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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
challenging
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I had high hopes for this book after reading reviews and the marketing blurb. I did not like it!
It’s rife with thinly developed characters and simplistic pulled-from-TV-cop-show racial incidents.
Was this a mystery-thriller as marketed or a story about systemic racism? A story with elements of both could have been great. Instead, the mystery wasn’t compelling and the racism was told almost by rote, in a bullet-point way with no nuance and very little introspection or societal observation. It went something like this: “XYZ happened, I don’t understand why, I didn’t do anything wrong, oh it’s the colour of my skin, I just need to try harder, I’ll prove I’m worthy, I won’t give up!” Aaargh!
The two stars are for the author’s descriptions of musical pieces, although they began to feel bloated and overdone after awhile.
It’s rife with thinly developed characters and simplistic pulled-from-TV-cop-show racial incidents.
Was this a mystery-thriller as marketed or a story about systemic racism? A story with elements of both could have been great. Instead, the mystery wasn’t compelling and the racism was told almost by rote, in a bullet-point way with no nuance and very little introspection or societal observation. It went something like this: “XYZ happened, I don’t understand why, I didn’t do anything wrong, oh it’s the colour of my skin, I just need to try harder, I’ll prove I’m worthy, I won’t give up!” Aaargh!
The two stars are for the author’s descriptions of musical pieces, although they began to feel bloated and overdone after awhile.
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
No
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I almost gave up on this book, as the first half moved too slowly in my opinion. But when the pace improved significantly early in the second half I was glad I stayed with it. A solid and compelling debut novel. The author’s note at the end offers critical context for the story.
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Ray McMillian is a black musician with an enormous talent. His life ambition is to become a professional violin musician in a world where he faces racism, overcomes adversities and rises above and beyond challenges to become a respected , respectful kind soul. Just before a major competition his most valued possession, his stradivarius violin is stolen. This is his biggest challenge yet!
Brendan Slocumb is also a musician and he uses his own life experiences to write this novel - a very enjoyable read.
Brendan Slocumb is also a musician and he uses his own life experiences to write this novel - a very enjoyable read.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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:
Yes
challenging
mysterious
sad
tense
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
emotional
mysterious
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