Review of Ruby by Cynthia Bond

Nutshell: Ruby returns to the town that where all of her haunting secrets began. Ephram, her childhood friend can not get her out of his mind. This story is her journey through the past and finding freedom in the present while her long-ago friend does not give up on her and walks the path of healing for himself and with her.

Pro's: The words in this book are so descriptively beautiful, even during the most horrendous portions. The imagery is crystal clear, the emotion so raw that it takes your breath away.

Con's: At face value, this book could be seen as graphic and wrought with distasteful language. But it is so fitting considering the context of the story. I did have a hard time getting into the book with the back and forth between the present and the past, but once the reader figures it out, the book sweeps you away.

Recommendation: You have to be able to see past the face value of the book. This book makes you think, makes you feel uncomfortable, makes your heart race, makes you furious, and evokes different emotions throughout the pages. It is not an easy read in the sense of the abuse that takes place and it does weigh heavy on the heart.

Waterbrook Multnomah sent me this copy to review for them. All opinions expressed are my own.