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Book club questions for The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb will explore themes of classical music, determination, and race, as well as the elements of mystery and suspense that pervade throughout the book.
This debut novel tells the story of Ray McMillian, a Black classical musician who rises to success in the face of pressure and prejudice. When his great-great-grandfather’s priceless Stradivarius violin is stolen on the eve of the Tchaikovsky Competition, Ray must reclaim the instrument and prove his worth as a musician, all while navigating the cutthroat world of classical music.
The author’s writing style is engaging, vivid, and captivating, drawing the reader into the world of the characters and immersing them in their lives and experiences. The themes explored in the book are thought-provoking and universal, making it relatable to a wide range of readers.
The book is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the resilience of the human soul in the face of adversity. It is a must-read for anyone looking for an uplifting and inspiring story that will leave them feeling empowered and optimistic. With its beautifully crafted characters, powerful themes, and unforgettable story, this book is a true gem that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.
The Violin Conspiracy has received widespread critical acclaim and recognition, including recognition from Good Morning America, NPR, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. With its combination of musical mastery and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this novel is sure to captivate and engage readers.
These book club questions for The Violin Conspiracy will delve into the expertly crafted characters, the thought-provoking themes, and the page-turning plot, so be sure to read the book before diving into these discussions.
The Synopsis
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.
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Book Club Questions for The Violin Conspiracy
1. Discuss Ray’s family dynamics as portrayed in the novel. What does the book suggest about the role of families that we inherit versus those we create for ourselves, such as the relationship between Ray and Janice?
2. Compare and contrast the characters of Grandma Nora and Ray’s mother in terms of their personalities and actions. What accounts for the warmth and generosity displayed by Grandma Nora, in contrast to the self-centered greed exhibited by Ray’s mom?
3. If you were in a similar situation to Ray, how would you respond to the request from your extended family to share the fruits of your labor with them? What factors would influence your decision and how would you approach the situation?
4. What does Leon’s story teach us about the power of legacies that endure across generations? As music became the key to his survival, how did it also become his voice? What did that voice whisper to those around him, and, years later, to Ray?
5. Discuss Ray’s family. What does the novel say about the families we inherit and the families we create (such as the nurturing mentorship Ray receives from Janice)? What accounts for the warmth and generosity of Grandma Nora, compared to the self-centered greed of Ray’s mom? How would you respond if your extended family asked you to share the bounty of your labor with them?
6. What traits does Ray share with his Serbian rival, Mikhail Lezenkov? What advantages does each of them bring to the Tchaikovsky Competition? What distinguishes high achievers who thrive on competition (in any endeavor, from music to sports) from those who are more comfortable as aficionados?
7. Throughout the novel, we learn about the pieces that have special significance to Ray, forming an extensive playlist for you to enjoy while discussing the book with your reading group. What do you notice about the emotions that permeate these works?
8. What enables the Marks family to justify and distort their own legacies? Do you think their attitude is typical of the way most Americans approach the realities of slavery in the nation’s history?
9. Ray’s musical skill and his incredible self-discipline make him distinct. Do you attribute these distinctions to genetic inner strength — perhaps inherited from Leon Marks — or to other factors?
10. Who is the Janice in your life? When have you served as a Janice for someone else, lighting the way for others who lack the tools (or the hope) they need to thrive?
11. As you watched Alicia pursue leads, what did you observe about her ability to combine practical skills with an understanding of human motivation — including the motivation of an artist?
12. Ray finds solace and invigorating challenges in a musical style that originated in Europe. He says that when considering the many facets of his identity, he’s a musician first. Is music a universal medium? Do the cultural origins of your favorite music matter?
13. What does Ray and Nicole’s shared creativity demonstrate about compatibility in a relationship?
14. What were your initial theories about the disappearance of Ray’s violin? How did the novel’s multilayered timeline enhance the suspense?
15. When Ray is forced to procure a replacement violin from Mischa, what did you discover about the personalities of the various instruments, and the way music can become an extension of a performer’s soul?
16. In his Author’s Note, Brendan Slocumb reveals that the novel’s wedding scene and the Baton Rouge shakedown are based on his own experiences. How did this knowledge affect your experience of the book? How hopeful are you that such outrageous incidents of racial profiling and abuse will diminish in your lifetime?
17. The Author’s Note ends with the observation, “Together, we are a symphony.” In your opinion, has society become less symphonic and more populated by soloists? What could we achieve if our symphonies of community grew bigger and more numerous?
18. One important aspect of THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY is economics. Until he develops star power, Ray must continually scrimp and calculate to get by on far less than a living wage. What are the forces that created his poverty? What
Additional Recommendations
Hope you enjoyed my book club question for The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb! Below you will find more of my book club recommendations.
The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea
In this “raucous, moving, and necessary” story by a Pulitzer Prize finalist (San Francisco Chronicle), the De La Cruzes, a family on the Mexican-American border, celebrate two of their most beloved relatives during a joyous and bittersweet weekend.
“All we do, mija, is love. Love is the answer. Nothing stops it. Not borders. Not death.”
In his final days, beloved and ailing patriarch Miguel Angel de La Cruz, affectionately called Big Angel, has summoned his entire clan for one last legendary birthday party. But as the party approaches, his mother, nearly one hundred, dies, transforming the weekend into a farewell doubleheader. Among the guests is Big Angel’s half brother, known as Little Angel, who must reckon with the truth that although he shares a father with his siblings, he has not, as a half gringo, shared a life.
Across two bittersweet days in their San Diego neighborhood, the revelers mingle among the palm trees and cacti, celebrating the lives of Big Angel and his mother, and recounting the many inspiring tales that have passed into family lore, the acts both ordinary and heroic that brought these citizens to a fraught and sublime country and allowed them to flourish in the land they have come to call home.
Teeming with brilliance and humor, authentic at every turn, The House of Broken Angels is Luis Alberto Urrea at his best, and cements his reputation as a storyteller of the first rank.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.
But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.
Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.
Thank you for reading my book club questions and happy reading! ❤️