A review by becca_thegrimreader
Ruth & Pen by Emilie Pine
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It’s no secret that I loved Emilie Pine’s collection “Notes to Self,” and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her debut novel. This does not disappoint, Pine’s incredible writing talent shines through as she presents a luminous and in-depth narrative on two women's’ lives. Following two women, Ruth a therapist after building up her own practice, and Pen a fifteen year old girl who wants to have the best day of her life.
Pine switches beautifully between both characters and their narratives, and has created two wonderful real characters. Pen worries about fitting in with everyone around her, something that we have all thought of in life. Her autism is portrayed with sensitivity and shows how she views the world and those around her. After suffering horrific bullying from her classmates, Pen begins to form a bond with Alice which becomes a very important part of her life. Though for me, the most important relationship was the one she has with her mom. Her mom, Claire, is her main support unit and is there for Pen no matter what.
In Ruth’s story we learn that she has struggled with IVF treatments, and has suffered several failed attempts. This has put a strain on her marriage to a point where her husband might leave her. It was very difficult at times reading of Ruth’s grief for a life that she won’t have, she is still grieving from the last failed IVF attempt. This raw and painful grief is uncomfortable to witness, but it is a powerful story that needs to be told.
Both stories are raw and tender, with the reader falling in love with Ruth and Pen by the end of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK for the copy of this book. My review is honest and unbiased.
Pine switches beautifully between both characters and their narratives, and has created two wonderful real characters. Pen worries about fitting in with everyone around her, something that we have all thought of in life. Her autism is portrayed with sensitivity and shows how she views the world and those around her. After suffering horrific bullying from her classmates, Pen begins to form a bond with Alice which becomes a very important part of her life. Though for me, the most important relationship was the one she has with her mom. Her mom, Claire, is her main support unit and is there for Pen no matter what.
In Ruth’s story we learn that she has struggled with IVF treatments, and has suffered several failed attempts. This has put a strain on her marriage to a point where her husband might leave her. It was very difficult at times reading of Ruth’s grief for a life that she won’t have, she is still grieving from the last failed IVF attempt. This raw and painful grief is uncomfortable to witness, but it is a powerful story that needs to be told.
Both stories are raw and tender, with the reader falling in love with Ruth and Pen by the end of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK for the copy of this book. My review is honest and unbiased.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Infertility, and Bullying