The Fortunes of Ruby White- Lia Weston

[Kate]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have decided that there should be a new genre entitled "bus fiction" or maybe "public transport fiction"- I think it will have quite a few followers. The parameters are:

- relatively undemanding and easy to read

- lightweight enough to hold in one hold whilst gripping the pole to keep upright

- largish, easy to read typeface for low light conditions

- not so confusing or complxes that sudden lurches by an erratic driver cause too much interruption

- a cover that is not too trashy and embarrassing to hold up in front of your fellow commuters (I can feel you nodding)

 

... I think that covers it- and this little romp from Lia Weston fits perfectly.

It is the story of Ruby, a young woman in a lifelong rough patch who is unemployed and lacking direction. She attends a meditation class at a new-age healing centre and miraculously finds herself with a job. Her apparent "gifts" make her the pet of the enigmatic and inscrutable head of the Empire, Jaasmyn who gradually draws Ruby in to the heart of the organisation and further away from her friends and family.

It was an enjoyable read with some clever characters and funny situations that Ruby ends up in.

If I have one pet peeve though, it is this: If you're going to set a novel in a city people know (ie Melbourne), then wear it proudly. Let's not pretend we could be in London or New York - if i'm going to be in Melbourne, then please let me feel like I am!

[Merilyn]

I'm loving the idea of bus fiction and it has given me a great idea for a reading list 'Best bus reads of all time'. Shall be working on that.