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A review by rebeccarudisill
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Ray is the absolute heart of this book. His genuine love for music and his soul level goodness made me love him from page one. He approaches everything and everyone from a place of genuine kindness, and his love for his grandmother was truly touching. The story is fantastic and keeps you engaged until the end. I am so thankful for the opportunity to know Ray and to know the pieces of Brendan Slocumb himself that were woven into this sorry. Also, on behalf of Baton Rouge, I am truly sorry for the way our people treated you. It was wrong, and we will do better.
Graphic: Slavery, Gaslighting, Murder, Torture, Emotional abuse, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Racism
There are many moments when the main character encounters racism and racist people. All incidents - big and small - are horrible. ***But most vivid is a flashback scene that describes Ray’s great-great-grandfather’s experience as an enslaved person. IT IS VERY DETAILED AND VERY HORRIFYING. HSP’s and all others be warned. It is necessary for the plot, but it is hard***