What do You think about Ruby (2006)?
I wasn't sure what to expect from a Francesca Lia Block book that was co-written by an author I hadn't heard of. The difference in style is obvious. This book is much more plain, and it is mostly lacking in Block's signature imagery. However, it isn't all bad.While the writing style may be different, it is a typical Block book in the way it blends fantasy and magic so effortlessly with gritty reality. The romance in the book seemed strange and forced to me, and I could have definitely done without it. I could have also done without the witchcraft. Maybe it wouldn't have bothered me if I had not had my own negative experiences with witchcraft in the past, but it was just a little too familiar for comfort - even if it was obviously exaggerated and not the real thing.But looking past those elements, I would say this book is really just about a girl struggling to overcome the trauma that she endured throughout her childhood. Depending on your tastes and how sensitive you are, some of it might be uncomfortable to read. Domestic abuse, animal abuse, violence, and incest are reccuring elements throughout the story.For me, it was very slow to start, but it became more interesting and emotionally intense as it progressed later into the book. I'm not sure who I would recommend this book to. Francesca Lia Block fans might enjoy it, although they might be disappointed at the unfamiliar and comparatively boring writing style. It's not one of her best or most notable works, but if you enjoy her novels, it's at least worth a try. If possible, I would recommend checking it out before buying it, though. There's no sense in spending money on something that you may very possibly not enjoy.
—Stephanie
An intertwining tale of two magical and troubled lives, Ruby is a gripping mix of fantasy and reality.Ruby has always been different. Not just because she hides things.She sees things. She hears things. She knows things. Her father has always ignored it. But she knows it's real.She moves across the country, to LA, to take a job as a nanny. She wants to be able to leave herself behind. An ex-boyfriend shows up at her employer's door. Some things are easier said than done.She leave LA and travels to England. Here the magic is stronger than ever. In the midst of what feels like only lies, she finds a family, her dream, and even herself. What started as a good cover story turns into a reality, freeing her from life-long demons._____Francesca Lia Block is my all-time favorite author. After discovering her when a friend recommended I read Violet & Claire, I went out and bought all the rest of her books. I'm always excited when I see she's written a new one. Ruby almost passed me by, but our Teen Librarian brought it to my attention.I really enjoyed Ruby's story. It's slightly more reality than fantasy, as compared with Block's other works, but it still had that same mystical feel. Any book-lover should love Block. Her style is compelling and one-of-a-kind. Aside from her erotic works, which I haven't read, I highly recommend everything she's written.
—Jaemi
I originally rated this a four, but having reread it a few times after my initial read, I knocked it down to a solid 2. For me, FLB is very hit-or-miss; like most people I loved the Weetzie Bat books, particularly the character of Witch Baby, and she has a couple of other books I really adore, too. But then she has books like Pink Smog and Ruby where I just have to wonder if this is even the same author.There were aspects of this novella I liked a lot - I liked the character of Ruby, actually. I thought her backstory was believable, the abuse wasn't over-the-top and she was a sympathetic character. I would have loved to see more time devoted to her witchery, (view spoiler)[learning the consequences of using her powers for selfish gain or to harm people; the book just kind of ends abruptly with her never actually facing the ghost of her father, making it pretty obvious that her confrontation with her past and her father is not the plot of this book; the romance with Orion is. Which is a shame. (hide spoiler)]
—black lamb
