Probably Ruby
Books | Fiction / Indigenous
3.3
Lisa Bird-Wilson
An Indigenous woman adopted by white parents goes in search of her identity in this unforgettable debut novel about family, race, and history.Finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award • “Engaging . . . Ruby never disappoints with her big heart and outrageous sense of humor—and her resilient search for her own history.”—The New York Times Book Review“A passionate exploration of identity and belonging and a celebration of our universal desire to love and be loved.”—Imbolo Mbue, author of Behold the DreamersThis is the story of a woman in search of herself, in every sense. When we first meet Ruby, a Métis woman in her thirties, her life is spinning out of control. She’s angling to sleep with her counselor while also rekindling an old relationship she knows will only bring more heartache. But as we soon learn, Ruby’s story is far more complex than even she can imagine.Given up for adoption as an infant, Ruby is raised by a white couple who understand little of her Indigenous heritage. This is the great mystery that hovers over Ruby’s life—who her people are and how to reconcile what is missing. As the novel spans time and multiple points of view, we meet the people connected to Ruby: her birth parents and grandparents; her adoptive parents; the men and women Ruby has been romantically involved with; a beloved uncle; and Ruby’s children. Taken together, these characters form a kaleidoscope of stories, giving Ruby’s life dignity and meaning.Probably Ruby is a dazzling novel about a bold, unapologetic woman taking control of her life and story, and marks the debut of a major new voice in Indigenous fiction.
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More Details:
Author
Lisa Bird-Wilson
Pages
288
Publisher
Random House Publishing Group
Published Date
2022-04-12
ISBN
0593448685 9780593448687
Community ReviewsSee all
"Wow, what a great read! Usually I find multiple POV books to be confusing, so I was apprehensive about the format, but these perspectives from different family members connect so well to the wider and larger story of who Ruby is and how it prompts her to want to reconnect with her roots and identity as an Indigenous girl adopted into a non-Indigenous family.
TW: There is a story in here that talks in semi-detail about residential schools and the abuse that went on in there, so if you need a moment, take it. "