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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
The Violin Conspiracy was an enjoyable read, with a lot of really interesting descriptions of making it as a soloist in the competitive world of classical music. The novel opens with loss. Ray, a man from a lower working class family finds his Stradivarius violin missing from his hotel room. We immediately assume he has already made it big. But the story is more complicated than this and two sets of people are claiming he came by this violin by improper means. Slocumb does a marvelous job creating Ray's extended family, starting with his mother who wants him to get his GED halfway through his senior year so he can get a job and buy her a bigger tv. He has classmates who know that his playing, even on a lousy school rental, is exceptional. He finds a mentor when he is encouraged to compete for a regional school orchestra. The interplay of his family, the very white and full of micro aggression and outright racism world of being a fine violinist while Black and the other pretenders to the violin is eyeopening. The story lagged sometimes and some parts felt unrealistic. I did not love the resolution, but I predicted it early. I also didn't hate the resolution. All in all, I liked it a lot and would recommend it to others.
challenging
dark
medium-paced
I enjoyed this mystery novel- the talented young Black violinist and his connection to his family’s violin kept me wanting to find out the history of the violin and the struggles-personally and professionally- that ensue when the violin is stolen. Part mystery/part history lesson.
emotional
inspiring
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:
No
Interesting world of classical music, enjoyed hanging out in big-hearted Ray's head... and Janice is quietly amazing.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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 loved this book, and seeing Brendan Slocumb in person for our One Book, One Community event made it even more special! Playing the book’s Spotify playlist in the background made it really immersive, and helped me appreciate the music Ray was playing.
After reading this book I feel like I have an inkling of what it is like to play an instrument at a high level. Unique premise, fun thriller. Can't wait to read his next book.
I had a hard time getting into this because of some of the awful characters, but I soon realized that if I was feeling so deeply, it must be good. Glad I stuck through the discomfort and listened to the whole story. Well written.