I saw this book on @frenchflaps_and_deckleedges page in June, with a beautiful review from Apurva. Then a few weeks later, when my local Oxfam Books reopened, I went for a browse and what did I find? Trumpet sitting on the shelf as if waiting for me! I snapped it up and read it in July and wow. Consider me a Jackie Kay fan now. You can find me with my nose pressed up against my library's window, waiting for THAT to reopen so I can read more of her work.
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Trumpet is the story of Joss Moody, a well-loved and talented trumpet player in the jazz world. Upon his death, a secret is revealed which rocks his family, especially his son Colman. Kay flits between past and present, opening up Joss's life through the eyes of those who loved him and knew him. I did wish that we could have had a glimpse through Joss's eyes, but that's likely the point. We don't really know the real Joss, we can only see him through the eyes of others.
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The main thing that struck me about Trumpet is how contemporary it feels, when it was published over 20 years ago in 1998. Kay's commentary on issues such as gender and racism unfortunately still ring true for today's society. Kay is excellent at evoking emotions in the reader, especially anger through the despicable character of Sophie Stones. Stones is a hack journalist, intent on penning a book that will turn Joss's life into the scandal of the century. She represents everything that is terrible about the media, particularly rags such as The Daily Mail.
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There's so much going on in this book, all deftly and sensitively handled. There were depictions of Joss and Millie's marriage that were so beautifully tender, as well as conversations around fatherhood, adoption, race and masculinity. I really can't wait to read more of Jackie Kay's work!