One of our Books of the Year 2014.
A remarkable and thought-provoking debut novel, which immediately becomes a compulsive read. Written with great eloquence, the tale transports you into an everyday reality filled with exquisite loss and longing. With harrowing memories of the savagery of Nazi Germany, tantalising glimpses into the 1930’s film industry and the wonderfully enigmatic Ruby Slippers (which introduce a dusting of glittery optimism); the novel focuses on the very human traits of hope and love. The wonderfully wide range of interwoven characters become tangible living breathing people who entice you into the story and help you feel and empathise with their emotions. The faded yet enchanting Delicatessen sits central in the story and binds together the disparate group. As you dance across the decades, the truth of the tales behind the characters slowly and tantalisingly reveals itself. The tortuous relationships take on a new energy and meaning and brings an understanding of deeper hidden thoughts and feelings. This is a book to cherish, to become friends with; the encounter leaves you thoroughly satisfied and yet still wondering… can the hope of something actually be more magical than the reality of it?
Explore our '80+ Books That Deliver a Hug' listicle for more feel-good or uplifting books.
| Primary Genre | Romance / Relationship Stories |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
Old Rosa the bag lady shuffles along the streets of New York, stinking, silent and shunned by man and beast.
Time and again her nephew, Michael Marcinkus the grocer, has tried to help - but Rosa remains unknowable, hushed inside her hulk. On the day of the St Patrick's Day Parade, Rosa is in a terrible accident. As she lies in a coma, Mr Marcinkus visits her squalid flat and unearths something remarkable from the monstrous piles of junk: two glittering pieces of Hollywood history. How on earth does decrepit old Rosa come to own such treasure? And what is to be done with them now? Word of Rosa's 'Ruby Millions' soon gets out, and these old articles of faith become an irresistible beacon for the misplaced hopes and darkest desires of an unforgettable cast of characters. Could a pair of priceless slippers really bring some magic into to a mundane life? Would an unexpected windfall bring a hope of happiness? Lives are changed, relationships tested and real values challenged. But in the hunger to possess the prize, will anyone stop to learn the incredible story of the woman to whom they once belonged? The Ruby Slippers is a rare and moving story about the search for meaning, and the meaning of value.
The Ruby Slippers features in the following genres: Historical Fiction, Books with reviews by our Reader Review Panel, Debut Books of the Month, eBooks of the Month, Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Book Club Recommendations, Romance / Relationship Stories, Fiction, Recommendations, General Fiction
The Ruby Slippers is available in Paperback
The Ruby Slippers was written by Keir Alexander and published by Corsair an imprint of Constable and Robinson
The Ruby Slippers has 428 pages
