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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
3.5? I was expecting a stronger mystery going in. This book is more of a coming of age story of a classical musician with a message about racism.
I enjoyed the story line with grandma Nora. I would've loved to read more about Ray and his mom and how they work on their relationship.
I enjoyed the story line with grandma Nora. I would've loved to read more about Ray and his mom and how they work on their relationship.
I read this in a weekend- it was so good! I work at a classical music radio station and was thankful for that music education that I knew some of the pieces and composers, but it was still excellent. I didn’t have any idea “who done it” as I was reading.
My only little negative is that you could tell this was a first book by the author. Some of the writing wasn’t as polished as a more experienced writer but the guy is a musician first and that shows. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
My only little negative is that you could tell this was a first book by the author. Some of the writing wasn’t as polished as a more experienced writer but the guy is a musician first and that shows. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
As a violinist, this was such delight! It was agonizing at parts, but Ray never has a bad moment. Which helped my anxiety with all the stress, but also became pretty tedious and predictable. But overall, I loved the story. The violin references to different music, composers, etc (and there were many!) were so fun to see in fiction. 4 stars for some characters I’d love to know in real life and the violin aspect, and 2 stars for plot and the predictability.
My family will tell you that when it comes to music, I pretty much have a tin ear, unable to distinguish Mozart from Bach from Beethoven nor one string instrument from another. But Mr. Slocumb had me searching You Tube for violinists playing some of the pieces he mentions in his book. I don’t know what I’m looking/listening for exactly, but I am intrigued and now I at least have a starting point.
As for the story about the young violinist, Ray McMillian, Slocumb sucked me in at the beginning. He starts out with the theft of the violin and the effect on Ray (the violin’s owner), Ray’s family, and Ray’s associates. Then, in Part 2, Slocumb takes us back six years for a look into Ray’s backstory. Parts 3 and 4 take a look into Ray’s formal training and his discovery of his violin’s value. The book continues on with Parts 5, 6, and 7 as Ray continues searching for his missing violin while becoming an accomplished and widely recognized violinist and entering a prestigious competition. Throughout the book is a peek at systemic racism pervading not only American society, but other parts of the world as well.
There were times when I felt this story became a bit sluggish and wished it would just move on already. I also felt that Mr. Slocumb overused some phrasing and descriptions. I thought “pulling strings” was a rather clever play on words the first time, but by the third time, I was over it. Likewise, I was soon looking up synonyms for “sluice.” Surely the author could have found something different after the second usage? Similarly, I’ve lost count of how many times Ray “couldn’t breathe/catch his breath” for one reason or another. I also had some difficulty understanding what the art investigator’s role actually was and how much she actually contributed to the story.
In contrast to my aforementioned criticisms, however, is the way Slocumb describes some of the various musical pieces as Ray is playing them, the story of the music, I guess. These descriptions gave me something to listen (and look) for as I did my You Tube searches. I also enjoyed Ray’s growth and development from a somewhat awkward teenager to a more world-wise, recognized, master of the violin. Chapters 32 and 33 as well as the Author’s Note are profound and the Epilogue is endearing. And again, Slocumb’s circling around to the racism infecting our society in both overt and subtle ways is an essential theme of the story. All in all, I would call “The Violin Conspiracy” a must read.
As for the story about the young violinist, Ray McMillian, Slocumb sucked me in at the beginning. He starts out with the theft of the violin and the effect on Ray (the violin’s owner), Ray’s family, and Ray’s associates. Then, in Part 2, Slocumb takes us back six years for a look into Ray’s backstory. Parts 3 and 4 take a look into Ray’s formal training and his discovery of his violin’s value. The book continues on with Parts 5, 6, and 7 as Ray continues searching for his missing violin while becoming an accomplished and widely recognized violinist and entering a prestigious competition. Throughout the book is a peek at systemic racism pervading not only American society, but other parts of the world as well.
There were times when I felt this story became a bit sluggish and wished it would just move on already. I also felt that Mr. Slocumb overused some phrasing and descriptions. I thought “pulling strings” was a rather clever play on words the first time, but by the third time, I was over it. Likewise, I was soon looking up synonyms for “sluice.” Surely the author could have found something different after the second usage? Similarly, I’ve lost count of how many times Ray “couldn’t breathe/catch his breath” for one reason or another. I also had some difficulty understanding what the art investigator’s role actually was and how much she actually contributed to the story.
In contrast to my aforementioned criticisms, however, is the way Slocumb describes some of the various musical pieces as Ray is playing them, the story of the music, I guess. These descriptions gave me something to listen (and look) for as I did my You Tube searches. I also enjoyed Ray’s growth and development from a somewhat awkward teenager to a more world-wise, recognized, master of the violin. Chapters 32 and 33 as well as the Author’s Note are profound and the Epilogue is endearing. And again, Slocumb’s circling around to the racism infecting our society in both overt and subtle ways is an essential theme of the story. All in all, I would call “The Violin Conspiracy” a must read.
I was not expecting to love this book so much, but it’s an immediate 5 star for me. I didn’t think I’d love a book about searching for a violin, but this obviously goes much deeper than that. My only problem is that the back undersells it! This delves so deeply into the spirit and heart of music, the meaning it brings to the main character Ray (and based on the authors note, the author himself), the intricacies of being a black musician. The author writes really eloquently but is also hilarious and so witty, making Ray leap off the page with grace and humor to embody his own self. The main reason I originally added this book to my tbr is that he’s a local author, and my local library and bookstores have been advertising the book. After reading it, I’ve come out of it with an example of literary fiction to recommend to people of all kinds, for the poignancy and just overall interesting plot of the book. The author does an excellent job of creating an intricate story/ mystery that keeps the reader gripped, wondering where the violin has gone, and how they’ll get it back, while weaving in the back story and time leading up to its disappearance (and the afterward) of Ray’s journey to becoming such a beautiful violinist and obtaining his fiddle. As mentioned, I wasn’t sure I’d be as interested in the plot line as I became. The author does an excellent job with character AND plot development to keep you involved even when you’re not reading.
On the note of becoming engaged with the book and characters, obviously Ray and Janice are my favorites (also aunt Rochelle and gramma). But the rest of his family?! They are so money hungry and unthinking of Ray and his personal needs and talents. It made me so enraged. And don’t get me STARTED on the Marks family holy shit. What racist greedy pieces of shit. Really made my blood BOIL. The one piece of the book that left me slightly confused was when Ray finally sent the papers from his great great grandad to the Marks family to get them to cease and dissist, he mentioned he was surprised they stopped so easily and he was suspicious. It also left ME suspicious, but it was never followed up on. Really that’s the only plot hole I felt bothered me.
Finally, on my last note (haha) the way the author intertwines conversations around music with the subject of race, economic status, privilege and education was really such a beautiful part of the book. Rays character was SO well written and so eloquently (and savagely) responded to those instances of racism in a composed manner. He really stuck it to them in a way that showed their ignorance and hate, while remaining respectful and not inciting more conflict (which - shouldn’t be an issue, but racist people will take anything to make it a bigger deal (see the Marks family outside the diner)). I loved the authors note at the end wrapping all of this together, and pointing the reader to the fact that music should be able to be shared by everyone and anyone, independent of any other factors. Really really well done, interesting and engaging book.
On the note of becoming engaged with the book and characters, obviously Ray and Janice are my favorites (also aunt Rochelle and gramma). But the rest of his family?! They are so money hungry and unthinking of Ray and his personal needs and talents. It made me so enraged. And don’t get me STARTED on the Marks family holy shit. What racist greedy pieces of shit. Really made my blood BOIL. The one piece of the book that left me slightly confused was when Ray finally sent the papers from his great great grandad to the Marks family to get them to cease and dissist, he mentioned he was surprised they stopped so easily and he was suspicious. It also left ME suspicious, but it was never followed up on. Really that’s the only plot hole I felt bothered me.
Finally, on my last note (haha) the way the author intertwines conversations around music with the subject of race, economic status, privilege and education was really such a beautiful part of the book. Rays character was SO well written and so eloquently (and savagely) responded to those instances of racism in a composed manner. He really stuck it to them in a way that showed their ignorance and hate, while remaining respectful and not inciting more conflict (which - shouldn’t be an issue, but racist people will take anything to make it a bigger deal (see the Marks family outside the diner)). I loved the authors note at the end wrapping all of this together, and pointing the reader to the fact that music should be able to be shared by everyone and anyone, independent of any other factors. Really really well done, interesting and engaging book.
I checked out his latest release before I even finished this, so.
I really loved this book. It made me feel a lot of emotions with the racism and the way his family and the other family treated and spoke to him. I'm so glad he added the bit at the end explaining that a lot of the experiences in the book came from his own life and that he too was a black violinist. A really wonderful read, I only wish I read this earlier in the year so I could have chosen it as my favorite mystery/thriller and debut author of the year with Goodreads!
I found this book really engaging, especially as a musician (though it’s definitely accessible, even if you’re not). It’s by no means perfect, but Brendan Slocumb writes from a very particular, interesting lens. I’ve already book another book of his on my Want to Read list! Whether you were a student musician or if you’ve carried the practice on into adulthood, this book is worth reading!
Took me a sec to get into it but I got hooked! I’d say it’s a bit miss titled, I don’t really think it was a *conspiracy* but I digress…
I don't read a lot of mystery thrillers but I picked this up because I loved the premise of a rare violin being stolen!
I was on the edge of my seat for most of the mystery, but the twist really took me out of the story, it really frustrated me. I absolutely loved Ray's story of learning his love of music, falling in love with his PopPop's fiddle and bringing it back to health, finding out its a rare Stradivarius, and his love for his grandmother was absolutely heartwarming <3
Highly recommend the audiobook, it was phenomenal!
I was on the edge of my seat for most of the mystery, but the twist really took me out of the story, it really frustrated me. I absolutely loved Ray's story of learning his love of music, falling in love with his PopPop's fiddle and bringing it back to health, finding out its a rare Stradivarius, and his love for his grandmother was absolutely heartwarming <3
Highly recommend the audiobook, it was phenomenal!