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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
The story follows Ray McMillian, a talented young Black violinist from rural North Carolina. He is given a violin by his grandmother which he realizes is worth a fortune. Focusing on his music, the discovery of the Stradivarius and its monetary value has created some unwanted attention. On the eve of the most prestigious classical music competition, the family heirloom violin is stolen. Frantic, he must find it and prepare for an event that could change the trajectory of his life.
•••••
Slocumb's writing is evocative and immersive, transporting readers to the world of competitive violin playing. The author's own experiences as a violinist shine through in the vivid descriptions of music and performance. But "The Violin Conspiracy" is more than just a music novel. It's a powerful exploration of racism, classism, and the exploitation of talent. Ray's struggles to overcome the obstacles in his path are both heartbreaking and inspiring. The mystery at the heart of the novel is expertly woven with twists and turns that kept me on edge! The characters were amazing! Even the ones I didn’t like were complex and multidimensional, with Ray being a well-crafted protagonist. Absolutely adored this book. Though it is listed as a thriller, Ray’s resilience and will to succeed made this the just as much of a feel-good story.
•••••
Slocumb's writing is evocative and immersive, transporting readers to the world of competitive violin playing. The author's own experiences as a violinist shine through in the vivid descriptions of music and performance. But "The Violin Conspiracy" is more than just a music novel. It's a powerful exploration of racism, classism, and the exploitation of talent. Ray's struggles to overcome the obstacles in his path are both heartbreaking and inspiring. The mystery at the heart of the novel is expertly woven with twists and turns that kept me on edge! The characters were amazing! Even the ones I didn’t like were complex and multidimensional, with Ray being a well-crafted protagonist. Absolutely adored this book. Though it is listed as a thriller, Ray’s resilience and will to succeed made this the just as much of a feel-good story.
"He would tell you that music is truly a universal language, and that we, the listeners, will always impose our own fears and biases, our own hopes and hungers, on whatever we hear."
I read the bulk of this in one sitting. This book takes the art heist thriller into a far more personal, intimate tale that is still a page-turner. Bonus: Slocomb has local ties to the NC Triad and is a successful violinist himself.
Ray McMillian has fought his way to a burgeoning career in classical music, clawing his way through unsupportive family, no access to solo instruction, racism and classism that are rampant in the classical world, and reliance on a shoddy school-issued violin. In spite of it all, his brilliance shines through to the people that count. When his beloved grandmother hands down the mildewing, rosin-caked violin played by her father, no one is more surprised than him to discover it's worth millions. So when it's stolen from his hotel room just before he leaves for international competition, he will do anything to ensure its safe return.
This book is an education in the world of professional orchestras and classical music, particularly for the vast minority of BIPOC musicians in a sea of white tradition. And yes, Slocomb has a Spotify playlist of all the music mentioned in the book.
I read the bulk of this in one sitting. This book takes the art heist thriller into a far more personal, intimate tale that is still a page-turner. Bonus: Slocomb has local ties to the NC Triad and is a successful violinist himself.
Ray McMillian has fought his way to a burgeoning career in classical music, clawing his way through unsupportive family, no access to solo instruction, racism and classism that are rampant in the classical world, and reliance on a shoddy school-issued violin. In spite of it all, his brilliance shines through to the people that count. When his beloved grandmother hands down the mildewing, rosin-caked violin played by her father, no one is more surprised than him to discover it's worth millions. So when it's stolen from his hotel room just before he leaves for international competition, he will do anything to ensure its safe return.
This book is an education in the world of professional orchestras and classical music, particularly for the vast minority of BIPOC musicians in a sea of white tradition. And yes, Slocomb has a Spotify playlist of all the music mentioned in the book.
This. Book. Oh my gosh.
It stole my heart.
I don’t normally buy books. In fact I rented this one from the library and read it, thinking it would be Just ok. However, I just purchased it on Amazon. It’s one I want on my bookshelf forever and I don’t normally say that about books.
I laughed. I cried. I gasped. I smiled. I wanted to keep turning the pages after the book ended. I was invested.
If there’s one book you read this year. Read this.
It stole my heart.
I don’t normally buy books. In fact I rented this one from the library and read it, thinking it would be Just ok. However, I just purchased it on Amazon. It’s one I want on my bookshelf forever and I don’t normally say that about books.
I laughed. I cried. I gasped. I smiled. I wanted to keep turning the pages after the book ended. I was invested.
If there’s one book you read this year. Read this.
I was initially drawn to this book because I’m a music educator. However, beyond the musical experiences of the main character, it is a beautifully written coming of age novel with elements of historical fiction, a little rated G romance, suspense, and mystery. Great read for young and old!
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was a good read. Long listen, but enjoyable.
LOVED this. This is more than a mystery, so the whodunnit of it is not really the draw, at least not who stole the violin. It's more about who has a right to the violin, and family dynamics, and being Black in the classical music world, and how slavery affects us even today. So fantastic.
Loved it. Even tho I started to suspect the ending part way through, I can’t bear to take a star away from this one
The Violin Conspiracy was so good! It was a compelling mystery that also gives the reader a look into the journey of a young black man in the classical music world. I flew through this book and couldn't wait to find out what happened to Ray's beautiful violin. The writing is top notch and the audiobook narration is wonderful as well.
Ray's story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Within his family he is given almost zero support to pursue his craft, and in the classical music community he endures racism both on a small scale through little disparaging comments and in huge ways through run ins with police. The character and respect that Ray maintains throughout it all is astounding. He would make his sweet grandmother proud.
The mystery of the stolen violin also left me on the edge of my seat. This part of the story does take a slight backseat to the backstory of Ray's musical upbringing and career but it still perfectly rounded out the book.
I can't recommend this book enough. I suggest listening to the audio. Between the sections, there is violin music played and it really set the tone. The author's note at the end about the challenges he has faced was also a nice addition.
Ray's story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Within his family he is given almost zero support to pursue his craft, and in the classical music community he endures racism both on a small scale through little disparaging comments and in huge ways through run ins with police. The character and respect that Ray maintains throughout it all is astounding. He would make his sweet grandmother proud.
The mystery of the stolen violin also left me on the edge of my seat. This part of the story does take a slight backseat to the backstory of Ray's musical upbringing and career but it still perfectly rounded out the book.
I can't recommend this book enough. I suggest listening to the audio. Between the sections, there is violin music played and it really set the tone. The author's note at the end about the challenges he has faced was also a nice addition.
I'm so glad I picked up this gem. I listened to the audio book, which had great commentary at the end by the author and his journey as a black musician.
In this coming of age story, Ray is a young, black aspiring violinist. Sadly he deals with quite a bit of racism as he encounters the stereotype of "blacks and classical music don't mix". He is also growing up in a household where even his mother doesn't support him but rather calls his music “noise”.
But his grandmother believes in him and gives him the gift of a lifetime...
In this coming of age story, Ray is a young, black aspiring violinist. Sadly he deals with quite a bit of racism as he encounters the stereotype of "blacks and classical music don't mix". He is also growing up in a household where even his mother doesn't support him but rather calls his music “noise”.
But his grandmother believes in him and gives him the gift of a lifetime...
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No