The Trumpet Lesson

by Dianne Romain

When Callie Quinn became pregnant at seventeen in 1960s rural Missouri, her outraged father, with her mother’s acquiescence, insisted that no one know—and Callie complied. She went away, and she gave up her baby. But not for their reasons. She did it to protect the baby’s father—a black teen—from the era’s racist violence. Decades later, now a translator in Mexico, Callie and her closeted gay friend, Armando, search for his missing dog. Worried that Armando will lose his Paris love, too, if he doesn’t come out, Callie invents a tale of her fiancé’s inconvenient death in his closet. Meanwhile, her true losses remain as hidden as the river that winds beneath Guanajuato’s historic center. When Pamela, a musician whose music flows from her heart, enters Callie’s life, Callie takes up the trumpet—and begins to dream of opening her own heart. But instead she remains silent, hiding her longing and risking giving up everyone she dares to love in order to safeguard her secret. Callie tells herself she does so to protect her daughter, but ultimately, in order to speak, she must confront the deepest reasons for her silence—the ones she’s been concealing even from herself.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2019

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book by the premise of the story. I do love the descriptions of the locations that author, Dianne Romain introduced into this book. Yet, I struggled with finding a strong emotional connection towards the characters; especially Callie. This was sad as she is supposed to be the main focal point of the whole story.

While, this did happen, I did keep reading hoping that this would change. It did not. Another thing that I did struggle with this book was the slow pacing. It moved really slowly. If these elements were not factors; my feelings towards this book would have been slightly different. While, this book may not have been my cup of tea, this does not mean that it might not be for someone else.

[Madeline Elsinga · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this ARC from netgalley and She Writes in exchange for my honest opinion.

I expected more from the book based on the description but was really disappointed. It was slow paced and I couldn’t get into it, with detailed descriptions describing everyday life that I found unimportant. Also she mentions Jehovahs witnesses A LOT which was strange and I rolled my eyes each time it was mentioned. I found myself speed reading through the last 50 pages to finish it just to get it over with.

[Dawnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was our book club read and has many social issues to talk about. I really enjoyed it and I liked how the music played a part in it. A good story about how the past and events can still haunt.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Trumpet Lesson” is Dianne Romain’s literary fiction debut, a story that dives into the worlds of secrets, racial inequities, different cultures and sexual orientations, and coming to terms with the past. It’s about embracing and accepting friends, family, and change, and learning to appreciate what matters most. “The Trumpet Lesson” is a fascinating story that brings all these elements together as one woman discovers how to let go and start living.

Callie Quinn’s life is safely compartmentalized by to-do lists, work commitments, and a handful of people in her inner circle. Everything and everyone occupy a specific place in her life, a life rich in routine normalcy. Even her deep dark secret is isolated, only given life on its anniversary. Yet all it takes is a simple song carried by the plaintive notes of a lone trumpet to turn her neatly constructed world upside down – but that might be just what Callie needs most.

“The Trumpet Lesson” is a beautiful story. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel it is so well done, and my kudos go to the author right up front. Romain mesmerizes the reader with her words – eloquent, captivating, haunting. Layers of complexity are rolled out with ease, yet it’s also quirky to lighten the burden of some of the more serious topics entertained. There is a lot going on in this story. For instance, the setting is Guanajuato, Mexico, but the dialogue is English, laced with Spanish, laced with French. Where does the French language enter the picture, you might ask? Through the main characters Armando Torres, a man who wants to learn French to impress his lover, and Callie Quinn, who instructs Armando in all things French. It’s a unique and entertaining twist that livens up an already eventful story!

The author, a resident of Guanajuato, captures the essence of the town like only an insider can. From the cobblestone callejones to the yard filled with cosmos and a luscious avocado tree, the descriptions are enticing and alluring, drawing you into a world that feels like it was created just for you, the reader. The same is true for the characters, who are divine. They are all so different yet go together perfectly as if they were placed in the universe at this precise time to influence each other. It’s pure destiny and they all have something to contribute and learn from each other.

Though it may be cliché – I am confident in stating that readers will have a hard time putting this book down. But don’t rush through it – you don’t want to risk missing even one of the subtle distinctions that make the writing all the more endearing – no, simply savor the experience. I highly recommend “The Trumpet Lesson” by Dianne Romain.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie Quinn has moved to Guanajuato, Mexico, where she spends her time as a translator of engineering documents, hanging out with her best friend, Armando, and trying to deal with her past. When a new woman moves to town, Callie becomes intrigued. She also buys a trumpet because it reminds of her trumpet-playing father. Even as she urges Armando to be honest and leave the closet he’s been living in, she doesn’t follow her own advice and keeps own life a secret from everyone. As she continues to hide behind her past, so, too, does she hide from happiness and contentment.

The author moves her story along slowly, careful not hurry the pace along in keeping with the slower pace of living in Guanajuato. The characters are not sharply drawn nor do their actions always make sense, even to themselves. It is unclear until late in the book why Callie continues to give so much power to hiding her past. When Romain describes the city, her descriptions come alive, and the reader has a real sense for the city with its narrow alleys, tunnels, stairs climbing steeply and, conversely, plunging downward.

If you enjoy novels that don’t spill the beans in the first twenty pages, you’ll love this book.

Thanks to She Writes Press and Edelweiss for an eARC.

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie Quinn is a woman who has left Chicago for Guanajuato in the hopes that she can forget her past, come to terms with the pregnancy she had 15 years prior. She is a translator and she can work from home which is perfect for Callie. Until she meets Pamela Fischer, the new trumpeter in the local orchestra.

Callie wants to get a lesson from Pamela and her friend Armando convinces her that is what she should do. Along with her search for her daughter, whom she has never met, she tries to convince Armando to come out of the closet. As Callie tries to hide her past but still tries to find her daughter, she comes across some colorful characters, such as Callie's Aunt Ida and Pamela's mother.

At first, I didn't think I would like the characters or even the story as a whole, but I usually give a book 100 pages before I put it aside. That said, I stuck with it I ultimately really did enjoy it. The writing was really good, enough to let the reader know the deep parts of the character but not as to get bogged down with the complexities of their pasts! I highly recommend it! Great story from a different time!

I received a copy of the book for review purposes.

[Rita Dragonette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Try as she might, Calie’s plan to hide from life after a fateful decision is doomed. Sequestered in Mexico with a translation career that lets her keep a low profile, she thinks she’s sufficiently isolated from feeling and connections, but can’t help attract and become tangled in the lives of a picaresque cast of similar outcasts, whose trials all mirror her own. This witty, heartwarming “lesson” in human nature navigates the complexity of guilt, regret and longing, and shows how the heart will always find a way to form family, no matter how unconventional. All you have to do is learn to breathe…and perhaps buzz your lips. Romain’s intricate, well-written tale balances serious issues with the amusing absurdities of trying to run away from them. It’s a highly satisfying read, though it begs a critical confrontation scene between two important characters and pushes some other plot points you’d like resolved into an epilogue that only teases what might happen. Perhaps there will be a sequel.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished The Trumpet Lesson by Dianne Romain and completely enjoyed it!
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This book is about a woman named Callie who lives in Mexico surrounded by a unique and diverse cast of characters. Her closest friend, Armando, convinces Callie to take a trumpet lesson from fellow American Pamela as a cover for Callie to get him something from Pamela, but Callie soon finds she can also benefit from Pamela and her friendship. During her time with Pamela, Callie reflects about the daughter she gave up for adoption over thirty years ago and how to come to terms with it.
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I love the characters and setting in this book. Armando and Pamela are great friends and Callie’s home and hometown seen idyllic.
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By the end there are some unanswered questions, and while I’m not a fan of this,I didn’t mind it in this book. I was along for the ride with Callie and since Callie didn’t dwell on the unanswered questions, neither did I. I feel like if Callie ever decides to answer them I’ll be ready and if not it’ll be okay. She’s not there yet so I can wait.

[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully told story of coming to terms with ones past while navigating life in all its complexities.
Callie left her Midwestern home to live in Mexico and escape a decision that she made at seventeen, or should I say a decision that was made for her? While out and about she happens upon a woman who's new to the area playing her trumpet sparking memories of her dead father. After contemplating her interest in this woman and a talk with her best friend, a closeted gay man whose dog is missing, she decides to ask this woman for trumpet lessons. The first thing she learns is to breathe.
This is a story that's rich in detail and wonderful imagery. The city of Guanajuato, Mexico comes alive and puts you there amongst the callejones, the alleys that Callie navigates. The cast of characters are a diverse group that are often at odds with each other but also relatable.
I found Callie's journey and this novel to be a pleasure to read with more lessons to be learned than just trumpet playing. I highly recommend this enthralling debut.

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Trumpet Lesson by Diane Romaine is a poignant story of love, loss, repercussions, and redemption.

Set in a colorful, artsy community in Mexico, the story unfolds of a woman desperately trying to avoid facing past mistakes in her life.

Callie tries so hard to isolate herself from life, but her ever expanding circle of friends simply do not allow her that luxury. From her best friend, Armando to her mother and aunt, the minor characters add depth to the story.

Just when the pace begins to slow, the author adds a twist that has you turning pages once more.

The setting is so well described, it is nearly a character itself.

The Trumpet Lesson should appeal to all fiction readers, book club participants, as well as readers who can relate to the 1960’s generation.

I received a review copy from Net Galley and She Writes Press. This is my unbiased opinion.

[Laura Shea-clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The characters are compelling & interesting, & they stay with you after the book ends. The story takes place in Guanajuato, Mexico, & you really get a sense of the place, its culture, & people. The title of the book is something woven into the story, but there are higher level lessons learned by the characters about their past & future. The characters explore decisions made, crossroads in their lives, & interactions with others. As they learn & grow, the reader relates to the stories & applies lessons to their own live. The author lives in Guanajuato & she took trumpet lessons, so she has first-hand knowledge & experience with both! This is a gem of a book. No wonder it was an American Fiction Award winner.

[Maureen Rosenthal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just recently discovered (and admittedly been shocked ) by two friends that also gave away their babies in the sixties, I found many heart-wrenching similarities in the sense that Callies’ silence was the norm. How this “secret” works its way to the surface is only part of a compelling story with unforgettable characters like Armando who, having known a couple of larger-than-life Armandos in my life, seem so exasperating and so loveable. Guanajuato is a perfect multicultural setting, and the interweaving of English, Spanish and French works its magic as Callie’s life unfolds amongst her family and friends.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great travel read. I had a long day of flying and this book made the day whizz by. It is both zany and poignant. The main character's backstory is heartbreaking and beautifully depicted, and yet the setting is wacky and colorful which keeps it upbeat and easy to read. The pacing is theatrical- it felt like a comedy of errors at times, with more and more characters entering and adding to the mayhem. The resolution feels WONDERFUL, and I finished the book feeling elated and pleased with myself, almost like a part of me had learned how to be brave.

[Jonah]

Dianne Romain's novel "The Trumpet Lesson" is a perfect read if you have a case of the summer blues. Even if you don't have the blues, the novel is absolutely charming, funny and fun to read. I did put it down, but not for long. The characters, especially, Callie Quinn, drew me back. If you are wary of the word "lesson" in the title try not to be. This novel is short on lessons and long on kisses that linger. It's a summer delight.

[Melanie Falconer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie Quinn is working as a translator in Guanajuato, Mexico and enjoys her quiet contained life. One day a haunting performance of “The Lost Child” in the square sets in motion an opportunity for Callie to expand her life and deal with a long held secret about a child she gave up many years ago. The book uses music as a backdrop foe a story about love and loss. It is a beautifully written story.

[Barbara Waloven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story touched on many societal issues and relationships and how they are navigated by those experiencing them first hand. Wonderfully developed characters and beautifully described locations made this a fast and good read. A big takeaway for me....when you feel overwhelmed...just stop and breathe.

[Heidi Daniele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dianne Romain tells the story of a woman working to let go of the weight she carries from her past. Her journey takes place in a town in Mexico that comes alive as you read. Romain ignites your senses and emotions through her words. A beautiful story about relationships with friends, family and oneself.

[Marc Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Trumpet Lesson, an elegantly constructed novel about friendship, family, and music, begins by dropping us into the beautiful city of Guanajuato, Mexico. We learn to care about and be surprised by each of the characters, their stories, their lives. A lovely book.

[Jimalee Plank · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Trumpet Lesson begins with the two central characters concealing a secret. Set in an exotic colonial city in Mexico, Romain tells their story with warmth and humor, reconciling an old heartbreak, revealing a long held anguish and reestablishing trust in a joyous circle of family and friends.

[Barbara Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story about a woman looking back on her life & trying to make plans for the future. I enjoyed it but it did not all come together for me. I liked that the characters were largely an expat community in Guanajuato Mexico.

[Jane Pettitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1960 Callie lived in a small town found out she was pregnant and her family decided to send her away to have and not bring back, many secrets hidden , Pamela the trumpeter opens up Callie heart by music can she let the world know about her secret? Strong characters, love, enjoy

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. It moves slowly, quite honestly, and I struggled in parts to keep going. I blame myself and life for this so I will still give it four stars. There was a lot of emotion throughout the book and secrets waiting to be revealed. I can't give away the end, but I wanted more.

[Yolanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting character study but I found the plot slow and the book hard to get into
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

[J.D. DeHart · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting literary exploration - I recommend The Trumpet Lesson for any reader looking for character-driven and developed fiction.

[Dana Halek Damato]

My book club was excited to receive this box of books, which the author so generously sent us. We enjoyed the quirky characters and the comfortable small town atmosphere of the setting.

[Shelby Bollen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this seemed really intriguing, but it turned out to be a disappointing read.
I found that the pacing was far too slow and I would put this down largely to the overly descriptive writing style. I’m all for beautiful and rich descriptions, but this book felt like that it was filled with unnecessary descriptions of the most mundane things. Despite the emotional nature of the premise, I really struggled in forming any emotional connections with the characters as they all felt bland and empty.

This book held a lot of promise but, for me, it fell flat and ended up being a tad boring.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Mikel Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this story is an interesting introspective about situations early in life that haunt the main character in adult life, even after she moved from the Midwest to Mexico. Some supporting characters also have secrets they struggle to resolve. The trumpet itself and the aversion to Jehovah's Witnesses in Mexico may be more important than I can understand.
The first time I read this book, I struggled to finish it and gave it three stars because of the slow plot progression. The second time, I managed to sort out more of the many complex relationships filled with angst, and I gave it four stars. The overuse of long detailed descriptions still bothers me.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free electronic copy on August 16, 2019, of this excellent modern novel from Netgalley, Dianne Romain, and SheWrites Press. Thank you all, for sharing your hard work with me. I have read The Trumpet Lesson of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest, personal opinion of this work. This is a novel I can happily recommend to friends and family and is an excellent YA or teen read. It is a novel to savor on a rainy day or as the snow fills in the hills.

Dianne Romain brings us a novel set for the most part in the small Mexican town of Guanajuato. It is the tale of young men and women evolving into the well-rounded adults they need to become to thrive in this complicated modern world we now live in. We see their lives from the perspective of Callie Quinn, an in-demand translator to and from English-Spanish-French.

Callie is a Chicago girl transplanted to Guanajuato in an effort to isolate herself in hopes she can come to terms with the secrets that have kept her single and in pain since high school. All of these young people live with the aching guilt of secrets they feel they can't share with anyone. Pamela Fischer, the new trumpeter in the local orchestra, is the catalyst that begins bringing to the surface the hidden lives of the protagonists of this fine novel. The arrival of the mothers of Callie and Pamela and Callies' Aunt Ida bring to a head the complexities that keep these young adults enclosed in their secrets and guilt.
pub date Sept 24, 2019
SheWrites Press
Reviewed on October 5, 2019, on Goodreads, Netgalley, AmazonSmile, Barnes & Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.

[Gayle Woodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A soul searching inward journey

Callie is a shy ex-pat in an artsy Mexican community. She has a comfortable and routine life but is haunted by a scandalous secret. One day she encounters a young woman playing a trumpet in the central square--music that unleahes a flood of memories. Callie asks the trumpeter to teach her how to play. The lesson opens a door in her soul and points her to a path of confrontation with her painful past. Her friends comprise the cast of endearingly flawed characters. Domain lovingly and vividly portrays Guanajuato. The plot flows with the gentle pace of life in town, yet the tense undercurrent of Callie's inner struggles propel the story.