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justinprintreads 's review for:
The Violin Conspiracy
by Brendan Slocumb
"Every time the conductor raised his baton, new joy blossomed in his chest. Each note felt special, a gift."
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb is an explosive, electric and emotional thriller set in the world of classical music.
Rayquan “Ray” McMillian’s meteoric rise to fame as a classical violinist has been nothing short of unconventional and complex. As if navigating the industry without a formal music education wasn’t difficult enough, he has to do so as a Black man - one of very few in the industry. He encounters racism and doubt at every turn but never loses sight of the joy performing music gives him. When the true value of his family’s heirloom violin is revealed, everyone shows their true colours, wanting a piece. After the violin goes missing on the eve of the most important competition of his life, Ray sets out to figure out the truth (no matter how ugly).
I truly LOVED this book, for many reasons.
Slocumb hooks you from the first page, with prose that is gorgeous and colourful. The way he writes musical scenes is a fully sensory experience, which will resonate with all music lovers out there. Just like a perfect piece of music, he blends multiple genres seamlessly and effectively. You’ll start off enthralled by the mystery and intrigue, then find yourself excited to witness Ray’s next performance, and amazed how it all works together.
I greatly appreciated the structure of the book, split into sections (similar to a composition) each shedding more light into Ray’s experiences. Ray’s experience is complex and the way Slocumb incorporates all of the intersecting elements feels effortless and true.
Simply put, this book made me excited: to read, to continue the story, and for what Slocumb writes next.
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb is an explosive, electric and emotional thriller set in the world of classical music.
Rayquan “Ray” McMillian’s meteoric rise to fame as a classical violinist has been nothing short of unconventional and complex. As if navigating the industry without a formal music education wasn’t difficult enough, he has to do so as a Black man - one of very few in the industry. He encounters racism and doubt at every turn but never loses sight of the joy performing music gives him. When the true value of his family’s heirloom violin is revealed, everyone shows their true colours, wanting a piece. After the violin goes missing on the eve of the most important competition of his life, Ray sets out to figure out the truth (no matter how ugly).
I truly LOVED this book, for many reasons.
Slocumb hooks you from the first page, with prose that is gorgeous and colourful. The way he writes musical scenes is a fully sensory experience, which will resonate with all music lovers out there. Just like a perfect piece of music, he blends multiple genres seamlessly and effectively. You’ll start off enthralled by the mystery and intrigue, then find yourself excited to witness Ray’s next performance, and amazed how it all works together.
I greatly appreciated the structure of the book, split into sections (similar to a composition) each shedding more light into Ray’s experiences. Ray’s experience is complex and the way Slocumb incorporates all of the intersecting elements feels effortless and true.
Simply put, this book made me excited: to read, to continue the story, and for what Slocumb writes next.