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laurareads87's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
The Violin Conspiracy is a book way outside my usual genre comfort zone and it wasn’t quite what I expected based on the description. It includes a mystery of a stolen violin, certainly, but it is also the story of a young Black man navigating racist exclusion in the world of classical music. Ray’s family is largely unsupportive of his choice of music as a pursuit, and he must audition for opportunities alongside young people who’ve had far more opportunities – private lessons, expensive instruments – handed to them than he has. The mystery I did find somewhat predictable, but I really enjoyed the book regardless as the story of Ray’s ascent to musical fame and success was so wonderfully told.
It did not at all surprise me to learn that several passages in the book are based on the author’s own experiences – it does read as almost biographical. Having read this novel, I have no doubt that author Brendan Slocumb is also a wonderfully supportive and nurturing music educator. I will happily read his next novel.
One note: I do wish the g-slur for Romani folks wasn’t repeated several times. A word that means this in another language is the title of a piece of classical music so I can understand it appearing in that context specifically, but there were other places it was absolutely not needed.
Content warnings: racism, racial slurs, police brutality, violence, blood, slavery, murder, death, torture, hate crime, gaslighting, xenophobia
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Murder, and Gaslighting
mariposa517's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Police brutality, and Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying, Torture, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cancer, Drug use, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Medical content, Dementia, and Alcohol
scarroll178's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This.. is a really hard book for me to rate.
I loved the MC. He has great character development from the time he’s a kid to the time he's an adult at the end of the book. The relationship he had with his grandma was so beautiful. Hearing his grandma’s writing at the end of the story and everything Ray’s great great grandfather went through was heartrending.
I wish the book had started at the beginning of Ray’s life as opposed to when the violin was stolen because it really took the momentum away from the first half of the story. A little taken aback that every evil/bad character was described as ugly and/or fat. Also, I wish the title had been something else because “Violin Conspiracy” makes the book sound a lot more action packed than it is. The first two thirds of the story focus on Ray’s family and his experience in the classical world. The action comes much later. Also, I wish his girlfriend’s betrayal had been hinted at more before it was revealed at the end. And I’m surprised Ray pushed for the maximum sentence for her. Confused on how her betrayal is supposed to fit in with the themes presented in the rest of the book. Is the message just that you can’t trust anybody?
Also, Ray listing “dating a supermodel” as one of his accomplishments at the end of the book was cheesy and kinda gross tbh.
TW for the G slur for Romani people. It’s used several times in the book.
So, yeah. I loved Ray as a character. And I appreciated all I learned in this book about classical music and the prejudices toward Black classical musicians. But I didn’t like the ending, and I wish the book had been structured differently. And there were some parts that rubbed me the wrong way. Very mixed bag.
I loved the MC. He has great character development from the time he’s a kid to the time he's an adult at the end of the book. The relationship he had with his grandma was so beautiful. Hearing his grandma’s writing at the end of the story and everything Ray’s great great grandfather went through was heartrending.
I wish the book had started at the beginning of Ray’s life as opposed to when the violin was stolen because it really took the momentum away from the first half of the story. A little taken aback that every evil/bad character was described as ugly and/or fat. Also, I wish the title had been something else because “Violin Conspiracy” makes the book sound a lot more action packed than it is. The first two thirds of the story focus on Ray’s family and his experience in the classical world. The action comes much later.
Also, Ray listing “dating a supermodel” as one of his accomplishments at the end of the book was cheesy and kinda gross tbh.
TW for the G slur for Romani people. It’s used several times in the book.
So, yeah. I loved Ray as a character. And I appreciated all I learned in this book about classical music and the prejudices toward Black classical musicians. But I didn’t like the ending, and I wish the book had been structured differently. And there were some parts that rubbed me the wrong way. Very mixed bag.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Police brutality, and Murder
thisbookrox's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
4.0
moving descriptions of music, and a good twist. a little repetitive but i’ll chalk that up to debut writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, and Murder
Moderate: Death and Police brutality
ajay913's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Torture, and Murder
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Police brutality, and Grief
Minor: Gaslighting
disguisedposer's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, and Police brutality
Minor: Gore, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, and Murder
lizamcm's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
It's a great book, though it felt like some characters were a little one-dimensional. I would not have minded at all if it were longer and fleshed out those characters more, particularly the protagonist's family. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will look for this author's next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Slavery, and Murder
language_loving_amateur's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
The tension was higher than I expected, but very good and the book kept me on my toes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Emotional abuse
writingcaia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Probably one of the most candid, yet entertaining, books which the main theme is racism. It’s also exceptionally well written, engaging, and overall a gem! I’m being picky dropping that 0.25⭐️ just because I wanted a more romantic conclusion.
Being a classic violinist with aspirations of stardom seems impossible to our young MC, everything seems to be against him, he has no money for private lessons like his colleagues, his mother is selfish and just wants him to quit and start working to give her money, and one thing he soon realises, he is Black. Of course, he knew he was but it’s only when he fills in for a colleague in quartet at a wedding does so many things make sense to him, and he sees everything with open eyes, the prejudice that stood in his way all his life.
But, this is also a mystery, as he soon finds out the fiddle his grandmother gave him before she passed, that belonged to her grandfather, and with which he has practiced for 4 years is actually a 10 million dollar worth Stradivarius, and it has now been stolen. The culprits seem to be either his family who want the money of the violin for themselves, or the slave masters descendants who claim the violin is theirs and his grandmothers’ PopPop stole it, as both have sued him for it.
This book was absolute perfection, from the narrative, the writing, the plot and resolution - although I did guess the robber - to the tragic and real underbelly of the story which revolves around a supremely talented violinist descendant of a freed slave who earned and saved his own life with the same fiddle.
Being a classic violinist with aspirations of stardom seems impossible to our young MC, everything seems to be against him, he has no money for private lessons like his colleagues, his mother is selfish and just wants him to quit and start working to give her money, and one thing he soon realises, he is Black. Of course, he knew he was but it’s only when he fills in for a colleague in quartet at a wedding does so many things make sense to him, and he sees everything with open eyes, the prejudice that stood in his way all his life.
But, this is also a mystery, as he soon finds out the fiddle his grandmother gave him before she passed, that belonged to her grandfather, and with which he has practiced for 4 years is actually a 10 million dollar worth Stradivarius, and it has now been stolen. The culprits seem to be either his family who want the money of the violin for themselves, or the slave masters descendants who claim the violin is theirs and his grandmothers’ PopPop stole it, as both have sued him for it.
This book was absolute perfection, from the narrative, the writing, the plot and resolution - although I did guess the robber - to the tragic and real underbelly of the story which revolves around a supremely talented violinist descendant of a freed slave who earned and saved his own life with the same fiddle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Police brutality, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Murder
kelly_e's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Title: The Violin Conspiracy
Author: Brendan Slocumb
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 5.00
Pub Date: February 1, 2022
T H R E E • W O R D S
Original • Poignant • Reflective
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian’s life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream—he’s determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who wants him to stop making such a racket; not the fact that he can’t afford a violin suitable to his talents; not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music.
When he discovers that his beat-up, family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition—the Olympics of classical music—the violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Without it, Ray feels like he's lost a piece of himself. As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himself—and the world—that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I'd initially added The Violin Conspiracy to my TBR when it was selected as a GMA pick (I've had previous success with GMA picks in the past), yet what really solidified me wanting to pick it up was it being on the 2022 end-of-the-year favourites list of two trusted friends. All of this made it an easy choice to include as part of my 12 recommendations from 12 friends in 2023.
Quick take: I absolutely loved this book! It was exactly the type of book that reminds me why I love reading to begin with. It combined so many elements I love (a heist, a mystery, a messy family, some history, an underdog story...) and evoked a whole range of emotions. Ray is one of those memorable characters that will stick with me. He knows what he wants, and despite facing so much adversity and many obstacles, he remains determined to pursue his dreams.
Throughout the narrative, there was also the opportunity for me to learn and gain an understanding of the classism and racism in the classical music industry. I cannot say this is a topic I have thought about in the past, but this book certainly sparked a curiosity. Slocumb talks about his personal experience as a black musician in the classical music world in his author's note, and I think this is a valuable addition to the book. I would by no means considered myself a classical music fan, yet I was absolutely drawn into the history of the violin and Ray's world. Slocumb has interwoven so many moving passages about the power and beauty of music.
The audiobook, read by JD Jackson, is absolutely fantastic - I could easily listen to his voice all day long. There are also beautiful pieces of classical music interspersed between chapters, which really connected me to the story. It made for the perfect tandem read.
I had my suspicions as to whodunit early on, but it never detracted from my interest. With only three months left in the year, it is safe to say The Violin Conspiracy will be finding a way onto my 2023 favourites, and my copy will be finding a home on my favourites shelf. After his fantastic debut, I am really looking forward to reading his follow up, Symphony of Secrets.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• everyone!
• fans of the underdog
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Alone, we are a solitary violin, a lonely flute, a trumpet singing in the dark. Together, we are a symphony."
"He would tell you that music is truly a universal language, and that we, the listeners, will always impose our own fears and biases, our own hopes and hungers, on whatever we hear. He would tell you that the rhythm that spurred Tchaikovsky is the same rhythm that a kid in a redneck North Carolina town would beat with a stick against a fallen tree. It is a rhythm in all of us. Music is about communication - a way of touching your fellow man beyond and above and below language; it is a language all its own."
Author: Brendan Slocumb
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 5.00
Pub Date: February 1, 2022
T H R E E • W O R D S
Original • Poignant • Reflective
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian’s life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream—he’s determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who wants him to stop making such a racket; not the fact that he can’t afford a violin suitable to his talents; not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music.
When he discovers that his beat-up, family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition—the Olympics of classical music—the violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Without it, Ray feels like he's lost a piece of himself. As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himself—and the world—that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I'd initially added The Violin Conspiracy to my TBR when it was selected as a GMA pick (I've had previous success with GMA picks in the past), yet what really solidified me wanting to pick it up was it being on the 2022 end-of-the-year favourites list of two trusted friends. All of this made it an easy choice to include as part of my 12 recommendations from 12 friends in 2023.
Quick take: I absolutely loved this book! It was exactly the type of book that reminds me why I love reading to begin with. It combined so many elements I love (a heist, a mystery, a messy family, some history, an underdog story...) and evoked a whole range of emotions. Ray is one of those memorable characters that will stick with me. He knows what he wants, and despite facing so much adversity and many obstacles, he remains determined to pursue his dreams.
Throughout the narrative, there was also the opportunity for me to learn and gain an understanding of the classism and racism in the classical music industry. I cannot say this is a topic I have thought about in the past, but this book certainly sparked a curiosity. Slocumb talks about his personal experience as a black musician in the classical music world in his author's note, and I think this is a valuable addition to the book. I would by no means considered myself a classical music fan, yet I was absolutely drawn into the history of the violin and Ray's world. Slocumb has interwoven so many moving passages about the power and beauty of music.
The audiobook, read by JD Jackson, is absolutely fantastic - I could easily listen to his voice all day long. There are also beautiful pieces of classical music interspersed between chapters, which really connected me to the story. It made for the perfect tandem read.
I had my suspicions as to whodunit early on, but it never detracted from my interest. With only three months left in the year, it is safe to say The Violin Conspiracy will be finding a way onto my 2023 favourites, and my copy will be finding a home on my favourites shelf. After his fantastic debut, I am really looking forward to reading his follow up, Symphony of Secrets.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• everyone!
• fans of the underdog
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Alone, we are a solitary violin, a lonely flute, a trumpet singing in the dark. Together, we are a symphony."
"He would tell you that music is truly a universal language, and that we, the listeners, will always impose our own fears and biases, our own hopes and hungers, on whatever we hear. He would tell you that the rhythm that spurred Tchaikovsky is the same rhythm that a kid in a redneck North Carolina town would beat with a stick against a fallen tree. It is a rhythm in all of us. Music is about communication - a way of touching your fellow man beyond and above and below language; it is a language all its own."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, and Classism
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Colonisation
Minor: Rape
poverty