Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands by Susan Carol McCarthy has been lauded for its powerful portrayal of racial tension and human courage. Reviewers appreciate the compelling characters and historical accuracy. Some find the narrative pace slow, but most agree that the book's emotional impact and relevance make it a worthwhile read.

Readers who would enjoy Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands by Susan Carol McCarthy are fans of historical fiction that tackles themes of racial tension and civil rights. Comparable to To Kill a Mockingbird and The Help, this novel appeals to those interested in American history, social justice, and coming-of-age stories.

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands by Susan Carol McCarthy, set in the Jim Crow-era South, follows 12-year-old Reesa McMahon from Mayflower, Florida, as her family pursues justice for the brutal murder of her Black friend, Marvin Cully, by the Ku Klux Klan, amid encounters with historical civil rights figures like Thurgood Marshall and Harry Moore. The story directly confronts the horrors of racially motivated violence.

Inspirational / Emotional / Heartwarming / Challenging / Contemplative

- Inspired by true events, Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands draws from the author's family experiences in the struggle against racial injustice in the 1950s.
- Susan Carol McCarthy's debut novel was awarded the 2003 Chautauqua South Book Award for fiction, recognizing its impact and storytelling in Southern literature.
- The novel's vivid portrayal of a small Florida community gained attention for its authentic depiction of the era's social tensions and its contribution to understanding America's civil rights history.

Susan Carol McCarthy

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

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Overview

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Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-25

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-30

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-35

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Chapters 31-35 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 36-40	

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Chapters 36-40	 Summary & Analysis

Revelation and Epilogue

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Revelation and Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Character Analysis

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Themes

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Essay Topics

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands

Before You Read

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