THE AUTUMN OF RUTH WINTERS
Marshall Fines
Lake Union Publishing
November 5, 2024
264 pages
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Lately, there seems to be an abundance of books on the market featuring “older” main characters. Maybe they have always been there, but I’m noticing them more because I am now becoming “older” myself. Conundrum!
This is Ruth’s story. You could call it her “coming of age” story even though that term usually applies to a young person coming into adulthood. Ruth, a retired lady, has led a very straight, structured life. She is not social at all. She only speaks when she has to. She lives by her own rules. She is quite introverted. But, she’s not unhappy. This is just her life. She doesn’t want to call attention to herself. She has aged out of her job that she held for 40 years as a bookkeeper.
As usual in this trope, the transformation starts. It’s fun to watch Ruth’s personality and life change. She is a likeable woman, to begin with, but she discovers that life can be a social experience. She discovers emotion. She discovers fun. Ruth is surprised to discover that she is enjoying herself.
There is a a more serious portion of the story, involving a sister, with whom Ruth has had a contentious relationship for many years.
I really enjoyed this book. The only criticism I might give is that once the transformation of Ruth started, it happened very quickly, instead of gradually, which would have been more realistic. But, I can choose the believe that this social persona was just under the surface of Ruth’s psyche, just waiting to burst forth. It’s never too late for second chances.
Entertaining and fun read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
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