BOOK REVIEW - The Violin Conspiracy - Brendan Slocumb - Physical Book - 4*

BOOK REVIEW

The Violin Conspiracy - Brendan Slocumb

This book was selected as a 'buddy read' in the 52 Book Club Reading Challenge in April 2024. I hadn't heard of it before and was also new to the idea of a buddy read. I didn't know what to expect. From the challenge information, I had a rough idea of the plot and was excited to try a different book from my usual. I don't have any in-depth knowledge of classical music, apart from a few piano lessons as a teenager, but the premise was great and I was looking forward to getting into it. 

BLURB

Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillan'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. 

MY REVIEW

This was a really interesting and thought-provoking read, though it sometimes felt like I was reading two books (which is the only reason this was a 4-Star rather than a 5-star read for me). It has a dual timeline which I usually love. One timeline begins when the violin is taken and the other progresses through Ray's journey to that date, his childhood and experiences, eventually coming together. The feelings that the two timelines gave me as a reader contrasted significantly and I found myself enjoying the 'past' more than the 'present'. I was captivated by Ray's story from the start, brought to tears by reading about some of his experiences of racism throughout his life, especially in the worlds of classical music, wealth, and privilege. 

The mystery surrounding the violin theft was predictable (I suggested my theories to my buddy read group after chapter 1) and while I know that the culmination of his experiences, mixed with his fear of being rejected without his priceless violin were really key in Ray's development, I wasn't too keen on the super sleuth, James Bond style investigation towards the end of the book. It didn't feel needed, the writing was gorgeous, the depictions were vivid, and successfully highlighted the reality of the challenges, both subtle and overt, encountered by BIPOC, even in today's age of supposed inclusion and equity. The story was one of empowerment and achievement in the face of uphill climbs and I adored it for the clear, concise, and effective way this message was portrayed. The pace was slow at times, but deliberate and purposeful.

What surprised and delighted me the most about this book was how music was described. I can't begin to imagine how hard it is to articulate the melody, build-up, sound, and style of a piece of music. I struggle to visualise things when I read, my mind doesn't conjure images (apparently that's quite normal but really does get in the way sometimes!). This can make it difficult sometimes to imagine things exactly as they are intended. But the description of the music was 'chef's kiss' beautiful.   

Ray's relationship with his teacher was beautiful, I know so many people who credit their success to someone believing in them. I loved reading about their interactions, honesty, and complete trust in one another. In fact, I still remember one of my teachers in primary school, Mr. Woodhouse, who encouraged me to strive for being and doing better. I'm not a world-famous classical musician or anything, but his words resonated with me at a time when that encouragement was vital. 

I definitely recommend it even if, like me, you know nothing of what it takes to be a musician. Don't let that put you off, the author brings you into the world with such finesse that you don't need to worry. 

Have you read The Violin Conspiracy? What did you think of it? 

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