The Hearing Trumpet

A 92-year-old woman named Marian Leatherby receives a hearing trumpet from her friend Carmella, revealing her family's plans to move her to an institution. The story takes place in Mexico, where Marian lives with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson before being sent away. The institution proves to be no ordinary retirement home, filled with peculiar residents and mysterious happenings. Marian's enhanced ability to hear through her trumpet leads her into an unconventional adventure involving occult elements and institutional conspiracies. The novel, written by Leonora Carrington and completed in 1950, was first published in French in 1974 and in English in 1976. The text has gained renewed attention with recent reprints, including a 2021 edition from New York Review Books. The narrative explores themes of aging, autonomy, and feminine power through a surrealist lens, challenging conventional perspectives on elderly women and institutional care. Carrington's work stands as a significant contribution to surrealist literature and feminist storytelling.

Readers describe this book as surreal, bizarre, and darkly humorous. Many appreciate the unconventional 92-year-old protagonist Marian Leatherby and her perspective on aging and society. Readers praise: - The dreamlike narrative style - Commentary on elderly women's autonomy - Blend of mysticism and feminist themes - The unexpected plot directions "Like Alice in Wonderland for elderly women" - common reader comparison Common criticisms: - Disjointed storyline becomes hard to follow - Second half feels chaotic and nonsensical - Some readers struggle with the supernatural elements "The plot completely derails midway through" - frequent complaint Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (14,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.0/5 (1,000+ ratings) The book resonates particularly with readers who enjoy experimental fiction and magical realism, while those seeking traditional narrative structure often abandon it partway through.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson Sisters live in isolation while their small town harbors dark secrets and conspiracy, creating a similar atmosphere of feminine isolation and institutional power dynamics.

The Driver's Seat by Muriel Spark A woman's seemingly ordinary journey transforms into a surreal exploration of autonomy and fate, echoing the unconventional narrative structure of The Hearing Trumpet.

The Seven Madmen by Roberto Arlt Set in Argentina, this novel follows a man's descent into a world of esoteric societies and conspiracies, sharing The Hearing Trumpet's Latin American surrealist elements.

The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien A nameless protagonist navigates a bizarre institutional setting filled with peculiar characters and supernatural occurrences, mirroring Marian's journey through her retirement home.

The Complete Stories by Leonora Carrington This collection presents Carrington's short fiction, expanding on the themes of feminine power and surrealist storytelling found in The Hearing Trumpet.

🎺 Carrington wrote The Hearing Trumpet at age 50, while living in Mexico City, drawing from her own experiences with surrealist circles and Mexican culture. 🎨 The author was not only a writer but also a renowned surrealist painter whose artwork frequently featured mystical creatures and symbolic imagery similar to those in the novel. 🏰 The institution's bizarre architecture in the book, shaped like giant cakes and boots, was inspired by Las Pozas, a real surrealist sculpture garden in Mexico created by Carrington's friend Edward James. ⚡ During WWII, Carrington suffered a mental breakdown and was institutionalized in Spain, an experience that likely influenced her profound understanding of institutional life depicted in the book. 🌙 The novel incorporates elements of Celtic mythology and Goddess worship, reflecting Carrington's lifelong interest in esoteric traditions and feminine spirituality.