Today I have a review of The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan, publishing on June 11, 2019 via Crooked Lane Books!
My Thoughts:
Look at that lovely cover! We need more turquoise covers, right?! Gorgeous!
Masha’s life has been shaped by tragedy. She used to be known for her spunk and independence and for over twelve years now, she’s been grieving and has lost herself in the process.
Her places of comfort are the nearby Victorian cemetery, and the lido, where she swims.
Two special and quirky women enter Masha’s life and help her start life over on her own terms. First, there’s Kitty Muriel, who has worn all kinds of fun and funky hats (she has a penchant for roller disco these days!). Then, there’s Sally Red Shoes, a “bag lady” with a beautiful singing voice.
Then, the past re-enters Masha’s life.
The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes takes us to some darker places- grief and loss, but somehow, with these eccentric characters, Ruth Hogan instills hope and authenticity, so there’s a balance, or reprieve, from the darkness.
I found The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes to be important, introspective, insightful, and witty. It bravely confronts death and all the feelings that go along with it. I loved the charm and wit of the characters, as well as their intense joy, and isn’t it those moments of joy that keep us going? A beautiful, bold book!
The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes is a thoughtful meditation on death and the process of returning to life again while walking through grief. It reminded me a touch of Nina George’s The Book of Dreams, which I also adored, in the brave way it approaches death. This book is uniquely its own due to all of Ruth Hogan’s charm, but I hope you will check out both memorable books if this type of story is calling to you.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
About the Book:
Masha is drowning.
Once a spirited, independent woman with a rebellious streak, her life has been forever changed by a tragic event twelve years ago.
Unable to let go of her grief, she finds solace in the silent company of the souls of her local Victorian cemetery and at the town’s lido, where she seeks refuge underwater – safe from the noise and the pain.
But a chance encounter with two extraordinary women – the fabulous and wise Kitty Muriel, a convent girl-turned-magician’s wife-turned-seventy-something-roller-disco-fanatic, and the mysterious Sally Red Shoes, a bag lady with a prodigious voice – opens up a new world of possibilities, and the chance to start living again.
Until the fateful day when the past comes roaring back…
Have you read The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
Lovely review sounds like another good book!
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Thanks so much, Nicki! It was such a charming read!
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I got so absorbed in your review, Jennifer💜 First, turquoise is my color (no surprise there) so I was drawn to learn more about the book with the pretty color and crazy title. Then you just led me through the wonder of the story. Beautifully done.
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Thanks so much, Jonetta! I would have guessed any shade of blue to be one of your favorites. They are mine too. This is a gorgeous book. I was really impressed with it. ♥️
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Looks like a great read! Yes, the turquoise cover is gorgeous too 😍
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It was a great read, Kim! I love that cover, too! ♥️
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I liked Ruth Hogan’s ‘The Keeper of Lost Things’. It was sweet and quirky at the same time. The characters in ‘The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes’ sound charming as well. Great characters are essential for my enjoyment of a book.
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Oh, yes, I need good characters, too, and she does excel with these characters! From what I’ve read of reviews, this one is not quite as sweet as the first (the grief and loss adds a lot of weight to it), but the charm of the characters is definitely still present. I want to read The Keeper of Lost Things now!
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Awesome review Jen! I believe I have this one too! What is that On the plate that has me drooling?😂
Have a wonderful day my friend!😀💙
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Thanks so much, Sus! Yay! I hope you love this one too! That is a key lime and coconut donut from Duck’s Donuts! Do you have one over that way? They are all over NC now, but they started in Duck, North Carolina, on the Outer Banks! They are GOOD! Custom made, served HOT.
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Loved the post. 💕
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Thanks, Priyasha! ♥️
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Lovely picture and review, Jennifer! I love the cover, too. I plan on reading this contemporary fiction. Happy reading! 🌺🌸❤️📚🌻🌼😊😘
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Thanks so much, Virginia! That cover is so charming and colorful! I hope you enjoy this one! 🌺 💜
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Love the title and the cover! Your review surprised me, for some reason that title made me think comedy.
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Thanks, Jacquie! It does seem like it could be a zany book based on the title and there is some quirkiness and fun to it to lighten up the darker parts.
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This sounds like a great book, Jennifer and I do like Ruth Hogan! I think it sounds so endearing! Wonderful review! I hope you’re having a great day! xoxo
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Thanks, Steph! It was so sweet and endearing, but with tons of depth, too. I really enjoyed it and still think about it. ♥️
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It sounds like it was, and those are the best kind of books! I’m glad you did and I’ll have to add it for sure. ♥
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I have a copy of this on my TBR and almost put it on my summer reading pile – after reading your wonderful review I think I might have to make time to squeeze it in! I loved Ruth Hogan’s first novel so am really looking forward to this one. 🙂
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Thanks, Hayley! I hope you can find time to squeeze it in! It’s such a great read! I can’t wait to go back and read her first too!
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The turquoise colour is lovely but not quite as lovely as the pastry thing sitting next to it! How could you do that to me?? I feel an urgent bakery shopping coming on… 😉
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Aww, I’m sorry, FF! That is a key lime coconut doughnut! They custom make them for you and serve them hot at this particular shop. I let that one get cold for the photo opp. 😂 ♥️
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This sounds like a wonderful read, Jennifer. I expected this one to be dark and gloomy due to the theme of death but from your review, it seems like the darkness is also mixed with moments of light. Wonderful review, Jennifer.
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Thanks, Diana! It does have a nice balance to keep it from going too dark, but it’s still so thoughtful. A truly lovely read.
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Sounds like a book that gave you must to think about. Lovely review, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Marialyce! It really did. It was a special read.
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I didn’t realise that there would be a new book by this author! I remember reading her first one so I am really intrigued about this one. It looks like a good one!
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It was such a good read, Darina! It has so much depth, and I loved the charm of the characters!
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Great review! I really liked this book. It and The Book of Dreams by Nina George are two novels that I truly enjoyed recently.
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Thanks so much, Joyce! I am happy to hear you‘ enjoyed both too! What special books!
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I find it so interesting that this book deals with the topic of death, but the color of the book is turquoise. I’m not sure if this is one of those urban legends or internet “truths” but I’ve heard it said before that turquoise is the color or joy! ☺️ So hopefully, this means that the book will have a hopeful end. 💜
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Wonderful review! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this book! I wasn’t able to connect with it fully myself, but I know that was me and not the book as the story itself was excellent.
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I have to admit, that cover is stunning. This sounds like a wonderful read.
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I love that cover, too, and the book inside is just as promising, Chrissi! ♥️
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