Rumi and the Red Handbag

by Shawna Lemay

Rumi and the Red Handbag follows the lives of Shaya and Ingrid-Simone, working together one winter at a second-hand clothing shop. Theodora's Consignment Shop becomes a small world where Shaya, an academic who abandoned studying the secrets of women writers, finds in Ingrid-Simone a reason to begin writing again, on scraps of paper and post-its. Fresh, unique and intelligent, Rumi and The Red Handbag is a journey to the Museum of Purses and Handbags in Amsterdam, a journey to find Rumi, the soul, and the secrets hidden in a red handbag.

Genres: Fiction, Canada

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

"A lamp and a flower pot in the center. The flower can always be changing." –Virginia Woolf.

The Flower Can Always Be Changing:

From the bestselling author of Rumi and the Red Handbag comes a new collection of brief essays about the intersection of poetry, painting, photography and beauty. Inspired by the words of Virginia Woolf, Lemay welcomes you into her home, her art and her life as a poet and photographer of the every day. Lemay shares visits to the museum with her daughter, the beauty in an average workday at the library, and encourages writers and readers to make an appointment with flowers, with life.

Rumi and the Red Handbag was shortlisted for the Alberta Readers Choice Award. All the God-Sized Fruit, her first book, won the Stephan G. Stephansson Award and the Gerald Lampert Memorial Award. Calm Things: Essays was shortlisted for the Wilfred Eggleston Award for Non-Fiction. She has an M.A. in English from the University of Alberta.

Reviews

[Shawn Mooney (Shawn Breathes Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I vlog my experience of reading this great novella alongside Suzanne and Gertrude by Jeb Loy Nichols and by the end I hope I have convinced you to read them together too: https://youtu.be/HdLOl_6oOJU?si=PpiNM....

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

At my book club, we all raved about this quiet, beautiful novel. The friendship that grows between two women who work together is portrayed so realistically. We talked about the many ways that Ingrid-Simone and Shaya helped each other, and were reminded of the many ways we benefit through similar relationships.

[Nathan Waddell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you were to make a Venn diagram of Shawna Lemay's interests and my own, it would be two nearly separate circles. Nearly. She's a local-to-me writer that I discovered on Twitter probably from her beautiful photography ( Venn overlap!) and I slowly came to realize she may be Edmonton's greatest treasure due to her writing. "Wow this poem is so good, what does her blog say? Holy sh*t this essay is so true! Wait, she wrote a book? But it's about purses? I... I mean... I don't really think about purses much...but this cover is so lovely..." I exaggerate a little bit, but the point is I'm so glad I read this book. Again, Venn overlap, very slim. I had never heard of Clarice Lispector before. I'm not given much to thinking about the nature of souls- which is the major theme of this book- but damn the way Lemay weaves in poetry and quotes and philosophy and her own beguiling prose.... she does this too on her blog, taking this line from here and that quote from there and marrying to this photograph while casually writing a staggering observation- presenting something entirely new in the process, a magic spell where the magic is in the writing of the spell itself not in any conjuration ....
Her forthcoming book is about angels, and you will not find angels in my Venn circle but I can not wait to read that book too.

[Kerry Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read this year. Check out my review on my blog.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rumi and the Red Handbag is a such a gorgeous reading experience. It has everything--beautiful, intriguing characters with plenty of whimsy and mystery, charming settings that are so real you'll long to spend more time there, a plot that pulls you gracefully through page after page, suspense and surprising secrets, and all of it charmingly packaged with Lemay's inimitable style and connection to all things lovely. I loved every bit of it, and can't wait for the next novel. And the people I've recommended it to have all been equally excited about it. There are so many reasons Lemay's novel has been on so many lists and has had such wonderful reviews!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Rumi and the Red Handbag was a visceral experience. I felt the book. Shawna's writing is so vibrant and lush and careful; it's like being wrapped in a kitten-soft blanket.

Shaya, Ingrid-Simone, and the oft-absent second-hand, high-end shop owner share a brief winter together, selling used clothing and accessories, including, as the title suggests, handbags. Each woman is avoiding something in her life; each of their stories unfurl at a different pace.

I can't say enough how beautiful Shawna's writing is.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. The character Ingrid Simone has captured my soul.

[Ann Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. It's not hard to tell that the author is a poet. Talk about an image-rich novel....

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beautifully written, deep and whimsical at the same time. I didn’t want to speed read because of the quality and expression of thoughts. Lots of great reflections. Looking forward to discussing this award-winning novel by a local author with my book club.

[Marion Lougheed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tour de force. This book should be sitting on shelves next to Rachel Cusk's Outline trilogy.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars.
Rumi and the Red Handbag is an intriguing delight. Lemay writes so eloquently, offering deep insights into our human beingness. The story’s main characters —Shaya (a narrator in the style of internal musings and reflection) and Ingrid-Simone— meet one winter while working in Theodora’s secondhand clothing boutique. Earlier on in the story I may have felt it a tad heavy, overwritten perhaps, but the minute I entertained this thought, in the very next sentence I’d be bowled over by a revelation, a wonderful idea, reminding me of truths I didn’t know I knew. There are gentle surprises at every turn of the page, this is truly a unique little volume, enticing, beguiling and ultimately deeply touching. Also, the whole concept of women’s handbags and the secrets they may hold is fascinating. And the revelation of the red handbag is akin to opening Pandora’s purse. I came to the realization that this slim volume is best read at a slow, contemplative pace, the way one would approach poetry. So many lovely images, “She put on a big wool button-up sweater, the kind that someone has to make for you.” Thank you Shawna Lemay, for weaving your word magic and making this such an illuminating tale for your readers.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a masterful exploration of the tender threads of relationship and, as in all of Lemay's work, a discovery of profound beauty in the every day. It's contemplative, rich and compelling. It is one of those treasures that should be carried at all times win a beautiful hand bag. For lovers of all things spiritual, philosophical, literary and beautiful, this is required reading.

[Lise Mayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really really enjoyed this book. Would make an excellent movie. Characters beautifully drawn. Memorable, atmospheric location! Would have liked to have some answers to things introduced so can't give it 5 but very very good!

[Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful exploration of female friendship and a bit of infatuation.

[Louella Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read.

[Eva Tihanyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!!!

[Tamara Willems · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t quite feel as if I can adequately do this lovely book justice, for just how wonderful I thought it was.
It is just simply the most beautiful thing.
It had me completely consumed by every single word, image and character. From the vintage feel of the secondhand dress shop, to the mysteries contained. The perceptions of the known as well as the unknown. To friendships, connections and to questions. To beauty, kindness and fragile things.
To the courage it sometimes takes one to just be seen. And too, to Rumi.

So very many things I loved about this story, I hesitate to list them here as to not give anything away.
It has me wanting to hand out copies in the street, while at the same time keep it safe and protected as to not spoil a single magical thing. (which hardly seems fair to the author)
So much more I wish to say.. so very much is currently floating through my chest, I hesitate to spill it all out here, as it just feels quite wonderful, right where it is.
For me this lovely little book, will go straight to my favourites shelf, and better still – it has me in search of just the right handbag in which I will slip
my much loved copy
of this
beloved, beautiful
beauty-filled
book
so that I am never, without. ♥

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book. this is not surprising to me because i adore everything this author does. both the narrator Shaya Neige and the character she writes about, Ingrid-Simone are unusual and fascinating women who I related to. I loved all the literary references, the sheer whimsy of this novel and the depth. There's a kindness and compassion throughout this book, a gentleness and also a sadness that is so well rendered. Some of the images from the book continue to remain with me the morning after finishing the book and shall. This is a book for readers, especially shy ones. This is a book that celebrates friendship between women and reading and not fitting in. Also, if are like me and you love a good purse or bag, this is indeed the book for you. I waited to read this book for some time because I knew I'd love it and I wanted to savour it before I'd read it. Ingrid-Simone and Shaya Neige would understand.

[Mary Mackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to put into words my reactions to this book. In some ways it is ethereal: when I try to describe it the words run through my mind like sand through fingers. When I first started to read it I was not sure I liked it, by the end I was wishing it would not end. My thanks to the author for making me dream again.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is brilliantly written, using language in an unforgettable way.
Philosophical, thoughtful, and heartbreaking character development.
A slow read, one to savour, digest, and think about often.

[Madelyne! · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read .. .intriguing

[Michelle Vandepol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thin emotive-packed volume from Canadian poet Shawna Lemay is an empathetic tribute to a lost friend.

[morowa · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUMMARY:

Rumi and the Red Handbag follows the lives of Shaya and Ingrid-Simone, working together one winter at a second-hand clothing shop. Theodora's Consignment Shop becomes a small world where Shaya, an academic who abandoned studying the secrets of women writers, finds in Ingrid-Simone a reason to begin writing again, on scraps of paper and post-its. Fresh, unique and intelligent, Rumi and The Red Handbag is a journey to the Museum of Purses and Handbags in Amsterdam, a journey to find Rumi, the soul, and the secrets hidden in a red handbag.

[Anna Citrino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shawna Lemay’s Rumi and the Red Handbag is a beautifully written book. The narrative has a reflective quality that opens like flower, slowly carrying the reader deeper into the characters’ lives. Early on in the novella, Ingrid-Simone tells Shaya, “You must have a secret.” The two women work at the secondhand store where along with clothing they also often receive handbags. The conversation exchange between the women as they work demonstrates a rare quality of attentive listening and caring response to each other’s presence. Lemay deftly weaves pieces of literature into the characters’ conversation as when a quote from Simone Weil’s “What are you going through?” surfaces while the two women are emptying a handbag. The handbags serve as a metaphor for those secret places that are difficult to speak about because they have touched us so deeply that they have profoundly altered one’s life. Ingrid-Simone responds to the question saying how difficult it is to empty one’s soul. Rumi and the Red Handbag is a book that caused me to consider the presence I bring to my interactions with others and how that can affect lives, both our own and those whose lives we touch. I savored reading this book and am grateful for its presence in the world.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has a very ethereal writing style, but that's part of the reason I simply couldn't get into this novel. Something about the style -- the gentle-yet-heightened, slightly askew reality created inside the consignment shop -- constantly throws me off. Reading this book made me feel frustrated, irritated, occasionally fascinated, and once in a while...completely spaced out. I can understand & appreciate what this book is trying to do, and I can admire the way it is trying to do it...but I believe I'm just the wrong sort of audience.

[Dynah Thirst · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. Beautiful writing but too much description, not enough action, and just too deep for me. Soul stuff...ugh.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this little book by Edmonton author Shawna Lemay. It was such an intriguing title and the premise is promising too. Two women, one in her early twenties, one in her mid-thirties, meet working in a consignment clothing store and have fascinating discussions about everything but mostly the nature of the "soul". It could have been a much better book if the author had been more concerned about telling a good story versus being profound.

[Pangaea Pangaea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a beautiful and poetic read. Love the prose. Every word is skillfully crafted. Words used like an artist's paint brush to create a landscape of longing, truth and dreams. At times I had to stop and let the words infuse me as little sighs of contentment escaped my throat. Shawna Lemay has a gift for seeing the underbelly of the beast. The softness and vulnerability of our humanness. From the first to the last page I felt touched by her story.

[Lesley R M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many lovely words/sentences in this story. Maybe a bit too many in describing things so minute. At 185 pages I'd hoped that the secret of the narrative would get to the point mighty quickly. It didn't. Not a bad book. I wanted to be captivated and I was at the beginning, then it became a little too drawn out for me. But not giving up on this author yet!