 |
Reviewed by: Kathy Jaccarino, High School Librarian Title: Symphony of Secrets
Author: Brendan Sloumb
Publisher: Anchor Books
Year: 2023 Good for Grades: 10-Adult Genre/Type of Book: Mystery/Realistic Fiction
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: No
Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: This was a book that was given to me. I loved Slocumb's first book, Violin Conspiracy and was interested in reading more of his works.
If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be:
The secrets of the music world sing!
|
Review:
Bern Hendricks, a musicology professor, is asked by the Delaney Foundation to authenticate a long-lost masterpiece of one of his favorite composers, Frederic Delaney. Delaney is billed as being one of the best and most prolific composers "since Beethoven." The story weaves together the present time and the 1920s music scene in Manhattan. Bern reaches out to tech guru Eboni Washington for help with the project. Together Bern and Eboni uncover clues that bring things to light that may cast a shadow over Delaney's work. Frederic meets Josephine Reed, a young Black woman who is living on the streets of NYC and sneaking into jazz clubs. She is a natural musician and Freddy convinces her to work with him. It is when they start working together that Freddy's career takes off. Who is the real artist? Much to the dismay of the powerful Delaney Foundation, Berna and Eboni start to uncover the truths about Josephine's contributions. We then see the lengths this family will go through to salvage Frederic's legacy and keep secrets to ensure this! The story then become a thrill ride!
The author vividly portrays the racial inequities that fueled the relationship between Josephine and Freddy. This story explores of the themes of race and power in society, and in the music world, then and now! The past and present are seamlessly woven together! I would recommend this book for any school library with a strong music program, or any library where students love a good mystery! It could be a great way to integrate reading/literature into the music curriculum.
Number of party hats:
For more information about this book, see the publisher's website