This review is written with thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read and review The Scandalous Life Of Ruby Devereaux.

Blurb:

Everyone knows Ruby Devereaux’s books. But no one knows her story… until now.

From a teenager in wartime England to a veteran of modern-day London – via 1950’s New York, the Swinging Sixties, Cold War Berlin, Venice and Vietnam – Ruby Devereaux has lived one hell of a life: parties, scandals and conflict zones, meeting men and adventure along the way. In a writing career spanning seven decades and more than twenty books, she’s distilled everything into her work. Or has she?

Now beyond her 90th year, Ruby’s energy is ebbing and her beloved typewriter put away. Until a call from her publisher presents Ruby with an ultimatum, and the impetus to embark on one last book – “warts and all”, as she says. Even in her dotage, Ruby M Devereaux has the power to surprise, because whatever this author does, she does on her own terms. Always.

Is Ruby finally about to reveal the secrets of her infamous life?

Review:

I’m not sure what I was expecting from The Scandalous Life Of Ruby Devereaux but it was absolutely not what I got! I must admit that it did take me a while to become fully immersed in Ruby’s story, as particularly towards the beginning, I found the novel something of a slow burn. However, there’s no doubt that Ruby’s life has been colourful and I gradually came to find her and her story enchanting.

MJ Robotham is an incredibly talented writer and she describes the events of Ruby’s life with a great deal of sensitivity and care, and when the occasion calls for it, humour. There are times when The Scandalous Life Of Ruby Devereaux is difficult to read and this made me feel quite emotional. The author looks at many different themes across the novel, and I found it particularly interesting to explore these issues through the lens of someone living in a time when attitudes may have been different. I also found it interesting to read about different historical events and aspects of them that are not usually covered.

I will be thinking about Ruby for a long time to come.

The Scandalous Life Of Ruby Devereaux is available from Amazon.