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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
3.5 ⭐️ i think this was a valid perspective of a successful black violinist that consistently had to prove to everyone how talented he was despite every obstacle that faced him for simply being black. However, I was disappointed by the mystery aspect and hoped for something a little more exciting in the end which led to my 3.5 stars.
I loved this book for so many reasons. The story, the detective bits, the history lessons, the music, the happy ending--it was all just wonderful.
Loved this book it’s fast paced and cuts you to the core. Made me think about kids of color and the struggle in the orchestra world. Although the ending was predictable and saw it coming from the first quarter of the book.
A Black classical musician discovers that his family’s heirloom violin is priceless. Just before a prestigious competition, the violin is stolen and a claim is made on it by the family of the man who enslaved his great-grandfather.
THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY made for not only a great mystery/thriller read but also provided a compelling portrait of a Black musician in the predominantly white classical music field. This exploration gave a deeper emotional resonance than the average mystery book.
Having worked for a major American orchestra and several regional symphonies, I have witnessed the lack of diversity and Black representation. It is a constant, perpetual problem STILL. I truly loved reading this book and am so grateful for its story and the truth that the author speaks while bringing an exciting and fast-paced tale to life!
i read this book for work and i have to say i was not very engaged. i wasn't a fan of the author's prose style, and i was disappointed not to get even one POV chapter from his great-grandfather, the original owner of the violin. also, i found the reveal of who stole the violin to be pretty boring and i didn't feel that the motive really made much sense or held much water. if i hadn't had to finish this book i doubt that i would have. oh well!
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
inspiring
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:
No
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
slow-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
The plot is moved forward by the mystery but it's not the point of this novel. It will be the history of the violin and Ray's relationship with his family, especially his grandmother that you will remember. The most tense, heart pounding moments came as we watched him experience racism in the most overt and casual ways.