Xan

First up .... thanks to lovereading.co.uk for supplying me with a pre-publication copy of this book. Exciting days :-) 

Here's my review. 

Short review:

This is a book about characters whose lives become entwined, their stories connected in unexpected twists. I found it engaging, uplifting and highly satisfying. 

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but I totally enjoyed it and was hooked and absorbed from the beginning. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to read it. 

This is a book about people. We are introduced to a range of characters of different ages and backgrounds whose lives are interwoven sometimes majorly and sometimes in a minimal way. They have real depth from Rosa the stinky old bag lady and her mutt Barrell, to Harrison a young man finding satisfaction in getting high to James, watching his lover die in a hospital.  You feel like you can recognise and understand these people, they are richly drawn. 

The character's lives become more entwined and their stories connected in unexpected twists. There are some moments that shock, some are creepy, some tender and poignant. You find yourself drawn in and rooting for certain characters, whilst all the time questioning the motives of others. You wish you could interfere - issue warnings, give help but you are a passenger in this tale and I was curious to see what would happen. 

The Ruby Slippers of the title are a pair of Judy Garland's famous red shoes from the Wizard of Oz. They are found and become central to the story. There is some background about the film and it's era but you don't need to be a fan to be interested. The interest is in the motives and ideals of the different characters as they become drawn to the Ruby Slippers. 

I really enjoyed the journey of this book. The final two chapters draw everything together beautifully and you end the story feeling both satisfied and uplifted.

I would recommend this book. It's unusual and involving.

Thanks again Lovereading.co.uk!