The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes: A Novel

Ruth Hogan

Jun 2019 · Crooked Lane Books

About this ebook

A “subtle and poignant” novel about unexpected friendships, second chances, and dark secrets—from the international bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things (Good Housekeeping)

“Despite tackling such huge topics as bereavement and cancer, Hogan’s work is filled with hope and the power of friendship.” —Evening Standard

They say friends make life worth living...

Once a spirited, independent woman with a rebellious streak, Masha’s life was forever changed by a tragic event twelve years ago. Unable to let go of her grief, she finds comfort in her faithful canine companion Haizum, and peace in the quiet lanes of her town’s swimming pool. Almost without her realizing it, her life has shuddered to a halt.

It’s only when Masha begins an unlikely friendship with the mysterious Sally Red Shoes—a bag lady with a prodigious voice and a penchant for saying just what she means—that a new world of possibilities opens up: new friendships, new opportunities, and even a chance for new love. For the first time in years, Masha has the chance to start living again.

But just as Masha dares to imagine the future, her past comes roaring back.

Like her beloved debut, The Keeper of Lost Things, Ruth Hogan’s second novel introduces a cast of wonderful characters, both ordinary and charmingly eccentric, who lead us through a moving exploration of the simple human connections that unite us all.

Ratings and reviews

ugh so drawn out. I had to sit thru boring rambles chapter after chapter until the last chapter. the 2nd woman seemed like an ijiot and something was off about her. seriously rhis whole mess could of been told in a short story .I DON'T find it "whimiscal" book reviewer on books seem to be blind these days

I had mixed feelings about The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes. The story hits on some dark themes, and I loved the quirky characters, but I struggled with this one for most of the book. The pacing is a little slower than I prefer and the beginning felt muddled, at least until I got further into the book and figured things out. I suppose that could have been intentional, or it could've just been me. Either way, it didn't work for me. From what I've seen, I'm certainly in the minority as this one has received some pretty high ratings, but it is what it is. I just found this book too easy to set aside for something I could immerse myself in and more difficult to pick back up than it should've been.

About the author

Ruth Hogan was born in Bedford in a house full of books where her parents still live. As a child she was always reading something including the back of cereal packets and gravestones. She loves dogs, seaside piers and potatoes, and has always had a fascination for cemeteries. She lives in a large, rambling house north of London ( and close to her local cemetery) with her long-suffering husband and two rescue dogs.