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writingcaia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Probably one of the most candid, yet entertaining, books which the main theme is racism. It’s also exceptionally well written, engaging, and overall a gem! I’m being picky dropping that 0.25⭐️ just because I wanted a more romantic conclusion.
Being a classic violinist with aspirations of stardom seems impossible to our young MC, everything seems to be against him, he has no money for private lessons like his colleagues, his mother is selfish and just wants him to quit and start working to give her money, and one thing he soon realises, he is Black. Of course, he knew he was but it’s only when he fills in for a colleague in quartet at a wedding does so many things make sense to him, and he sees everything with open eyes, the prejudice that stood in his way all his life.
But, this is also a mystery, as he soon finds out the fiddle his grandmother gave him before she passed, that belonged to her grandfather, and with which he has practiced for 4 years is actually a 10 million dollar worth Stradivarius, and it has now been stolen. The culprits seem to be either his family who want the money of the violin for themselves, or the slave masters descendants who claim the violin is theirs and his grandmothers’ PopPop stole it, as both have sued him for it.
This book was absolute perfection, from the narrative, the writing, the plot and resolution - although I did guess the robber - to the tragic and real underbelly of the story which revolves around a supremely talented violinist descendant of a freed slave who earned and saved his own life with the same fiddle.
Being a classic violinist with aspirations of stardom seems impossible to our young MC, everything seems to be against him, he has no money for private lessons like his colleagues, his mother is selfish and just wants him to quit and start working to give her money, and one thing he soon realises, he is Black. Of course, he knew he was but it’s only when he fills in for a colleague in quartet at a wedding does so many things make sense to him, and he sees everything with open eyes, the prejudice that stood in his way all his life.
But, this is also a mystery, as he soon finds out the fiddle his grandmother gave him before she passed, that belonged to her grandfather, and with which he has practiced for 4 years is actually a 10 million dollar worth Stradivarius, and it has now been stolen. The culprits seem to be either his family who want the money of the violin for themselves, or the slave masters descendants who claim the violin is theirs and his grandmothers’ PopPop stole it, as both have sued him for it.
This book was absolute perfection, from the narrative, the writing, the plot and resolution - although I did guess the robber - to the tragic and real underbelly of the story which revolves around a supremely talented violinist descendant of a freed slave who earned and saved his own life with the same fiddle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Racial slurs, Police brutality, Violence, Slavery, and Racism
Minor: Murder
kelly_e's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Title: The Violin Conspiracy
Author: Brendan Slocumb
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 5.00
Pub Date: February 1, 2022
T H R E E • W O R D S
Original • Poignant • Reflective
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian’s life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream—he’s determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who wants him to stop making such a racket; not the fact that he can’t afford a violin suitable to his talents; not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music.
When he discovers that his beat-up, family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition—the Olympics of classical music—the violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Without it, Ray feels like he's lost a piece of himself. As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himself—and the world—that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I'd initially added The Violin Conspiracy to my TBR when it was selected as a GMA pick (I've had previous success with GMA picks in the past), yet what really solidified me wanting to pick it up was it being on the 2022 end-of-the-year favourites list of two trusted friends. All of this made it an easy choice to include as part of my 12 recommendations from 12 friends in 2023.
Quick take: I absolutely loved this book! It was exactly the type of book that reminds me why I love reading to begin with. It combined so many elements I love (a heist, a mystery, a messy family, some history, an underdog story...) and evoked a whole range of emotions. Ray is one of those memorable characters that will stick with me. He knows what he wants, and despite facing so much adversity and many obstacles, he remains determined to pursue his dreams.
Throughout the narrative, there was also the opportunity for me to learn and gain an understanding of the classism and racism in the classical music industry. I cannot say this is a topic I have thought about in the past, but this book certainly sparked a curiosity. Slocumb talks about his personal experience as a black musician in the classical music world in his author's note, and I think this is a valuable addition to the book. I would by no means considered myself a classical music fan, yet I was absolutely drawn into the history of the violin and Ray's world. Slocumb has interwoven so many moving passages about the power and beauty of music.
The audiobook, read by JD Jackson, is absolutely fantastic - I could easily listen to his voice all day long. There are also beautiful pieces of classical music interspersed between chapters, which really connected me to the story. It made for the perfect tandem read.
I had my suspicions as to whodunit early on, but it never detracted from my interest. With only three months left in the year, it is safe to say The Violin Conspiracy will be finding a way onto my 2023 favourites, and my copy will be finding a home on my favourites shelf. After his fantastic debut, I am really looking forward to reading his follow up, Symphony of Secrets.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• everyone!
• fans of the underdog
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Alone, we are a solitary violin, a lonely flute, a trumpet singing in the dark. Together, we are a symphony."
"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. He would tell you that the rhythm that spurred Tchaikovsky is the same rhythm that a kid in a redneck North Carolina town would beat with a stick against a fallen tree. It is a rhythm in all of us. Music is about communication - a way of touching your fellow man beyond and above and below language; it is a language all its own."
Author: Brendan Slocumb
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 5.00
Pub Date: February 1, 2022
T H R E E • W O R D S
Original • Poignant • Reflective
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian’s life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream—he’s determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who wants him to stop making such a racket; not the fact that he can’t afford a violin suitable to his talents; not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music.
When he discovers that his beat-up, family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition—the Olympics of classical music—the violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Without it, Ray feels like he's lost a piece of himself. As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himself—and the world—that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I'd initially added The Violin Conspiracy to my TBR when it was selected as a GMA pick (I've had previous success with GMA picks in the past), yet what really solidified me wanting to pick it up was it being on the 2022 end-of-the-year favourites list of two trusted friends. All of this made it an easy choice to include as part of my 12 recommendations from 12 friends in 2023.
Quick take: I absolutely loved this book! It was exactly the type of book that reminds me why I love reading to begin with. It combined so many elements I love (a heist, a mystery, a messy family, some history, an underdog story...) and evoked a whole range of emotions. Ray is one of those memorable characters that will stick with me. He knows what he wants, and despite facing so much adversity and many obstacles, he remains determined to pursue his dreams.
Throughout the narrative, there was also the opportunity for me to learn and gain an understanding of the classism and racism in the classical music industry. I cannot say this is a topic I have thought about in the past, but this book certainly sparked a curiosity. Slocumb talks about his personal experience as a black musician in the classical music world in his author's note, and I think this is a valuable addition to the book. I would by no means considered myself a classical music fan, yet I was absolutely drawn into the history of the violin and Ray's world. Slocumb has interwoven so many moving passages about the power and beauty of music.
The audiobook, read by JD Jackson, is absolutely fantastic - I could easily listen to his voice all day long. There are also beautiful pieces of classical music interspersed between chapters, which really connected me to the story. It made for the perfect tandem read.
I had my suspicions as to whodunit early on, but it never detracted from my interest. With only three months left in the year, it is safe to say The Violin Conspiracy will be finding a way onto my 2023 favourites, and my copy will be finding a home on my favourites shelf. After his fantastic debut, I am really looking forward to reading his follow up, Symphony of Secrets.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• everyone!
• fans of the underdog
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Alone, we are a solitary violin, a lonely flute, a trumpet singing in the dark. Together, we are a symphony."
"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. He would tell you that the rhythm that spurred Tchaikovsky is the same rhythm that a kid in a redneck North Carolina town would beat with a stick against a fallen tree. It is a rhythm in all of us. Music is about communication - a way of touching your fellow man beyond and above and below language; it is a language all its own."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Classism, Racism, Racial slurs, Slavery, Police brutality, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Murder, Death, Toxic relationship, Colonisation, and Cursing
Minor: Rape
povertyfizzy_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
relaxing
fast-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Slavery, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
chloemakesbooks's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
Fairly trite mystery revolving around a talented black violinist. I liked the writing style, which moved along at a great clip, and I wanted to like the characters, but they all felt fairly two-dimensional and often were used to manipulate the reader's emotions (eg, Grandma Nora and the epilogue with Janice). I never like to figure out the mystery ahead of time if I can help it, but this one I saw coming fairly early - no real twist. Loved the descriptions of classical music and performance art, and of course, the book makes important points about promoting diversity in classical music and racism in America. I wish the author had done a better job of framing the racist incidents in particular; Ray seems utterly blindsided by every single one, which seems strange.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, and Racism
Moderate: Violence, Police brutality, Classism, Racial slurs, and Emotional abuse
theinkdrinkerhouse's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Violence, Police brutality, and Slavery
bek67's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This is definitely a book to listen too. The classical music between each part was a nice touch. The mystery itself was not compelling as it was easy to figure out who was behind the heist. But the story of Ray's upbringing was compelling. I found myself several times gasping at the actions of some of his family members. This book does look at racism. Be sure to listen to the author's note at the end. Although it's a work of fiction, many incidents that occurred are taken from the author's real life experiences. Solid 3.5 stars for me. Two areas that I felt were lacking-the mystery isn't too much of a mystery, and I didn't feel like there was resolution with his family.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
Minor: Violence
saramw's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Only took me a few days to finish this amazing audiobook (12 hrs long) because of how suspenseful it was. It's a mystery but I also felt so entertained by the interesting plot and getting to know Ray and his family and the world of classical violin. Included in the plot is a letter transcribed by Rays Grandma Nora of the violence that Nora's Grandfather witnessed when he was enslaved- trigger warning for violence. Also the description of Rays interaction with the police in Baton Rouge had me holding my breath.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Racial slurs, and Violence
halkid2's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This is an engaging, quick mystery with building suspense and some valuable underlying messages about racism in America.
Author Brendan Slocumb is a former principal violinist for the UNC Symphony Orchestra, an award-winning music teacher, and a person of color. So I suspect the protagonist in THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY might be Slocumb's alter ego. Because character Ray McMillan is a poor, gifted, black, and largely self-taught violinist in North Carolina (where the author grew up) who aspires to be a globally renowned soloist.
Ray turns out to be a musical genius but his dedication and hard work are continually hampered by the pervasiveness of the racism he encounters. (Just think about how white most symphony orchestras tend to be.) Prejudice limits Ray’s early opportunities in school, his ability to practice, his chances of earning extra money from occasional gigs, and his access to the best training. He’s also disadvantaged by a less than supportive family. EXCEPT for his grandmother - the one person who consistently believes in Ray and his ability.
In some ways, this book feels like it has two distinct sections. The mystery is set up at the very beginning and then set aside. What follows is a long section that reads more like a novel, focusing on Ray's childhood, the racism he encounters, his persistence in the face of obstacles, and the way that persistence slowly leads him to success. The second part of the book then picks up the mystery again which focuses on Ray's family violin.
It is his Grandma who gives Ray his great-grandfather’s (a former enslaved man) fiddle, which has sat idle for generations, since no one else in the family had shown Ray’s interest in music. For many reasons (I'm avoiding spoilers here), that fiddle literally changes Ray’s life, his performances, his fame, most of his family relationships, even his romantic life. But you’ll find out why and how if you decide to read the book. A lot of suspicion and greed begins to form around Ray’s inherited fiddle. Especially as he prepares to compete in the world famous International Tchaikovsky Music Competition in Moscow.
Lots of twists and turns as hotel maids, police, detectives, insurance agents, and other musicians are introduced. But I found the mystery section increasingly slow to unfold. In fact, it was much slower than the pacing of the first part of the story. I still kept reading, of course, wanting to know how the mystery would be resolved.
Overall, I found the story compelling, the pacing uneven, the spotlight on relentless racism completely believable and sobering, and the quality of the writing acceptable. (It is, after all, this author’s first novel.) If you have any question about how truthful the episodes of racism are, be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end. It’s where Slocumb speaks quite directly to his own experiences.
Author Brendan Slocumb is a former principal violinist for the UNC Symphony Orchestra, an award-winning music teacher, and a person of color. So I suspect the protagonist in THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY might be Slocumb's alter ego. Because character Ray McMillan is a poor, gifted, black, and largely self-taught violinist in North Carolina (where the author grew up) who aspires to be a globally renowned soloist.
Ray turns out to be a musical genius but his dedication and hard work are continually hampered by the pervasiveness of the racism he encounters. (Just think about how white most symphony orchestras tend to be.) Prejudice limits Ray’s early opportunities in school, his ability to practice, his chances of earning extra money from occasional gigs, and his access to the best training. He’s also disadvantaged by a less than supportive family. EXCEPT for his grandmother - the one person who consistently believes in Ray and his ability.
In some ways, this book feels like it has two distinct sections. The mystery is set up at the very beginning and then set aside. What follows is a long section that reads more like a novel, focusing on Ray's childhood, the racism he encounters, his persistence in the face of obstacles, and the way that persistence slowly leads him to success. The second part of the book then picks up the mystery again which focuses on Ray's family violin.
It is his Grandma who gives Ray his great-grandfather’s (a former enslaved man) fiddle, which has sat idle for generations, since no one else in the family had shown Ray’s interest in music. For many reasons (I'm avoiding spoilers here), that fiddle literally changes Ray’s life, his performances, his fame, most of his family relationships, even his romantic life. But you’ll find out why and how if you decide to read the book. A lot of suspicion and greed begins to form around Ray’s inherited fiddle. Especially as he prepares to compete in the world famous International Tchaikovsky Music Competition in Moscow.
Lots of twists and turns as hotel maids, police, detectives, insurance agents, and other musicians are introduced. But I found the mystery section increasingly slow to unfold. In fact, it was much slower than the pacing of the first part of the story. I still kept reading, of course, wanting to know how the mystery would be resolved.
Overall, I found the story compelling, the pacing uneven, the spotlight on relentless racism completely believable and sobering, and the quality of the writing acceptable. (It is, after all, this author’s first novel.) If you have any question about how truthful the episodes of racism are, be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end. It’s where Slocumb speaks quite directly to his own experiences.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
serene216's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, and Police brutality
tunabased's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Racism, Violence, and Racial slurs