Reviews tagging 'Gaslighting'

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

8 reviews

ajay913's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Slavery, Murder, Death, Racism, Racial slurs, and Torture

Moderate: Grief, Cursing, Bullying, and Police brutality

Minor: Gaslighting

ladyzbyrd's review against another edition

emotional inspiring sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was a fun and emotional read. I was so angry and sad the whole way through, scattered with bits of joy, only to be turned to rage again and again. What a way to mess with a reader’s heart and still come out of the book and say yes, this was an amazing read! 

There were definitely some parts that’s defy realism when it comes to procedures in various fields that made certain scenes difficult to believe, and I had to set that aside. Reading this slower on my second go around with a group, I ended up in several rabbit holes, mostly due to the above-mentioned procedures in different scenes. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Police brutality, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Racism, Racial slurs, Slavery, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Stalking, and Bullying

language_loving_amateur's review against another edition

tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

 The tension was higher than I expected, but very good and the book kept me on my toes. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Torture, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, and Slavery

Moderate: Emotional abuse

author2223's review against another edition

emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense 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? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Racism, Toxic relationship, and Racial slurs

Moderate: Torture, Slavery, Gaslighting, and Police brutality

pershie13's review against another edition

adventurous dark hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense 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

5.0

It took me a long time to finally finish this book while completing my last semester of undergrad, but this book turned out fantastic! The book follows the story of violinist Ray McMillan, who received no formal training on his instrument until he reached college. Mentored by his violin professor Dr. Janice Stevens, Ray becomes one of the best at his craft. Along with following his journey as a violinist, the story also places an emphasis on the instrument he plays, a Stradivarius violin passed down to him by his grandmother. The story turns into a sort of mystery/thriller as we find out in the opening pages that this violin has been stolen and requires a multi-million dollar ransom for its return. This story covers many of the issues that Black people often face in the field of classical music, as well as the themes of hard work, family, and mentorship. The story definitely took unexpected turns, and I questioned to the very end what was going to happen to Ray, his violin, and his musical career. The book was fantastic, and I enjoyed every twist and turn!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder, Racial slurs, Gore, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Slavery, and Torture

Moderate: Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Police brutality, Hate crime, and Cursing

Minor: Classism, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual content, and Grief

copiani's review against another edition

emotional inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Racism

Moderate: Slavery, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, and Grief

Minor: Cancer and Dementia

rebeccarudisill's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Ray is the absolute heart of this book. His genuine love for music and his soul level goodness made me love him from page one. He approaches everything and everyone from a place of genuine kindness, and his love for his grandmother was truly touching. The story is fantastic and keeps you engaged until the end. I am so thankful for the opportunity to know Ray and to know the pieces of Brendan Slocumb himself that were woven into this sorry. Also, on behalf of Baton Rouge, I am truly sorry for the way our people treated you. It was wrong, and we will do better. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Slavery, Gaslighting, Murder, Torture, Emotional abuse, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Racism

There are many moments when the main character encounters racism and racist people. All incidents - big and small - are horrible. ***But most vivid is a flashback scene that describes Ray’s great-great-grandfather’s experience as an enslaved person. IT IS VERY DETAILED AND VERY HORRIFYING. HSP’s and all others be warned. It is necessary for the plot, but it is hard***

mysterymom40's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Slavery, Torture, and Racial slurs

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Death, and Racism

Minor: Bullying, Gaslighting, and Classism