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karenstory 's review for:
Symphony of Secrets
by Brendan Slocumb
I loved this author’s The Violin Conspiracy.
(See Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4985778934).
So, I was looking forward to this one.
The story begins with Dr. Bern Hendricks, a music professor at the University of Virginia being provided an opportunity to authenticate a recently discovered composition from his favorite 20th century composer (fictional) Frederick Delaney. He asks for support from his tech friend, Eboni. What they discover puts them in danger.
In a 1920’s timeline, we meet a homeless Josephine Reed. She meets Fredrick Delaney, a struggling musician. He recognizes her brilliance, and has her as his silent partner.
Are you following where this is possibly going?
How will this affect present day?
Especially the powerful Delaney organization?
Their efforts to collect evidence to solve this mystery may not only threaten the organization, but put their lives at risk.
Bern and Eboni show as savvy, young Black professionals. We experience Bern’s expertise in classical music and Eboni’s excellence in technology and cyber security. When we are in the 1920’s timeline we are quite aware of Fredrick as a struggling young white musician with allusions of grandeur, and Josephine as a young Black woman, on the streets – with the music in her – neurodivergent – an ability to invent a unique musical language of her own. We witness how easily Fredrick takes advantage of her.
How do we feel as readers?
This book is knee deep in themes:
Justice. Greed and power. Friendship. Intellectual property rights. Racism. Physical and emotional abuse. Music. Courage. Persistence. Determination. Beautiful Minds. Oh, and lots of New York Pizza.
Yes, I do want to say the author tackles important issues, such as the social and systemic treatment of the marginalized, as well as racism in the musical world, with tact and grace.
Yet, this was a slow-burning mystery (not very dramatic) that took a long time to build for me. I almost gave up on it twice.
It finally picked up towards the 75% mark.
What? Isn’t that about the time for it to end?
To be honest, that was only because I found myself skipping along. I know…shameful. I just had a hard time finding my way…
Yes, Josephine’s story was compelling. I appreciated Bern and Eboni’s quest for answers. But, having said all this, once I did get to the end, well, did that feel a little over-the-top to you, too?
Or is it a possible reality – or shall we suspend disbelief?
I have questions. Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end. That helped me find some answers. 3.5 stars.
(See Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4985778934).
So, I was looking forward to this one.
The story begins with Dr. Bern Hendricks, a music professor at the University of Virginia being provided an opportunity to authenticate a recently discovered composition from his favorite 20th century composer (fictional) Frederick Delaney. He asks for support from his tech friend, Eboni. What they discover puts them in danger.
In a 1920’s timeline, we meet a homeless Josephine Reed. She meets Fredrick Delaney, a struggling musician. He recognizes her brilliance, and has her as his silent partner.
Are you following where this is possibly going?
How will this affect present day?
Especially the powerful Delaney organization?
Their efforts to collect evidence to solve this mystery may not only threaten the organization, but put their lives at risk.
Bern and Eboni show as savvy, young Black professionals. We experience Bern’s expertise in classical music and Eboni’s excellence in technology and cyber security. When we are in the 1920’s timeline we are quite aware of Fredrick as a struggling young white musician with allusions of grandeur, and Josephine as a young Black woman, on the streets – with the music in her – neurodivergent – an ability to invent a unique musical language of her own. We witness how easily Fredrick takes advantage of her.
How do we feel as readers?
This book is knee deep in themes:
Justice. Greed and power. Friendship. Intellectual property rights. Racism. Physical and emotional abuse. Music. Courage. Persistence. Determination. Beautiful Minds. Oh, and lots of New York Pizza.
Yes, I do want to say the author tackles important issues, such as the social and systemic treatment of the marginalized, as well as racism in the musical world, with tact and grace.
Yet, this was a slow-burning mystery (not very dramatic) that took a long time to build for me. I almost gave up on it twice.
It finally picked up towards the 75% mark.
What? Isn’t that about the time for it to end?
To be honest, that was only because I found myself skipping along. I know…shameful. I just had a hard time finding my way…
Yes, Josephine’s story was compelling. I appreciated Bern and Eboni’s quest for answers. But, having said all this, once I did get to the end, well, did that feel a little over-the-top to you, too?
Or is it a possible reality – or shall we suspend disbelief?
I have questions. Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end. That helped me find some answers. 3.5 stars.