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Amateurs
Beth Collier, up-and-coming composer, is shamed into acting as accompanist for her mum's amateur choir. And yes, they have a lot to teach her. There's no monopoly on talent, though; Alice, her brain-injured twin, has quite a voice, and leads her own band. But as the truth about the sisters' upbringing unfolds, Beth confronts big questions about her own identity.
Set in the months before lockdown, against the backdrop of the bars and church halls of a great musical city - where everyone makes art and joking is a serious business - this novel takes you back to where the music started. In the heart.
With amateurs and professionals from formal and informal musical traditions, the playlist ranges from Rachmaninov to Mersey Beat. Alongside music, there’s the word, and Beth will have to overcome some issues there... The thrills and spills of language - loved, shared, sometimes lost, often misunderstood, but never owned - are constant themes, as a wide range of characters from different cultural tribes stumble around in search of what connects them.
Set in the months before lockdown, against the backdrop of the bars and church halls of a great musical city - where everyone makes art and joking is a serious business - this novel takes you back to where the music started. In the heart.
With amateurs and professionals from formal and informal musical traditions, the playlist ranges from Rachmaninov to Mersey Beat. Alongside music, there’s the word, and Beth will have to overcome some issues there... The thrills and spills of language - loved, shared, sometimes lost, often misunderstood, but never owned - are constant themes, as a wide range of characters from different cultural tribes stumble around in search of what connects them.
344 pages, Paperback
Published March 13, 2024
51 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 26, 2024
Maybe it’s because I’m not a professional musician (or any sort of musician), that I find Beth’s constant negativity and wittering quite annoying. I wish I had her talent. She’s envious of her disabled sister, snobby about working with amateurs, but too full of self-doubt to put herself out there.
Beth is not a performer, she’s a composer, but when she doesn’t win a competition everyone thought she had in the bag, she starts to question her life. Then her mother asks her to play the piano for her community choir, the Lyceum Singers, and she reluctantly agrees. She’s known most of the singers all her life, they are lovely, but they are still ‘amateurs’, and she’s not too keen on the conductor. Until he leaves and is replaced by Theo. Then everything changes. Her ‘proper’ job is working for renowned composer Petra Laing at the university.
When Beth and Alice were five years old, Alice had a terrible accident which left her in a wheelchair, but also with a degree of brain damage. She’s much feistier than Beth and never turns down an opportunity. Alice would say, ‘Go for it, who cares about the rules.’ She says yes to everything. Good on you Alice. That’s my girl. Beth would be ‘Ah, but what if?’ Alice has her own band called Sky Blue Pink. They play covers and busk on the street. Alice is a brilliant singer. Beth is afraid of ‘words’. She likes her music ‘pure’.
As an aside, her ex Jaz Ander (I call him Jazz Hander) moved out after they tried living together for two weeks. She couldn’t stand him in her ‘space’ and constantly going on about the book he was writing. He found her annoyingly obsessive about her ‘space’. Then he wrote a piece for the Echo (he’s a journalist) about her relationship with her mother, which became known as the ‘Tiger Mother’ article and they both went ape. I don’t blame them.
Being a ‘Southerner’, the Liverpudlianisms (is that even a word?) went a bit over my head (there’s even a reference to people from the South of England at one point), as did a lot of the musical references, but don’t let any of that put you off. Amateurs is warm, funny and entertaining, and should be savoured over coffee (or tea) and biscuits. With friends, or even by joining a community choir (I did – just avoid the elitist chamber music) and sing your heart out to something like Les Mis or Phantom of the Opera. And if your choir needs a ‘kick up the butt’ (mine definitely didn’t), let them know discreetly by introducing new ideas.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of the #Amateurs blog tour
Beth is not a performer, she’s a composer, but when she doesn’t win a competition everyone thought she had in the bag, she starts to question her life. Then her mother asks her to play the piano for her community choir, the Lyceum Singers, and she reluctantly agrees. She’s known most of the singers all her life, they are lovely, but they are still ‘amateurs’, and she’s not too keen on the conductor. Until he leaves and is replaced by Theo. Then everything changes. Her ‘proper’ job is working for renowned composer Petra Laing at the university.
When Beth and Alice were five years old, Alice had a terrible accident which left her in a wheelchair, but also with a degree of brain damage. She’s much feistier than Beth and never turns down an opportunity. Alice would say, ‘Go for it, who cares about the rules.’ She says yes to everything. Good on you Alice. That’s my girl. Beth would be ‘Ah, but what if?’ Alice has her own band called Sky Blue Pink. They play covers and busk on the street. Alice is a brilliant singer. Beth is afraid of ‘words’. She likes her music ‘pure’.
As an aside, her ex Jaz Ander (I call him Jazz Hander) moved out after they tried living together for two weeks. She couldn’t stand him in her ‘space’ and constantly going on about the book he was writing. He found her annoyingly obsessive about her ‘space’. Then he wrote a piece for the Echo (he’s a journalist) about her relationship with her mother, which became known as the ‘Tiger Mother’ article and they both went ape. I don’t blame them.
Being a ‘Southerner’, the Liverpudlianisms (is that even a word?) went a bit over my head (there’s even a reference to people from the South of England at one point), as did a lot of the musical references, but don’t let any of that put you off. Amateurs is warm, funny and entertaining, and should be savoured over coffee (or tea) and biscuits. With friends, or even by joining a community choir (I did – just avoid the elitist chamber music) and sing your heart out to something like Les Mis or Phantom of the Opera. And if your choir needs a ‘kick up the butt’ (mine definitely didn’t), let them know discreetly by introducing new ideas.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of the #Amateurs blog tour
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May 29, 2024One to read if you like:
Light humour
Disability representation
Dealing with family issues
Contemporary vibes
Slow burn romance
Questioning life choices
Diverse characters
This is a relatively quick read, the short chapters keep the story flowing well. It's perfect for delving in and out of when you have that spare moment to catch a few more pages.
Such a mix of characters in this one. Both culturally, this is set in Liverpool, has an authentic greek restaurant with music nights and a love interest.
And also your amateur choir and symphony hall / classically trained FMC.
Alice, Beth's twin is hilarious in this and a really great character. Tragically injured in a traffic accident as a child this book reflects the impact this has on the family but also the attitudes still that disabilty means INABILITY. And knocks that on the head.
Beth on the other hand is struggling with her life choices and feeling despondent with where her life choices have taken her.
Light humour
Disability representation
Dealing with family issues
Contemporary vibes
Slow burn romance
Questioning life choices
Diverse characters
This is a relatively quick read, the short chapters keep the story flowing well. It's perfect for delving in and out of when you have that spare moment to catch a few more pages.
Such a mix of characters in this one. Both culturally, this is set in Liverpool, has an authentic greek restaurant with music nights and a love interest.
And also your amateur choir and symphony hall / classically trained FMC.
Alice, Beth's twin is hilarious in this and a really great character. Tragically injured in a traffic accident as a child this book reflects the impact this has on the family but also the attitudes still that disabilty means INABILITY. And knocks that on the head.
Beth on the other hand is struggling with her life choices and feeling despondent with where her life choices have taken her.
January 19, 2025
I usually give a star rating and no review, unless a book is really great and stayed with me. This book stayed with me for all the wrong reason. I had real trouble slogging through this pretentious novel of life’s trials as compared to and defined by music. Most of the musical comparisons are with choral or symphony compositions, which a character in the book describes as “elitist.” Maybe that should have been a clue to the author that regular readers might find this book stuffy. Not being a music expert, and more of a classic rock fan than a classical music fan, I had to look up many of the musical devices employed. I do enjoy learning new words, but prefer words I might use in the future. The main character was such a sad sack that it was difficult to like her. The big secret in the story was ho-hum and certainly not worth the angst it brought to the protagonist’s family. I should have ditched the book and left it unfinished, but I hate being a quitter.
May 26, 2024
I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book. I used to do a lot of am-dram in my younger days, and the cover reminded me of the diversity of the groups I was in. A kind of mishmash of people united by their love of the theatre in any form.
I love the relationships between Beth and her mother, and Beth and her twin sister Alice. I find twin relationships quite interesting, I can't imagine trying to be me in a world that sees me only as one half of a whole. And the pressure on Beth to find a "nice man" felt all too real!
I also loved Beth's exploration of herself and who she really was. How much of her love of music, and how much was trying to make Alice's dreams come true.
Setting this book in Liverpool, just before lockdown added a level of realism which I really enjoyed.
I love the relationships between Beth and her mother, and Beth and her twin sister Alice. I find twin relationships quite interesting, I can't imagine trying to be me in a world that sees me only as one half of a whole. And the pressure on Beth to find a "nice man" felt all too real!
I also loved Beth's exploration of herself and who she really was. How much of her love of music, and how much was trying to make Alice's dreams come true.
Setting this book in Liverpool, just before lockdown added a level of realism which I really enjoyed.
May 26, 2024
We could all do with more meraki, and that's the heart of this story, for Beth.
I won't lie. The cover does not appeal to me at all, but I was familiar with the author, and the blurb sounded interesting enough to give it a go.
The chapters are very short, and a lot of them perhaps too short, they could be condensed with the chapters around them. I do generally prefer short chapters, but they have to add value.
I thought it was really interesting to have the concept of Beth and Alice and Beth exploring how their childhood and Beth's disability had shaped her adulthood. I'd have liked more around the exploration with her mum and dad around those missing pieces, though.
I liked the musical background in this and the characters involved through the band and choir.
I'm sure it will do well.
I won't lie. The cover does not appeal to me at all, but I was familiar with the author, and the blurb sounded interesting enough to give it a go.
The chapters are very short, and a lot of them perhaps too short, they could be condensed with the chapters around them. I do generally prefer short chapters, but they have to add value.
I thought it was really interesting to have the concept of Beth and Alice and Beth exploring how their childhood and Beth's disability had shaped her adulthood. I'd have liked more around the exploration with her mum and dad around those missing pieces, though.
I liked the musical background in this and the characters involved through the band and choir.
I'm sure it will do well.
May 20, 2024
I was drawn to this book by the blurb and the disability representation in the novel. This is definitely a case where you should not judge a book by the cover.
It is a book to take your time over as the author explores the relationship between identical twins Beth and Alice. Alice has a disability which Beth struggled with more than Alice.
I loved the relationship with their mother and how we got to see that develop as truths were told.
The inclusion of music brought another element to the book and really made you think about things more deeply.
It is a book to take your time over as the author explores the relationship between identical twins Beth and Alice. Alice has a disability which Beth struggled with more than Alice.
I loved the relationship with their mother and how we got to see that develop as truths were told.
The inclusion of music brought another element to the book and really made you think about things more deeply.
May 22, 2024
I was drawn to this book by its musical theme, being a musical person myself. I found it to be a good choice. I really loved the sister Alice and Beth. I loved how Alice’s disability, as a result of a traumatic brain injury, was handled. It was done in a very sensitive way. I thought that in many ways Beth struggled with it more than Alice. While there’sa serious side to the story, there were also some funny moments to provide some comic relief. I loved how music proves once again to be the universal language. Overall, this was a good read.
May 23, 2024
I found this as very interesting story with relatable characters who we can all see ourselves coming into contact with. I find this a story for all ages which we can all learn something from about especially when we find ourselves stuck in a rut or just out of a toxic relationship. Having joined a choir myself I could relate to all of the different types of people that go to them to find companionship and a community feel. This shows in all of the different races and backgrounds that Gill Oliver has bought together. This is one book I will be recommending on the choir page.
May 24, 2024
Okay so I wasn’t attracted to this book by the cover (I’m wondering if this was intentional because of the ‘amatuer’ theme of the book) or necessarily the musical theme, but was recommended on the reputation of the author.
It was a really easy read, with lots going on at a decent pace. Following Beth and her life after not only a break-up but also missing out on top spot in a competition. Whilst the theme of music is an essential part of the plot it doesn’t overpower the book and the family dynamics and real life element to the story are what kept me reading on and enjoying the book.
It was a really easy read, with lots going on at a decent pace. Following Beth and her life after not only a break-up but also missing out on top spot in a competition. Whilst the theme of music is an essential part of the plot it doesn’t overpower the book and the family dynamics and real life element to the story are what kept me reading on and enjoying the book.
May 28, 2024
I have got to say that I was in two minds as to whether to grab this one or not - I really wasn't drawn by the front cover.
However, on reading the blurb and seeing the musical theme - I just couldn't resist!
And I was not disappointed!
Being an amateur musician myself - I took another look at this cover and thought how perfectly it captured the whole essence of any amateur group.
I'm in a band, rather than a choir - but the issues of having such diverse personalities in one group still rang true - and made this a brilliant read!
For me, the characters and the music made this book great - but I could not ignore the development of the relationship between the sisters.
A beautifully written story about Alice, who was left with a serious brain trauma after a childhood accident - which was so sensitively written and pivotal to the whole storyline.
Contrasting with this though - the book was packed with humour and an insight into society that will delight every reader!
I found this interesting, thought-provoking, heart-warming and hilarious and found myself reminiscing much more than once.
If you are like me and do judge a book by its cover - then look beyond the immediate with this one - see the humour - and grab this for a brilliant read!
However, on reading the blurb and seeing the musical theme - I just couldn't resist!
And I was not disappointed!
Being an amateur musician myself - I took another look at this cover and thought how perfectly it captured the whole essence of any amateur group.
I'm in a band, rather than a choir - but the issues of having such diverse personalities in one group still rang true - and made this a brilliant read!
For me, the characters and the music made this book great - but I could not ignore the development of the relationship between the sisters.
A beautifully written story about Alice, who was left with a serious brain trauma after a childhood accident - which was so sensitively written and pivotal to the whole storyline.
Contrasting with this though - the book was packed with humour and an insight into society that will delight every reader!
I found this interesting, thought-provoking, heart-warming and hilarious and found myself reminiscing much more than once.
If you are like me and do judge a book by its cover - then look beyond the immediate with this one - see the humour - and grab this for a brilliant read!
May 27, 2024
As soon as I saw this book I knew I had to read it, I have spent my life - and still do, in groups like this and so I knew ti would be a relatable and interesting read and I wasn't wrong.
It is well written with a compelling and heartwarming story line and well developed characters that I loved but honestly, I think I will have Alice in my heart forever.
As with any amateur group there is such an eclectic group of people and so many personalities and this was captured so brilliantly in the story line, I honestly could see so many of our group in the characters in this book.
I expected this book to be funny, but I didn't expect it to be as funny as it actually was, so I loved that. This book gave me so much it was heartwarming and really made me think which I wasn't expecting but loved.
I would highly recommend this book
It is well written with a compelling and heartwarming story line and well developed characters that I loved but honestly, I think I will have Alice in my heart forever.
As with any amateur group there is such an eclectic group of people and so many personalities and this was captured so brilliantly in the story line, I honestly could see so many of our group in the characters in this book.
I expected this book to be funny, but I didn't expect it to be as funny as it actually was, so I loved that. This book gave me so much it was heartwarming and really made me think which I wasn't expecting but loved.
I would highly recommend this book
May 29, 2024
I was gifted this book for a recent readalong. I was lured by the setting being "over the water" from where I live. I loved being able to pick up on the abbreviations, picture places in my mind without having to Google them and I've been rather drawn lately to readalongs with an underlying soundtrack thread although Googling the music references made an interesting enriching experience.
It is a story of relationships between twins and mothers and daughters and how a child's life and character are affected when this relationship is abruptly severed. The characters are developed well throughout the book, and you feel as if you are in the same room as them!
Beths response to things going wrong in all aspects of her life is understandable, but by the end of the book she is beginning to be able to follow her "Meraki" and head to the future without 'dragging a suitcase full of yesterday behind' her.
It is a story of relationships between twins and mothers and daughters and how a child's life and character are affected when this relationship is abruptly severed. The characters are developed well throughout the book, and you feel as if you are in the same room as them!
Beths response to things going wrong in all aspects of her life is understandable, but by the end of the book she is beginning to be able to follow her "Meraki" and head to the future without 'dragging a suitcase full of yesterday behind' her.
March 7, 2025
Enjoyable. Having grown up in a musical family (father a pianist, mother an organist) I understood much of the language. I loved the interaction of the twins.
May 24, 2024
Book Review
Amateurs by Gill Oliver
Genre: Contemporary
Amateurs tells the story of a young woman who is seeking to find her way as composer, attempting to find love and her own unique niche in the world. Her journey is intertwined with that of her twin sister who is attempting to do the same just in a different vein. Separated the two sisters mirror each other’s journey but they are adrift. United they are strong, unbreakable, remarkable and joyful. Together they achieve greatness. The story is filled with compassion, humour and unique and valuable insights into a world of amateur musicians, choirs and the complexities and relationships that lie within. If you’ve loved watching any of the reality shows that form choirs then this is the book for you.
Amateurs by Gill Oliver
Genre: Contemporary
Amateurs tells the story of a young woman who is seeking to find her way as composer, attempting to find love and her own unique niche in the world. Her journey is intertwined with that of her twin sister who is attempting to do the same just in a different vein. Separated the two sisters mirror each other’s journey but they are adrift. United they are strong, unbreakable, remarkable and joyful. Together they achieve greatness. The story is filled with compassion, humour and unique and valuable insights into a world of amateur musicians, choirs and the complexities and relationships that lie within. If you’ve loved watching any of the reality shows that form choirs then this is the book for you.
August 4, 2024
Where to start?
I went in, not really knowing what to expect and ended up really enjoying it.
While music was a major theme throughout the book, family was the clear focus, with 2 main relationships:
- Beth and her mother, also a musician and part of a choir
&
- Beth and her twin, Alice.
I love reading about twins, as I am fascinated by the complexity of this unique bond.
In literature, you often read about twins, either so close they are excluding everyone else, or antagonising each other to the extreme (not the case here).
The topic of identity was discussed a lot throughout the book, with Beth questioning herself and her career path. Was it her decision to pursue music? Or did she, in a way, steal her sister's life, after Alice suffered great injuries who left her with permanent disabilities.
Beth has many questions, and you don't have to be a twin to relate to them. Family relationships are complicated, something that is clearly explored in this book.
I found Beth really relatable: her questions, her commitment issues, her fears and frustrations, etc.
QUESTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS (to myself)
- The idea of not knowing whether it's you or your twin on video is troubling to me.
- Identity for twins is a weird concept. You can be seen as the half of a whole person. And you can't help wondering: Is one of us considered the better half?
- Having a twin seems similar (just my thoughts) to being in front of a constant mirror, or constant "what ifs".
I went in, not really knowing what to expect and ended up really enjoying it.
While music was a major theme throughout the book, family was the clear focus, with 2 main relationships:
- Beth and her mother, also a musician and part of a choir
&
- Beth and her twin, Alice.
I love reading about twins, as I am fascinated by the complexity of this unique bond.
In literature, you often read about twins, either so close they are excluding everyone else, or antagonising each other to the extreme (not the case here).
The topic of identity was discussed a lot throughout the book, with Beth questioning herself and her career path. Was it her decision to pursue music? Or did she, in a way, steal her sister's life, after Alice suffered great injuries who left her with permanent disabilities.
Beth has many questions, and you don't have to be a twin to relate to them. Family relationships are complicated, something that is clearly explored in this book.
I found Beth really relatable: her questions, her commitment issues, her fears and frustrations, etc.
QUESTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS (to myself)
- The idea of not knowing whether it's you or your twin on video is troubling to me.
- Identity for twins is a weird concept. You can be seen as the half of a whole person. And you can't help wondering: Is one of us considered the better half?
- Having a twin seems similar (just my thoughts) to being in front of a constant mirror, or constant "what ifs".
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews