Ray McMillian

Ray McMillian is the main character of the novel. Ray grows up in Charlotte, North Carolina with his family. His upbringing is largely dictated by his mother and his family life. For years, Ray considers himself “a solitary, lonely kid” (247). He has few friends at school, with the exception of his acquaintance Aiden from orchestra. He has fraught relationships with his family members, and particularly with his mother. The things that are most important to Ray are his relationship with Grandma Nora and playing the violin. Because his mother does not support his musical endeavors or dreams, Ray feels the distance between her and himself widening over the years. Grandma Nora is the sole person he can confide in, and the primary member of the family who supports his artistic pursuits.

After Grandma Nora gives Ray her grandfather PopPop’s violin, Ray’s life changes forever. He...