The Violin Conspiracy: A Novel (Good Morning America Book Club) (Unabridged)
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK! • Ray McMillian is a Black classical musician on the rise—undeterred by the pressure and prejudice of the classical music world—when a shocking theft sends him on a desperate quest to recover his great-great-grandfather’s heirloom violin on the eve of the most prestigious musical competition in the world.
“I loved The Violin Conspiracy for exactly the same reasons I loved The Queen’s Gambit: a surprising, beautifully rendered underdog hero I cared about deeply and a fascinating, cutthroat world I knew nothing about—in this case, classical music.” —Chris Bohjalian, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Flight Attendant and Hour of the Witch
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.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
We were deeply moved by this coming-of-age mystery set in the fascinating world of classical music. Ray McMillian’s life is forever changed when he’s gifted his great-grandfather’s priceless heirloom violin, catapulting him toward his dream of becoming a professional musician despite the obstacles he faces. When his prized instrument disappears before a major competition, he must discover who took it—all while the family whose ancestors enslaved his try to claim they’re the violin’s rightful owners. Musician Brendan Slocumb beautifully weaves his own experiences of discrimination and poverty into this powerful debut, and narrator J.D. Jackson gives a great performance, capturing Ray’s heartache, longing, and hope. The Violin Conspiracy is a masterfully told story that shines a spotlight on racism’s legacy.
Customer Reviews
Fantastic and Inspiring
Should be compulsory reading for all high schools world wide.
Intriguing plot unlike any of the thousands I have read.
Would be a good movie. If you love music, competition, and had or needed a loving grandma this book is for you.
My heart goes out to the author and all victims of racism. It just makes no sense to be cruel for any reason especially based on color of skin.
The Violin Conspiracy
The book overall was an exciting story. Well thought out, wonderful musical references. The down side - the narrator knew nothing of musical terminology and musical pieces and mispronounced many of the words, terms and pieces. As a classically trained musician, that was embarrassing. The narrator was also quite boring.
Very good book
This audio book is so good that I can’t stop listening to it.