Trumpet

Here's a contemporary novel well worth the read. The story is basically about a trumpet player whom everyone thought was a man until the truth is found out at the latter's death. The novel is divided into mainly three first person narrators: the widow of the trumpet player, his son, and a journalist who wants to ghostwrite a book on the whole thing. I'll be honest, I never really had any interest in Jazz, or scottish culture... Read Full Review

It was not a surprise to me to read, after finishing the book, that the author is a poet. This book moved with beautiful flow, so easy to read, and engaging. As another reviewer mentioned, the book is based, loosely, on the story of Billy Tipton. "Suits Me" is interesting, but it is an incredibly slow and arduous read and, in return, does not provide much insight into Billy Tipton and his journey. However, "Trumpet" does... Read Full Review

I shan't elaborate more since the other reviewers have summed up the book so well. Suffice to say I was gripped from page one until the last. There is one particular chapter called "Music" that is akin to a long magical poem, a cry from deep within, a description of the trumpet player lost in his music. Beautiful.A truly wonderful book.

Once in a lifetime there comes a book/s that make/s u think..they make u feel something...pose so many questions only to show that still waters run deep and Trumpet by Jackie Kay is one such book...I picked this book with great trepidation knowing whether or not I would like it. But as the case goes and I am glad that all my apprehensions were gone with the wind once I began this tiny jewel. Trumpet begins on death. Joss moody... Read Full Review

"Trumpet", Jackie Kay's Guardian Fiction Prize winning novel, transforms what could have been perfect cannon fodder for exploiters of the lurid and the sensational into a beautifully touching and emotional tale of love, betrayal, truth and quest for identity. When legendary trumpeter, Joss Moody, is certified "female" by the undertaker upon his death, his adopted son Coleman goes ballistic at his father's deception and betrayal,... Read Full Review