Ruth Hogan, the international bestselling author behind the The Keeper of Lost Things returns with an irresistible novel of unexpected friendships, second chances—and dark secrets…They say friends make life worth living…Once a spirited, independent woman with a rebellious streak, Masha’s life was forever changed by a tragic event twelve years ago. Unable to let go of her grief, she finds … Unable to let go of her grief, she finds comfort in her faithful canine companion Haizum, and peace in the quiet lanes of her town’s swimming pool. Almost without her realizing it, her life has shuddered to a halt.
It’s only when Masha begins an unlikely friendship with the mysterious Sally Red Shoes, a bag lady with a prodigious voice and a penchant for saying just what she means, that a new world of possibilities opens up: new friendships, new opportunities, and even a chance for new love. For the first time in years, Masha has the chance to start living again.
But just as Masha dares to imagine the future, her past comes roaring back…
Like her beloved debut, The Keeper of Lost Things, Ruth Hogan’s second novel introduces a cast of wonderful characters, both ordinary and charmingly eccentric, who lead us through a moving exploration of the simple human connections that unite us all.
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An absolutely stunning book from start to finish. This transported me back into my own thoughts about the past and no doubt it will have the same effect on you too. Well worth a read.
If Ruth Hogan’s first book was a breath of fresh air, this one is a kiss-of-life.
Hogan navigates through difficult subjects with enormous sensitivity and what seems like plenty of direct personal experience. The title character, Sally Red Shoes, is painted with the bold strokes of an expressionist’s brush – she is a greater than life eccentric and at the same time a vulnerable old lady whom Masha, the heroine of the book, befriends and looks after. In fact, the looking-after is mutual, and the relationship between the two women is most endearing to the reader. Alice is the third character in this triangle of personal tragedies, secrets, crimes, redemption and survival. I simply couldn’t list all of the well intertwined themes of this beautiful book.
It is a deeply emotional book composed of three personal stories: Masha’s revival from the most excruciating tragedy of losing her child and her journey towards normality, Alice’s tight and claustrophobic world spinning out of her control, and the most enigmatic of the three: Sally and her unconventional past.
Each of the characters has a distinct voice. The story’s setting is a wonderfully portrayed old Victorian cemetery, rich with its own characters.
It’s a tender-loving book, touching and life-affirming.
An amazing mix of sadness, sweetness, the importance of friends and the depths of love and death.
This was unlike any writing style I’ve experienced in recent memory. The plot unfolds in parallel story lines, one told in the first person and one in third-person with multiple POVs. As it moves forward, we are allowed deep into the psyche of our lead characters, looking back on the events that brought each towards a life-changing decision. I was drawn into their lives and cheered for the positive changes. The ending was satisfying but oblique.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.
Having read The Keeper of Lost Things, I was really looking forward to The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes. I expected it would be just as good and it was. What I wasn’t expecting, even though I read the synopsis, was how very touching this story would be.
It deals with tough subject matter and there were quite a few times when I struggled with my emotions, but through it all, there was hope and there was also some humor.
There were lessons to be learned. Lessons about love, loss, suffering and friendships, among other things. Friendships are found in the most unlikely places sometimes and this book illustrates that well. I’m glad I read Ruth Hogan’s book and I think you will be also. Give it a try.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an ARC at my request. My thoughts in this review are my own and freely given.
I had mixed feelings about The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes. The story hits on some dark themes, and I loved the quirky characters, but I struggled with this one for most of the book. The pacing is a little slower than I prefer and the beginning felt muddled, at least until I got further into the book and figured things out. I suppose that could have been intentional, or it could’ve just been me. Either way, it didn’t work for me. From what I’ve seen, I’m certainly in the minority as this one has received some pretty high ratings, but it is what it is. I just found this book too easy to set aside for something I could immerse myself in and more difficult to pick back up than it should’ve been.
Ruth Hogan has created a novel of a grieving mother who, after years of just existing, is ready to live again. Also is the story of a single mother who is dealing with cancer. The two storylines intertwine for the conclusion. Interesting and eccentric characters who are part of Masha’s life. Very witty dialogue. Deals with some tough and sad issues but it is woven in with humor. Very well written.
I loved “The Keeper Of Lost Things” and was certain this couldn’t be as good. Thankfully, I was wrong. Ruth Hogan creates rich, quirky and just plain wonderful characters – lead, supporting, human, non-human. It’s an uplifting exploration of overcoming grief, and letting go of grief. Beautifully written and a joy to read.
I was immediately drawn into this lovely novel with all it’s wonderful characters. I loved Masha’s voice, and I so wanted things to work out for her. While I had a pretty good idea what was going to happen, there were a few surprises along the way. Beautiful prose, honest truths and life lessons here, along with an education in words, which I loved!
Ruth Hogan writes beautifully about how a mother copes with her grief. After years of self-inflicted condemnation, Masha becomes aware of the impact her grief has on her family and friends. She begins a slow awakening, seeing people through a new lens. A well told story with an unexpected ending.