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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
I'm in love with Brendan slocumb because that was such a phenomenal novel I can't wait to read more of his work.
Great story about a black classical musician who finds out his old fiddle is a priceless Stradivarius and has to solve the mystery of its disappearance. I anticipated the ending and was a little disappointed with the resolution, so 3.5
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Terminal illness, Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Police brutality, Alcohol
I tore through this book like a person possessed. Still processing it, full review TBA.
Full review: Absolute masterclass on racism and classism in classical music, artfully written, and had me hooked from the jump. It's given me so much to think about and chew on mentally in regards to not only the themes that run through the book but the plot and characters and the 'violin conspiracy' itself. I am already eagerly looking forward to reading more of Slocumb's works.
Full review: Absolute masterclass on racism and classism in classical music, artfully written, and had me hooked from the jump. It's given me so much to think about and chew on mentally in regards to not only the themes that run through the book but the plot and characters and the 'violin conspiracy' itself. I am already eagerly looking forward to reading more of Slocumb's works.
I enjoyed a lot about this book - all of the music stuff, the attachment to the instruments and finding the right instrument, the practice and obsession and competition, and the family connection with the grandmother. Other parts of the book were not the best for me, but a music nerd loves reading music nerdy stuff :)
Fantastic book. Author is clearly a musician so the musical aspects of the book make sense. Many of the stories in the book are taken from his own life experiences. A great, musical read about the passion to play, love of family, and racial challenges Ray experiences.
I loved the storytelling, but the ending was a disappointment for me. Would have been 4 stars except for that.
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!! It broke my heart. If you’re worried that it’s going to be too heavy on the music stuff, it’s not. The book starts with the mystery of a stolen violin, the history of which streams its way throughout the story. I’ve read a lot of books with African American main characters experiencing racism and hardship, even more violent and tragic than what happened in this book. But, for some reason, Ray’s experiences really hit me hard and I felt so demoralized for this country for much of the book. I don’t know how I was going to recover if it was an unhappy ending. No spoilers, but I appreciated the closure at the end!!
I'd give this 3.5 stars.
The mystery component was VERY compelling and I couldn't wait to figure it out!! I loved the connection with and stories from Grandma Nora and Pop-Pop. I've never been interested in orchestral music or the violin, and yet I was glued to all of the beautiful details about Ray's musicianship! I will probably feel like a classical music expert for several more days
The mystery component was VERY compelling and I couldn't wait to figure it out!! I loved the connection with and stories from Grandma Nora and Pop-Pop. I've never been interested in orchestral music or the violin, and yet I was glued to all of the beautiful details about Ray's musicianship! I will probably feel like a classical music expert for several more days
The reasons for writing the book - highlighting the underrepresentation of POC in the arts, in this case, professional musicians, 5 stars.
The execution of the novel - writing, dialogue, structure - truly awful.
The “mystery” was weak.
He made institutional racism almost a caricature, and these were his life experiences weaved into the narrative.
The execution of the novel - writing, dialogue, structure - truly awful.
The “mystery” was weak.
He made institutional racism almost a caricature, and these were his life experiences weaved into the narrative.