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Book Review | The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan

If you’re looking for inspiration on finding the small joys in life then The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan might be just the thing you need.

I’ve felt honoured to be a part of this healing journey.  An uplifting story that left me feeling at peace.

  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 1614 KB
  • Print Length: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Two Roads (3 May 2018)
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B07169TLXC

Once a spirited, independent woman with a rebellious streak, Masha’s life has been forever changed by a tragic event twelve years ago. Unable to let go of her grief, she finds comfort in her faithful canine companion Haizum, and peace in the quiet lanes of her town’s lido.

Then 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. But just as Masha dares to imagine the future, her past comes roaring back …

Like her bestselling debut, The Keeper of Lost Things, Ruth Hogan’s second novel introduces a cast of wonderful characters, both ordinary and charmingly eccentric, who lead us through a moving exploration of the joy of friendship and the simple human connections that make life worth living.

Available to purchase in digital, paperback, hardcover and audiobook formats.

Book Review

Death is something we find hard to talk about and despite the sadness of this story, Ruth Hogan’s writing style and dry sense of humour transforms what could have been a depressing and morbid read into something bright and uplifting.  My views on cemeteries have been changed forever …

Masha’s grief is visceral and effects everyone around her (I include myself in this!).  A pivotal point in the story pulls the veil aside and she considers others as well as self.  I thought this was so poignant and really felt her on the edge, trying to climb out and over.  She has some wonderfully quirky friends in her life that support her as well as her mum and dad.  Her dog Haizum (who is a character in his own right) is another stalwart in her life.  I loved her friendship with Edward.  Another thing I loved was the window into her working life as a psychotherapist with her clients personalities adding humour.  I have to admit to some sniggers (especially with the hat incident).  Opening her heart leads her to Kitty and life affirming experiences and of course the wisdom from Sally.

Alice’s story is so very poignant.  When we find out about her past and where she’s headed with her future, I must admit I couldn’t help the tears.  A loss that leads to a gift.  Darkness and light.  I had mixed feelings for sure.

I was so intrigued as to how these two different narrations of Masha and Alice tied together.  And even though I thought I had it sussed, several times Alice shares something which moved me away from where I thought the story was going…

The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes has led me through a whole host of emotions.  Entertainment from Lady Troubridge’s etiquette and the word of the day (my favourite has to be ferhoodled) and utter sadness at the shadows and darkness.  Simply 5 stars of awesomeness.

Connect with Ruth Hogan

Twitter @ruthmariehogan

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I'm passionate about helping others to find a centre of calm. On my mental well-being journey I've qualified in different 'therapies' including Mindfulness and as a Mental Health First Aider.  I took my love of crochet one step further too with a crochet diploma.  Join me on:  Substack | Twitter  |   Facebook  |  Pinterest  |  LinkedIn  |  Threads Read More Behind the Scenes

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