Ruby's lepel

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In 1933, Cradle Cross, a town in Black Country, England, is still grappling with the aftermath of the Great War, overshadowed by a declining button factory. A mysterious young woman named Isa Fly arrives, captivating the townsfolk with her enigmatic charm. Thirteen-year-old Ruby Tailor, who has lost her mother, is particularly drawn to Isa, as is Captin, the local chip shop owner and Ruby's father figure, along with Truda Blick, the educated spinster who owns the failing factory. As Isa's purpose in the town becomes increasingly ambiguous, the tight-knit women of Cradle Cross grow suspicious, ultimately fearing her as a witch and blaming her for the town's woes. Anna Lawrence Pietroni, in her debut novel, vividly captures the Black Country dialect, immersing readers in a place that feels suspended in time—its customs and beliefs rooted in medieval traditions, where talismans and rituals are part of daily life. The author crafts a compelling tale centered on Ruby and Isa, blending gritty realism with a folkloric essence, driven by mystery and tension, culminating in a dramatic conclusion. The narrative evokes both a visceral and dreamlike quality, inviting readers into a world rich with intrigue and emotion.