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halkid2 's review for:
Symphony of Secrets
by Brendan Slocumb
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
SYMPHONY OF SECRETS starts out with what I felt was a slowish pace but midway through becomes an intense page-turner with mounting suspense.
Using a dual-timeline construction, author Brendan Slocumb moves back and forth in time, slowly unveiling two stories about fictitious American music composer, the late Frederick Delaney:
• The modern Delaney has the reputation of a brilliant and versatile musician from the 1920s, the musical genius of his era, who wrote everything from operas to popular dance songs. This Delaney used his considerable success to create a charitable foundation which encourages poor children to study music by funding their interest.
• The true story of how Delaney achieved his success is quite different and, as the title suggests, is full of unexpected secrets. This story is revealed when Bern Hendricks, an academic expert and lifelong fan of Delaney, is hired by a Delaney descendant to authenticate a newly found piece of lost music from the late composer.
From there the novel takes off and all a reader has to do is enjoy the ride as you navigate the plot's completely unpredictable twists and turns. Along the way, you'll sit in on the lively New York City music scene of the 1920s, learn how the early music business came together, and why that business subsequently required federal regulation.
Important contemporary issues are woven throughout; like racism, corruption, police brutality, and worse. As well as the secrets behind the lives of the rich and powerful. Perhaps most interesting of all is watching how history is so easily passed down through the generations, lies and all. SYMPHONY OF SECRETS is a completely absorbing novel.
Using a dual-timeline construction, author Brendan Slocumb moves back and forth in time, slowly unveiling two stories about fictitious American music composer, the late Frederick Delaney:
• The modern Delaney has the reputation of a brilliant and versatile musician from the 1920s, the musical genius of his era, who wrote everything from operas to popular dance songs. This Delaney used his considerable success to create a charitable foundation which encourages poor children to study music by funding their interest.
• The true story of how Delaney achieved his success is quite different and, as the title suggests, is full of unexpected secrets. This story is revealed when Bern Hendricks, an academic expert and lifelong fan of Delaney, is hired by a Delaney descendant to authenticate a newly found piece of lost music from the late composer.
From there the novel takes off and all a reader has to do is enjoy the ride as you navigate the plot's completely unpredictable twists and turns. Along the way, you'll sit in on the lively New York City music scene of the 1920s, learn how the early music business came together, and why that business subsequently required federal regulation.
Important contemporary issues are woven throughout; like racism, corruption, police brutality, and worse. As well as the secrets behind the lives of the rich and powerful. Perhaps most interesting of all is watching how history is so easily passed down through the generations, lies and all. SYMPHONY OF SECRETS is a completely absorbing novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Racism, Violence, Murder