logo

51 pages 1 hour read

Trumpet

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Jackie Kay

Trumpet

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

278

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Scotland • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Trumpet by Jackie Kay tells the story of a transgender jazz trumpeter, Joss Moody, whose assigned gender is revealed after his death, creating emotional turmoil for his widow, Millie, and their adopted son, Colman. As they navigate their grief and shocking revelation, the narrative explores their individual and collective struggles with identity, acceptance, and societal prejudices. This book discusses racism, bias against same-sex relationships, and transphobia throughout.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

7,502 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Trumpet by Jackie Kay masterfully explores themes of identity and transformation through rich, lyrical prose. Critics praise its emotional depth and nuanced portrayal of characters, particularly in handling complex topics like gender and secrecy. However, some find its narrative structure disjointed at times. Overall, an evocative and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Trumpet?

Readers who enjoy Trumpet by Jackie Kay are drawn to poignant, character-driven narratives exploring identity, love, and secrecy. Fans of The Danish Girl by David Ebershoff and Orlando by Virginia Woolf will appreciate its depth and emotional resonance.

4.2

7,502 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Joss Moody

A renowned Black British jazz trumpeter known for his privacy and musical genius, whose life and identity profoundly impact those around him.

Joss's devoted wife and a maternal figure from Glasgow, who fiercely guards his privacy and navigates the challenges of raising their adopted son, Colman.

The biracial adopted son of Joss and Millie, who struggles with identity and belonging while grappling with his father's legacy and his own place in the world.

A freelance tabloid reporter from London, characterized by her assertiveness and ambition, who seeks to uncover and profit from Joss Moody's personal history.

Book Details
Pages

278

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Scotland • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.