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emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5/5
I loved the premise of this one: in the contemporary timeline an academic is asked to review the draft of a long-lost symphony by a famous composer. We also get the historical timeline, showing how that composer came to lose that music and his rise to fame. I enjoyed the ride, but I will admit that I knew how it all went down almost immediately. The first chunk is in the present timeline and the moment we flipped back in time and were introduced to all the characters it was immediately clear what happened. It's unclear to me what point the author intended readers to catch on, but I'm suspicious it was obvious to me before the author would have wanted. It's a bit of a long book (+400!) for it to be so straightforward after 100 pages. However, I just enjoyed the journey and devoured this long audiobook in 24 hours so I don't really have many complaints. Once again, I like Slocumb's work and while they are likely going to be categorized as mysteries/thrillers or whatever, I think you have to approach it realizing that element (or the twist, at least) isn't going to be the part that knocks it out of the park.
I loved the premise of this one: in the contemporary timeline an academic is asked to review the draft of a long-lost symphony by a famous composer. We also get the historical timeline, showing how that composer came to lose that music and his rise to fame. I enjoyed the ride, but I will admit that I knew how it all went down almost immediately. The first chunk is in the present timeline and the moment we flipped back in time and were introduced to all the characters it was immediately clear what happened. It's unclear to me what point the author intended readers to catch on, but I'm suspicious it was obvious to me before the author would have wanted. It's a bit of a long book (+400!) for it to be so straightforward after 100 pages. However, I just enjoyed the journey and devoured this long audiobook in 24 hours so I don't really have many complaints. Once again, I like Slocumb's work and while they are likely going to be categorized as mysteries/thrillers or whatever, I think you have to approach it realizing that element (or the twist, at least) isn't going to be the part that knocks it out of the park.
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
#MMD ModernMrsDarcy 2023 Spring Book Preview
5 Stars • "Symphony of Secrets" by Brendan Slocumb is a novel that explores the hidden history behind a famous American composer, suggesting his work might have been stolen from a Black Jazz Age prodigy named Josephine Reed. The story alternates between the present, where Bern Hendricks uncovers these secrets, and the 1920s, detailing the relationship between composer Frederic Delaney and Josephine. Themes include racism, cultural appropriation, and the exploitation of marginalized artists.
#SymphonyOfSecrets #BrendanSlocumb #Bookish
5 Stars • "Symphony of Secrets" by Brendan Slocumb is a novel that explores the hidden history behind a famous American composer, suggesting his work might have been stolen from a Black Jazz Age prodigy named Josephine Reed. The story alternates between the present, where Bern Hendricks uncovers these secrets, and the 1920s, detailing the relationship between composer Frederic Delaney and Josephine. Themes include racism, cultural appropriation, and the exploitation of marginalized artists.
#SymphonyOfSecrets #BrendanSlocumb #Bookish
I love Brendan Slocumb’s first novel and “Symphony of Secrets” is a perfect example of sophomore surge! The most famous classical composer of the 20th century owes all his success to Josephine Reed, a black neurodivergent woman with an unmatched ear for music. Their relationship starts out caring but spirals into abuse as he takes all he can from her. Enter Bern Hendricks, who a century later begins a relentless pursuit to ensure the world knows Josephine’s name. Tension mounts as Bern slowly unravels the mystery. He’s against a powerful adversary and dealing with racists at every turn definitely doesn’t help.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Graphic: Hate crime, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Police brutality
I was pretty excited to read the series. The Violin Conspiracy was clunky, pulling in the thriller elements but executing individual scenes without finesse. But given that it was a first-time author, I was willing to cut Slocumb slack, especially given the expertise about the music world and the rendering of the life. Of a musician of color, a fresh landscape to consider. But I don’t feel Symphony of Secrets was enough more accomplished to push me toward following this series any further.
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes