Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes, The
Hogan, RuthMasha may have lost her son Gabriel twelve years earlier, but she still hasn't really returned to the land of the living. Enter two delightful eccentrics - Kitty Muriel and Sally Red Shoes - courtesy of the local Victorian cemetery and lido, bringing with them the possibility of light at the end of the tunnel. And there is always the unexpected ... Alice, mother to Mattie will also play her part.
A sensitively written story of grief and recovery, leavened with whimsy and enriched by the unlikeliest of friendships. [Larger font]
Pages
326
326
Year
2018
2018
Reviews
28-11-2023
A delightful, easy read story that everyone enjoyed. There were emotions depicted that were common to us all which gave a depth to the work, and we felt we knew the characters well enough that the ending needed no more explanation. Great descriptions of so many differing characters that we had to look hard to find anyone who qualified as "nondescript". Plenty of animated discussion especially about our favourite character. One member not only purchased a copy of the book but also the previous work, 'The Keeper of Lost Things'.
07-07-2023
We agreed that this story was rather confusing with the frequent change of characters who seemed to have little, if any, connection until near the end. Although there were amusing segments and emotional episodes, the characters generally lacked depth.
26-04-2023
There were mixed reviews for this book. Some loved it while some were very dismissive. An easy read. Some members of the group preferred the author's first book.
17-03-2023
A lighter read for Christmas, but we were not hugely enthusiastic. Various facets to explore : the construction of the stories, and their interweaving, the colourful characters, cemeteries and grief; and details like Millais' model for his Ophelia painting; even 'word-of-the-day'! Discussion aplenty.
17-03-2023
The group did not particularly enjoy the book. Somewhat contrived and formulaic.
17-03-2023
Most of us really enjoyed the book and the characters - perhaps finding the end a little too conveniently constructed. We liked the fact that sometimes in life, encouragement and support occur.
12-01-2023
Bit wordy - good twist.
23-06-2022
Everyone found this book to be such a delight. Wonderful characters and an interesting story and plot twist.
06-06-2022
Almost everyone really enjoyed this book and we had a great discussion. Whilst dealing with some intense and sorrowful issues, it was also humorous and uplifting.
07-03-2022
Delightful characterisation. Wide-ranging sharing of grief journeys - thoroughly enjoyed.
03-11-2021
Wonderful book. Everybody loved it. Funny, sad, great characterisations.
11-10-2021
Enjoyed as a lightweight read.
25-07-2021
Nearly everyone enjoyed this book. Very humorous but parts were also tear jerking. Easy to read, although took a while for some members to get into it. All loose ends tided up by end of the book and general comments were, well written and worth reading.
19-07-2021
Easy to follow, some emotional bits, funny at times. Good holiday read. Good book to start Book Club with. Predictable plot and ending.
25-06-2021
A story of rediscovery. A light read. A good topic treated sensitively.
16-06-2021
When the group discussion was starting, the general response to the book wasn't that great, but afterwards it was generally well received by everyone.
16-06-2021
Everyone loved this book!
13-05-2021
Most members absolutely LOVED this book! Although there were a couple who had faced similar losses, and it was too raw for them. Those that enjoyed the book found it made them aware that "life goes on", and HAPPILY if you want it to!
17-03-2021
Most enjoyed the very descriptive language. Great sense of humour.
12-03-2021
A mixed reaction to this book. 3 of us loved it and thought it a bit quirky to start with. As it progressed the lives of 3 women and their take on life ands death set the scene and we followed it eagerly to see how they became intermingled. A very descriptive and detailed writer.