The Violin Conspiracy

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb was a fast moving plot like the fingers across the strings of a violin.
A story of family dynamics, the music business and the high level of competition
in music amplified by the discussion of race.

Another theme of the book was the history of slaves and the treatment of current free black people in our society... with touching moments and descriptions of horrific violence toward people you do not know or understand.

When we meet Ray he is a young black musician with a incredible talent playing classic music on the violin. He is heading off to the Tchaikovsky competition, the coveted position of most famous violinist in the world.  He has been playing violin from a young age on a rental instrument at great disadvantage compared to his fellow classmates.  But he inate talent has come through and he wins an all state competition.  There his talent is recognized by a college talent scout and he recruited .  Janice becomes his mentor and advocate.  His talent reaches new heights .  His grandmother gives him a family heirloom of a violin played by his great grandfather as a slave in the south.  

Controversy ensues when the violin is discovered to be extremely valuable.  Now his aunts and uncles don't want Ray to have it and another family comes forward to lay claim to it.  Ray stands firm spending all his waking hours practicing for the competition.  

Wonderfully told with a little bit of mystery thrown in. So many more themes and ideas are covered in this story..it makes for a lively book discussion.