About the Audiobook:
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.
My Review:
I enjoyed listening to this novel, something I was able to do through my local public library. While it is a mystery, I did not feel the mystery was the main subject. The mystery plot was not exceptional and the villain was not a surprise to me at all.
Rather, I felt there were two aspects communicated well in the novel. One was the treatment of Black people in the professional music field. Slocumb notes at the end that much of the racism and treatment Ray experienced in the novel was based on his own experience. We also experienced some of the attitude toward Ray by his own family where a regular job was valued much more highly than going into professional music.
The other aspect of the novel was the living and emotion producing nature of music, especially by those who love making it. Ray's passion for playing the violin, producing beautiful music, really came through in this novel. Music is portrayed as a language that supersedes countries and cultures. There are short musical interludes between the major sections of the novel so one can experience a little of the music Ray might be playing.
The narrator did a very good job. He had a pleasant voice and was clear. I do recommend one listen to this novel to get a sense of the importance of music and the experiences of Blacks in that profession.
Mt rating: 4/5 stars.
About the Author:
As a musician, Brendan has performed on violin with the Washington Metropolitan Symphony, the McLean Symphony, the Prince George's Philharmonic, and the Alexandria Symphony. He currently serves as the concertmaster for the NOVA- Symphony Orchestra. Brendan has been a frequent adjudicator and guest conductor for several district and regional orchestras throughout North Carolina and Virginia. He also performs chamber music with members of the Annandale symphony. He maintains a private music studio teaching lessons to students on violin, guitar and piano.
He is the founder of the nonprofit organization, Hands Across the Sea, based in the Philippines. After touring the Philippines with the Northern Virginia Chamber Ensemble and witnessing firsthand the conditions that many of the young music students and their families endure, Brendan founded the Hands Across the Sea to offer support to the Berea School of the Arts in Manila, by providing instruments, lessons, and monetary support. The organization also supplements school supplies and dental and medical assistance.
In his spare time, Brendan enjoys writing, exercising, collecting comic books and action figures, and performing with his rock band, Geppetto's Wüd.
Random House Audio, 12 hours 4 minutes.
(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)
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