A review by dennasus
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

I enjoyed this one for the most part as a story of a young black man who overcomes many obstacles to succeed in the classical music world. I'm well aware that it's a privileged perspective to say that the blatant racism he faces (based on real life experience of the author) surprised and shocked me. And it broke my heart from time to time. I don't know a lot about classical music, but I tried to listen to the pieces that are mentioned in this novel while reading it and I enjoyed that as well. The end of the story left me a bit underwhelmed though, to find out who stole the violin and why. But all in all an entertaining and informative read for me. (20 May 2024)

[I've stopped rating books in May 2024]