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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
This book is SO VERY GOOD.
It was on my TBR from 2023 and I started it briefly and then stopped and I am SO glad I went back. (*Note to self January is a great month to go back to my TBR list from the year before!)
Brendan Slocumb writes from his direct musical experiences and I am so glad he added writing to his list of accomplishments. This book starts with a crime, a very well plotted mystery that doesn't unfold until the very end.
Woven into the plot are the many forms of racism our lead character Ray faces (and his ancestors had faced) on his quest to be taken seriously as a violinist and to recover his stolen instrument. The racism, many of which are based on the author's own life, range from interpersonal to institutional, verbal to violent attacks.
This is more that a deftly written mystery - it is the story of triumph in the face of the unspeakable horrors hidden in history. MUST READ.
It was on my TBR from 2023 and I started it briefly and then stopped and I am SO glad I went back. (*Note to self January is a great month to go back to my TBR list from the year before!)
Brendan Slocumb writes from his direct musical experiences and I am so glad he added writing to his list of accomplishments. This book starts with a crime, a very well plotted mystery that doesn't unfold until the very end.
Woven into the plot are the many forms of racism our lead character Ray faces (and his ancestors had faced) on his quest to be taken seriously as a violinist and to recover his stolen instrument. The racism, many of which are based on the author's own life, range from interpersonal to institutional, verbal to violent attacks.
This is more that a deftly written mystery - it is the story of triumph in the face of the unspeakable horrors hidden in history. MUST READ.
First off, this isn’t a straight ahead mystery. While there is a mystery at the heart of the story involving a missing violin, the bigger mystery is the story of how Ray’s family acquired the violin.
Even more, this is a story of a young man dealing with the racism he encounters in the world in general and in the classical music world as in particular. Through a series of encounters with racist authority figures you see Ray’s growth and maturity as he deals with the real and emotional dangers from these people.
Even more, this is a story of a young man dealing with the racism he encounters in the world in general and in the classical music world as in particular. Through a series of encounters with racist authority figures you see Ray’s growth and maturity as he deals with the real and emotional dangers from these people.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
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:
Complicated
Excellent suspenseful read, with great information on classical music and racism in the world. There are some graphic and tragic descriptions of the treatment of slaves that are tough to read. In the author’s note, you will discover what parts of this story are based on his real life experiences. I highly recommend.
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
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
A great read! Loved listening to the violin pieces featured. Didn’t see the end coming. Fascinating issues about race and socioeconomic factors.
This is a rich and beautifully nuanced tale of the life of a musically gifted boy, the gifts he brings to others, the pain inflicted on him by society and family, and the way the support of a few good people keep him buoyed and see him through. Oh, and there’s a whodunnit with a twist, too!
“Alone we are a solitary violin. A lonely flute. A trumpet singing in the dark. Together, we are a symphony.”
“Alone we are a solitary violin. A lonely flute. A trumpet singing in the dark. Together, we are a symphony.”
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
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:
No
Had JD Jackson not read this to me, I would have abandoned it. Bland and predictable.
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:
Complicated