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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Phew this book! It was tense and intense and rage inducing and a page turner! I loved all of the descriptions of music and the scenes and emotions Ray was imagining while playing. It was fascinating to me to think about how different musicians and different instruments could make the same notes sound completely different. I was invested in the mystery and looking for clues everywhere.
In the authors note he writes: “It’s not fair that people who look a certain way must constantly prove their worth, but at this juncture in history, we’re well beyond what’s fair.” I hated every time Ray had to face yet racist and unfair situations over and over (sadly the reality for so many, still) but loved how Ray always thought of his grandmother and his promise to her. Ray was a delight and I was rooting for him the whole time.
This was a great book and I’ll definitely read the next one by this author.
In the authors note he writes: “It’s not fair that people who look a certain way must constantly prove their worth, but at this juncture in history, we’re well beyond what’s fair.” I hated every time Ray had to face yet racist and unfair situations over and over (sadly the reality for so many, still) but loved how Ray always thought of his grandmother and his promise to her. Ray was a delight and I was rooting for him the whole time.
This was a great book and I’ll definitely read the next one by this author.
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
i had a great time with this! loved the mystery (though i immediately guessed the culprit) and loved the descriptions of the music.
i wish the main character had a liiiittle more growth, specifically in regards to establishing boundaries with his family, but overall i found him to be a loveable narrator.
i wish the main character had a liiiittle more growth, specifically in regards to establishing boundaries with his family, but overall i found him to be a loveable narrator.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
This was my first Brendan Slocumb book and I will definitely be picking up another in the future! I was very by the storyline and characters. Really, his characters and exposition kept me a lot more hooked than the actual mystery, which felt like just a piece of a much bigger story. My only complaint was that the first section, which just focused on the theft of his violin, was pretty slow and hard to get into.
adventurous
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:
No
A very interesting mystery with an unexpected ending. I really enjoyed this unusual read even though my knowledge of music is very limited. I would expect that a musician would find it fascinating.
Slocumb has drawn from his not only his musical background, but his real life experiences to relate the viciousness of prejudice and the brutality of racial discrimination by law enforcement. The passages where these take place offer a perspective from Ray’s point of view that should make the existence of these shameful manifestations of racial hatred utterly embarrassing to all white people.
Music is in Ray (Rayquan) McMillian’s blood. His great-great-grandfather (Leon Marks) and his family were slaves on a southern plantation and suffered harsh lives at the direction of the master. But Leon learned to play his master’s violin at a young age and earned favor as the master enjoyed hearing Leon fiddle every evening. Thus, he was spared the cruelty his kin experienced. At the time of the Emancipation Proclamation Leon was given his freedom and his master’s instrument. Leon’s grandmother still remembers hearing hear grandfather play. Now Ray has learned how to make music with a rented school violin. His love for the classical music he plays inspires him to improve and excel at his talent. Although his mother insists that he get a minimum wage job and help with the family expenses, Ray manages to find a way to earn a decent paycheck playing for weddings and other events. Near the time of graduation, he captures the attention of a scout from Markham University. Before his grandmother passes away, she finds her grandfather’s case with the old music making device inside. Ray has it repaired and accepts the offer from Markham University setting him on a path towards the career of his dreams. When he discovers that his great-great-grandfather’s instrument is an extremely valuable Stradivarius and this is made public, he finds no end to the number of people who want to lay claim to it. Suddenly it disappears before Ray’s biggest competition yet, the Tchaikovsky Competition in Russia. Will Ray ever see his precious violin again?
Slocumb has drawn from his not only his musical background, but his real life experiences to relate the viciousness of prejudice and the brutality of racial discrimination by law enforcement. The passages where these take place offer a perspective from Ray’s point of view that should make the existence of these shameful manifestations of racial hatred utterly embarrassing to all white people.
Music is in Ray (Rayquan) McMillian’s blood. His great-great-grandfather (Leon Marks) and his family were slaves on a southern plantation and suffered harsh lives at the direction of the master. But Leon learned to play his master’s violin at a young age and earned favor as the master enjoyed hearing Leon fiddle every evening. Thus, he was spared the cruelty his kin experienced. At the time of the Emancipation Proclamation Leon was given his freedom and his master’s instrument. Leon’s grandmother still remembers hearing hear grandfather play. Now Ray has learned how to make music with a rented school violin. His love for the classical music he plays inspires him to improve and excel at his talent. Although his mother insists that he get a minimum wage job and help with the family expenses, Ray manages to find a way to earn a decent paycheck playing for weddings and other events. Near the time of graduation, he captures the attention of a scout from Markham University. Before his grandmother passes away, she finds her grandfather’s case with the old music making device inside. Ray has it repaired and accepts the offer from Markham University setting him on a path towards the career of his dreams. When he discovers that his great-great-grandfather’s instrument is an extremely valuable Stradivarius and this is made public, he finds no end to the number of people who want to lay claim to it. Suddenly it disappears before Ray’s biggest competition yet, the Tchaikovsky Competition in Russia. Will Ray ever see his precious violin again?
After hearing Brendan Slocumb speak at an author event in March '22, I couldn't wait to read his book - and happy to say it did not disappoint! While he brings to life the unique, vibrant culture of orchestral playing and violinists specifically, he hasn't shied away from depicting the reality of having black or brown middle-class skin in predominantly white, wealthy spaces. The mystery of the stolen violin clips along at a satisfying pace, as you're introduced to many facets of the music world.
Thematically, it's a reminder to reach out to others with encouragement and hope, respectfully stand up for yourself and your values, and be the help and change this world needs. Loved it.
Thematically, it's a reminder to reach out to others with encouragement and hope, respectfully stand up for yourself and your values, and be the help and change this world needs. Loved it.
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
mysterious
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