommend it, it could also be a nice gift idea for Christmas! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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It's been over 15 years since I have picked up a book. A friend of mine recommended this one because I am an avid lover of music which is a theme that is woven throughout this book. So I gave it a go and have to agree that his recommendation was spot on! Despite English not being my mother tongue, I had no trouble at all going through the book. This does arguably not mean that it is not a challenging read from a grammatical point of view. No, it is simply well-written and an easy to follow novel. Captivating, sprinkled with typical witty British humor, these are just a few key words and phrases which ensured I was drawn into the story. The musical and sound related aspects made it an even more lovable read for me as a music enthusiast. All in all an endearing, thoughtful and uplifting book which I can recommend wholeheartedly!
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Sam Collins treats us to a cast of characters like Dickens or Tom Sharpe but with much more insight into their inner worlds, we learn how to listen. Sophisticated but also simple, by the end of this endearing story, every reader will truly wish they were in Bedingford. A beautiful noise is a beautiful novel. C & K Element
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