Iris is in her 80's, living in Cairo, lost in her memories. Iris is content to live like this, not aware of today, only thinking about yesterday. One day, Iris' granddaughter, Ruby shows up on her doorstep. Iris and Ruby don't know each other very well. Ruby, 19, has run away from home. Ruby hasn't set a course for herself which is completely unacceptable to her parents. In order to escape the noise as well as the death of her boyfriend, Ruby seeks refugee with Iris. I absolutely loved how Iris and Ruby's relationship evolved and how they each changed because of it.
Again, Thomas takes us back and forth between present day Cairo and 1940's Cairo. Sometimes the transitions were a little foggy but this time it worked for me. It's like Iris decided to retire in her memories. She loses herself in remembering her old life and until Ruby shows up there is no reason for her to pay attention to the present. Thomas does an excellent job of capturing war time Cairo and present day Cairo. I loved all the details about the museums, the tombs, and the Pyramids.
Overall I would recommend Iris & Ruby. It was a wonderfully told story about mothers and daughters, love, and loss. Others who shared their thoughts on Iris & Ruby: Little Miss Rachel, Grumpy Old Bookman, and Yeah I Said That.
I think I cried at one point
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds amazing...adding it to my 2013 board!!!!!! I have to experience this author!
ReplyDeleteI read a couple of Rosie Thomas' books a few years ago, I enjoyed them but I don't tend to actively seek her books out. I've not read either of the ones you have.
ReplyDeleteHave you read anything by Linda Gillard? Her writing style is quite similar.
I've never read anything by Rosie Thomas. But the fact this book takes place in Egypt, somewhere I'd absolutely LOVE to visit, makes is sound really appealing to me.
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