About the Book:RUBY MOON EMBODIES A TALE OF GRIEF, GUILT, AND REDEMPTION...
On the shores of Lake Superior in Ontario during the mid 1890's, Jenay, a young woman of mixed French and Ojibwe descent, must survive the trauma of causing a horrific accident.
Amidst this drama, Jenay is caught in a web spun by Renault, a rich, charming man who once threatened ruination of her father's shipping company but now seeks something even more valuable...
Jenay must find where her strength lies in order to face the challenges life brings her or be washed away like driftwood on the tumultuous shores of Lake Superior.
Life's richest dramas are played out under the banner of two ruby colored moons and become the hidden gems which forge her into a mature strong woman. Jenay realizes God is by her side, using even the harsh events of life to create something precious in her.
My Thoughts:
Ruby Moon by Jenny Knipfer stands as the first novel
in the By the Light of the Moon series. This unique literary fiction novel features
multiple character POVs, but the main character is young Jenay Follett. Her
tale is truly a coming-of-age journey involving joy, heartache, trauma, and
family. I felt that the author captured
the essence and experience of trauma with Jenay’s thoughts and actions. Jenay’s
pain felt terribly authentic, but wise statements, often from Maang-ikwe, pepper
the story with hope for healing.
As I mentioned, there are multiple POVs in Ruby Moon.
Additionally, part of the novel is written as split-time with both timelines containing
flashbacks. This complicated story structure forced me to read very slowly.
Though the book is a little over 400 pages, it took me over three weeks to
read. Without carefully reading, the narrative jumps are potentially confusing.
I recommend Ruby Moon to readers who enjoy literary/women’s
fiction. The novel can be challenging both in content and reading experience;
however, it will likely appeal to fans of coming-of-age stories.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a
copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are
my own.
