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Like the protagonist of his new, breakaway novel, author Brendan Slocumb is a Black violinist. He knows the monotony of daily practice punctuated by the occasional thrill of performance. He’s experienced the racism that’s often inherent in the classical world. But unlike Ray McMillian, the lead character of “

,” Slocumb does not own a Stradivarius. 

The fact that McMillian’s passed-down, family fiddle turns out to be a priceless Stradivarius is at the center of Slocumb’s debut novel. The discovery catapults McMillian into superstardom in the world of classical music. Then, just before he goes to the Tchaikovsky Competition, the Olympics of classical music, the Stradivarius is stolen. Who took it? Will he get it back? 

Slocumb talked to host Kerri Miller guest for this week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas show. 

Use the audio player above to listen to the conversation.

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When a Stradivarius is stolen just as the Black violinist who owns it steps into the classical spotlight, Ray McMillian must search both inward and outward to find the source of his talent. 

Like the protagonist of his new, breakaway novel, author Brendan Slocumb is a Black violinist. He knows the monotony of daily practice punctuated by the occasional thrill of performance. He’s experienced the racism that’s often inherent in the classical world. But unlike Ray McMillian, the lead character of “The Violin Conspiracy,” Slocumb does not own a Stradivarius. Slocumb talked to host Kerri Miller guest for this week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas show. 

'The Violin Conspiracy' is a musical who-done-it with deep notes

Brendan Slocumb and his book “The Violin Conspiracy”

'The Violin Conspiracy' is a musical who-done-it with deep notes

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