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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
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.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
Loveable characters:
Complicated
hopeful
mysterious
sad
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
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:
No
This was great! While it didn’t give me the thriller vibes I expected, I was completely captivated by Ray’s story. I loved getting to know him and understanding his motivations, especially his connection with his Grandma Nora. His experiences with racism as a Black classical violinist were both heartbreaking and infuriating. This book hit hard, especially considering all the current craziness with DEI. The author’s note was also a perfect conclusion.
The audiobook production was well done! JD Jackson was an outstanding narrator, and the orchestral music between each part made for an incredibly immersive reading experience.
emotional
funny
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
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The author should have written a memoir about his experiences. The repetitive instances of racism slowed the mystery down. Also Ray was like one of those kids in school who would repeatedly say they were going to fail...and then get an A on the exam. I found him to be whiny and annoying.
The character development was well done. The mystery aspect was touch and go, but more than anything, the story itself was great. I appreciated the details of the author's experiences as a Black man working in the often elitist and racist area of music. Definitely a book I would recommend.
This book is getting lots of attention, for some good reasons: the perspective of a Black classical musician is not a voice we know. When Slocumb writes about Ray's relationship with his violin, about the specifics of the music, the technicalities of playing-- all of that is refreshing and interesting and beautiful.
The writing otherwise is workmanlike and clumsy. I feel bad not liking this book more, but it's because of the writing. Slocumb's found a niche; hopefully he'll improve.
I spent much of the book, especially the first part, with a tightness in my chest and anger at the shit that the fictional Ray (who is the real-life Brendan Slocumb) had to go through as a young Black man. That in itself makes this book important. I've decided to try to hear L'Inverno in my head when I feel the rage starting-- but what music do the Black people we victimize everyday hear in their heads?
The writing otherwise is workmanlike and clumsy. I feel bad not liking this book more, but it's because of the writing. Slocumb's found a niche; hopefully he'll improve.
I spent much of the book, especially the first part, with a tightness in my chest and anger at the shit that the fictional Ray (who is the real-life Brendan Slocumb) had to go through as a young Black man. That in itself makes this book important. I've decided to try to hear L'Inverno in my head when I feel the rage starting-- but what music do the Black people we victimize everyday hear in their heads?