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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
Two stories interwoven beautifully. Slow starter but the pace does quicken.
This was a book club book and it was really great for that purpose. I enjoyed it so much more than the last one. Timely topics about race and gender and how artists in underrepresented groups have prospered (or not), issues surrounding different ways to engage with art, and also a few topics that are too spoilery to discuss. Just know it is very of the moment.
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Conceptually the book is wonderful. The writer’s background in music shines through the writing giving it a unique feel in word choice and imagery. Both plot lines were riveting and kept my attention ! There were a few things in the book that I didn’t love like Bern and Eboni getting together - it felt unnecessary but would recommend the book as a read that tackles some heavy topics well.
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
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:
Complicated
I listened to the audiobook for this one and I wish there would have been more individuals reading this for a more varied cast of characters. Overall the book itself explored varied and complex issues from abuse and racism to the lack of recognition provided for works completed. This is fiction but feels very much like it is based on fact.
Well written and engaging. Thought provoking. I wonder how much the world has lost due to racism and greed.
At first I was like "oh, so this is a Dan Brown book with a Black Robert Langdon." It was about half that, which I want to be clear - isn't a bad thing for me. :)
It's the story of a professor who is digging into the legacy of a famous composer from the 1920's, and they start to piece together that he might have had some help in his music writing/inspiration from a Black woman. I think what ultimately takes me up to a 5 star on this one is the fact that this fiction... but it is oh-so-plausible and it really made me wonder just how many marginalized people were robbed of credit and/or opportunity to share their art. I liked how Slocumb included women, minority, and neurodivergence as factors to consider.
Really good, well-paced, well-written.
It's the story of a professor who is digging into the legacy of a famous composer from the 1920's, and they start to piece together that he might have had some help in his music writing/inspiration from a Black woman. I think what ultimately takes me up to a 5 star on this one is the fact that this fiction... but it is oh-so-plausible and it really made me wonder just how many marginalized people were robbed of credit and/or opportunity to share their art. I liked how Slocumb included women, minority, and neurodivergence as factors to consider.
Really good, well-paced, well-written.