The Violin Conspiracy

A Novel (Good Morning America Book Club)

De: Brendan Slocumb

Narrado por: JD Jackson, Brendan Slocumb

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.

Great book!

I’m so glad that I caught Mr. Slocum’s interview on NPR, leading me to this book. I loved this story and was pleasantly surprised by the storyline (figuring it out isn’t fun for me). I appreciate the honesty with which the racism is presented, both past and present. It made for hard listening but we need to be reminded of the truth about the past and that it continues today. The music between some of the chapters intrigued me as did the references. I appreciate classical music but don’t know much about it. This book has me inspired to look into various composers and to learn a bit more about it, starting with the pieces referenced. Lastly, I really enjoyed JD Jackson’s reading. I’ll be looking for books by Mr. Slocum in the future and will also keep an eye out for books narrated by Mr. Jackson. I highly recommend this book!

The family always has a story

I love love loved this book. I knew the love between grandmother and grandchild. I’ve felt the pride of my family living their dream well and I recommend this book to the whole family. It’s a mystery also. The narrator was as great as he always is , you’ll love this book!!!!!

One of the best books I’ve ever read

It’s outstanding. I love music. Don’t play any instrument but I really love music. The story got to my heart.
Wish the author the best. You deserve it. Congratulations 👍👋👋👋

Lyrical - best book I've read this year

This is a page turner. I loved the music at the beginning of each part.

fabulous

loved this book. wonderful story..very well written. gripping! I look forward to reading more from this author