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The Hearing Trumpet

An exploration of aging through surreal adventures

Leonora Carrington author Ali Smith editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:29th Sep '05

Should be back in stock very soon

The Hearing Trumpet cover

An elderly woman overhears her family plotting against her and ends up in a surreal retirement home in The Hearing Trumpet, leading to unexpected adventures.

In The Hearing Trumpet, ninety-two-year-old Marian Leatherby becomes aware of her family's unsettling intentions when she overhears them plotting to commit her to an institution. This alarming revelation occurs shortly after she receives an ornate hearing trumpet, a symbol that soon leads her to a sinister retirement home. Here, the elderly residents find themselves living in bizarre buildings resembling igloos and birthday cakes, all while enduring peculiar religious sermons and dining under the watchful gaze of a mysterious portrait of a leering Abbess.

As Marian navigates this strange new world, she encounters a fellow resident who provides her with a book detailing the life of the Abbess. This act of kindness sparks a surreal and joyful adventure that challenges the oppressive atmosphere of the home. Written in the early 1960s, The Hearing Trumpet stands out as one of the most original and inspirational works in the realm of fantastic literature, drawing comparisons to the whimsical adventures of Alice in Wonderland.

Leonora Carrington, a prominent figure in the Surrealist movement, crafted this novel with a unique blend of humor and imagination. Born in Lancashire and later moving to Mexico, Carrington's artistic journey reflects her deep engagement with surrealism, influenced by her relationship with painter Max Ernst. First published in France in 1974, The Hearing Trumpet continues to resonate with readers, inviting them to escape the mundane realities of life.

This book is so inspiring...I love its freedom, its humour and how it invents its own laws. What specifically do I take from her? Her wig -- Björk

ISBN: 9780141187990

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 10mm

Weight: 137g

176 pages