The Trumpet Blew in Gentilly! is a fi ctional book based on my fi rst book
The Trumpet Talked with me!. It is centered around Verna Lafayette
Mitchell, a pretty New Orleanian creole woman of African and French
descendant. The narrator is her oldest son Willie Jr. He shares sweet memories
of his mother and their life in Gentilly. It covers over a 20 year period from
their youth to adult hood. The book seeks to expose and preserve New
Orleans culture with its strange and magical customs. Verna has a set of rules
based on Romans 8:28 All things work together for the good to them that
love God and are called according to his purpose. Verna learned to take the
lemons of life and make lemonade and lemon cake. The story also mentions
her husband Willie Sr., her daughter Bernice, and Baby son Darren. The
book starts with her move to Gentilly, the struggles of her children, lifes trials
and tragedies, and ends with her death. The legacy of Verna will live on in her
son, grandchildren, and the people of Gentilly. The narrator gives insight and
perspective as he learns to deal with life with his mother as an inspiration and
tutor. The book also presents her travels to Paris, San Antonio, and Austria.
Verna remains a New Orleanian no matter where her journey takes her. Verna
was an unforgettable woman. The book seeks to build an appreciation and
introduction to New Orleans rich and unique culture.
