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The Ruby Slippers - Keir Alexander

The Ruby Slippers

By: Keir Alexander

Paperback | 1 November 2014 | Edition Number 1

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The Ruby Slippers is a rare and moving story about the search for meaning, and the meaning of value.

Old Rosa the bag lady shuffles along the streets of New York, stinking, silent and shunned by man and beast. Time and again her nephew, Michael Marcinkus the grocer, has tried to help - but Rosa remains unknowable. On the day of the St Patrick's Day Parade, Rosa is in a terrible accident. As she lies in hospital, Mr Marcinkus visits her squalid apartment and unearths something remarkable from the monstrous piles of junk: two glittering relics of Hollywood history. How on earth does decrepit old Rosa come to own such a treasure? And what is to be done with it now?

Word of Rosa's 'Ruby Millions' soon gets out, and these old articles of faith become an irresistible beacon for the misplaced hopes and darkest desires of an unforgettable cast of characters. Lives are changed, relationships tested and real values challenged. But in the hunger to possess the prize, will anyone stop to learn the incredible story of the woman to whom they once belonged?

About the Author

Keir Alexander was once an actor and stage manager before working in film as a writer and director. He is now an English teacher living in Sussex where he plays cricket as often as he can. This is his first novel.
Industry Reviews
This emotionally charged story had us hooked. - Bella

A lively and highly atmospheric story. - Image Magazine

A remarkable and thought-provoking debut novel, which immediately becomes a compulsive read. Written with great eloquence, the tale transports you into an everyday reality filled with exquisite loss and longing. With harrowing memories of the savagery of Nazi Germany, tantalising glimpses into the 1930s film industry and the wonderfully enigmatic ruby slippers (which introduce a dusting of glittery optimism); the novel focuses on the very human traits of hope and love. This is a book to cherish, to become friends with; the encounter leaves you thoroughly satisfied and yet still wondering, can the hope of something actually be more magical than the reality of it? - Love Reading

One fabulous, iconic item is the link that binds together a story that is terribly clever, a little whimsical, but utterly human at its centre. At times very funny, and sometimes very very sad, Keir Alexander is a gifted author. - Random Things Through My Letterbox

The Ruby Slippers is the type of book I absolutely love . . . Very enjoyable and extremely well-written. Sad and poignant at times, the story also offers hope and a promise of a better life. - Brook Cottage Books

How can a smelly old bag lady change your life? That is exactly what the characters in this social drama thought about their unkempt acquaintance, Rosa . . . Keir Alexander s debut novel has shown mastery over plot and character building. Creating many multi-dimensional characters in a compelling and convoluted story is no mean feat. - The Book Drifter

A really enjoyable read from a consummate writer. - Culturefly

An accomplished debut . . . The need to find out just a little bit more kept me turning the pages with real enjoyment. - Jaffa Reads Too

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