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Ruby and the Blue Sky: A Tale of Fame, Power Sacrifice - And Tea.
Grammy night, 2021. Ruby wins 'Best Song' and makes an impulsive acceptance speech that excites nature lovers across the world. While Ruby and her band celebrate, an extreme evangelical sect, funded by covert paymasters, dispatches a disciple on a ruthless mission to England.
As the band plays its sold-out tour, Ruby is pursued by eco-groupies insisting she use her new fame to fight climate change.
Back home, in rain-drenched Leeds, Ruby must confront a challenge not even tea, beer or her mum's veggie lasagne will make go away. In a storm and drought-plagued world, run by cynical old men and self-serving corporations, could one young woman lead change?
Torn between the demands of the climate campaigners and her bandmates, Ruby has to decide how much - and even who - she will sacrifice.
As the band plays its sold-out tour, Ruby is pursued by eco-groupies insisting she use her new fame to fight climate change.
Back home, in rain-drenched Leeds, Ruby must confront a challenge not even tea, beer or her mum's veggie lasagne will make go away. In a storm and drought-plagued world, run by cynical old men and self-serving corporations, could one young woman lead change?
Torn between the demands of the climate campaigners and her bandmates, Ruby has to decide how much - and even who - she will sacrifice.
236 pages, ebook
Published June 26, 2016
2 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Dewar
4 books8 followersA seventies child and eighties teen, Katherine Dewar was raised in North Yorkshire in a house filled with books, computers and animals. She studied politics and worked in Leeds before emigrating to Aotearoa NZ, where she founded a marketing business to help worth-while companies and volunteers with the Green Party.
Katherine has made up stories for as long as she can remember, exploiting plastic animals as characters before she could wield a pen. Her early writing was encouraged by school clubs, the Arvon Foundation and her endlessly supportive parents. She credits Dame Fiona Kidman's creative writing course, her local writers' group and the discipline of crafting client sound-bites for getting her writing to a standard to unleash on the world.
Katherine loves long walks, loud music, wild places and good books. Prior to Ruby and the blue sky, Katherine has had a short story published in the Black Swan
collection, Home.
Katherine has made up stories for as long as she can remember, exploiting plastic animals as characters before she could wield a pen. Her early writing was encouraged by school clubs, the Arvon Foundation and her endlessly supportive parents. She credits Dame Fiona Kidman's creative writing course, her local writers' group and the discipline of crafting client sound-bites for getting her writing to a standard to unleash on the world.
Katherine loves long walks, loud music, wild places and good books. Prior to Ruby and the blue sky, Katherine has had a short story published in the Black Swan
collection, Home.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 7, 2017
Coming at an eco-thriller from the point of view of the activists, RUBY AND THE BLUE SKY is part thriller, part exploration of "celebrity" culture, and part do good chick lit novel. The idea at the core is that fame can be used in positive ways - in this case a pro-environment, anti consumer-culture stance with a hefty dose of women's rights and empowerment.
To that end the central character Ruby is band leader, conscience and activist, pursued by eco-groupies, determined to ensure she uses a sold-out tour as a venue to push the messages. Needless to say message is a major part of this novel, with other elements, particularly those likely to be associated with thrillers, tending to be pushed to the background, or mostly, the later parts of the book.
Tone is important here and it's definitely designed to be on the lighter side, which doesn't always serve as a vehicle for delivery as the message often disappears into ancillaries (such as dedicated environmental warriors sitting around discussing nail polish colours).
There's also a brave undertaking being attempted for a thriller here - with the threat somehow always feeling slightly off-stage. It all does come down to the comment in the blurb - one young woman leading change in a sea of cynical old men and money-grubbing corporations. Whether or not that possibility is argued to any reasonable conclusion is going to come down to whether or not the style and structure of RUBY AND THE BLUE SKY works for individual readers.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
To that end the central character Ruby is band leader, conscience and activist, pursued by eco-groupies, determined to ensure she uses a sold-out tour as a venue to push the messages. Needless to say message is a major part of this novel, with other elements, particularly those likely to be associated with thrillers, tending to be pushed to the background, or mostly, the later parts of the book.
Tone is important here and it's definitely designed to be on the lighter side, which doesn't always serve as a vehicle for delivery as the message often disappears into ancillaries (such as dedicated environmental warriors sitting around discussing nail polish colours).
There's also a brave undertaking being attempted for a thriller here - with the threat somehow always feeling slightly off-stage. It all does come down to the comment in the blurb - one young woman leading change in a sea of cynical old men and money-grubbing corporations. Whether or not that possibility is argued to any reasonable conclusion is going to come down to whether or not the style and structure of RUBY AND THE BLUE SKY works for individual readers.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
October 16, 2016
"Katherine writes beautifully and confidently, covering environmental and mental health issues and sexual violence with sensitivity and shapes characters with fluid sexual preferences without churning out the usual tropes that mainstream fiction featuring LGBT+ characters do. This is a book to buy your teenage children (note I did not specify daughters here!) and to read yourself."
Extract from my review - read in full here https://theculturevulture.co.uk/blog/...
Extract from my review - read in full here https://theculturevulture.co.uk/blog/...
September 25, 2016
Great story about how to take action despite extreme set backs. A likable main character and a compelling sub-plot that adds an element of surprise. Lots to say about being a woman, and being frustrated with current political systems.
January 6, 2017
Ruby and the Blue Sky is one of my favorite climate fiction novels to date and high on my list for fiction in general. Aside from the obvious appeal for cli-fi readers, it will also have a broader appeal for anyone interested in rock stars, activism, strong female protagonists, and just plain good fiction.
The author handles the recurring theme of climate change and climate action very well. Climate action is central to the plot, so there’s a fair amount of discussion of what the characters are doing in response to the climate crisis. This approach always runs the risk of feeling forced or devolving into a lecture about climate policy. But the first person narrative, robust characterization, and compelling plot all worked together to keep me immersed in the story and involved in the theme without feeling like I was being lectured to.
The use of two narrators was interesting. Most of the story is told in the first person by the protagonist, but between her chapters, there are shorter chapters told from the perspective of the antagonist. I was initially skeptical of this approach because it’s not very common, but I felt that the author used it very well in this case. The result is two very distinct voices telling the story from two very different perspectives. I appreciated the opportunity to see some of the motivations and depth of both characters, although unsurprisingly, the protagonist is the more well-developed of the two. They came together well to tell a single story.
In addition to the climate theme, there’s a whole plot arc that deals with the theme of violence against women and empowerment and healing for survivors. At first, I was concerned that this might be too triggering for some readers and might take the novel in an entirely different direction. Since I’m not a woman myself, I may not be the best judge of how the topic was handled. To me, however, it seemed like it was handled well. The violence was acknowledged, but the emphasis was on empowerment and healing, both for survivors and for their friends and families. I thought it was a very meaningful and personal exploration of the theme. Hopefully it will be healing rather than triggering for readers who are themselves survivors.
Ruby and the Blue Sky is a great example of a novel that tells a nuanced and compelling story, populated with interesting characters, who happen to be grappling with their personal and collective responses to the climate crisis. Any reader could pick up this book simply because they wanted a good read, and walk away from it with some significant food for thought about global warming. That strikes me as the type of climate fiction that may have the greatest impact in the long run. Casual readers will pick it up because they’ve heard it’s a good story and find themselves wondering if they should take any climate actions of their own.
To be honest, I’m not entirely sure that the approach the characters take to climate action would be an effective approach for the real world. But it’s an approach that I can easily see people trying. It also got me thinking. Would it actually be effective? If not, what would work better? What would I do differently? These sorts of questions lead to productive thinking and dialog on the subject. They also show that I enjoyed the novel enough to take it seriously and really think it over. Those are both good signs of a good novel.
I definitely recommend Ruby and the Blue Sky to everyone who enjoys good fiction. If you have a special interest in climate fiction, then you’ll definitely want to read this book.
The author handles the recurring theme of climate change and climate action very well. Climate action is central to the plot, so there’s a fair amount of discussion of what the characters are doing in response to the climate crisis. This approach always runs the risk of feeling forced or devolving into a lecture about climate policy. But the first person narrative, robust characterization, and compelling plot all worked together to keep me immersed in the story and involved in the theme without feeling like I was being lectured to.
The use of two narrators was interesting. Most of the story is told in the first person by the protagonist, but between her chapters, there are shorter chapters told from the perspective of the antagonist. I was initially skeptical of this approach because it’s not very common, but I felt that the author used it very well in this case. The result is two very distinct voices telling the story from two very different perspectives. I appreciated the opportunity to see some of the motivations and depth of both characters, although unsurprisingly, the protagonist is the more well-developed of the two. They came together well to tell a single story.
In addition to the climate theme, there’s a whole plot arc that deals with the theme of violence against women and empowerment and healing for survivors. At first, I was concerned that this might be too triggering for some readers and might take the novel in an entirely different direction. Since I’m not a woman myself, I may not be the best judge of how the topic was handled. To me, however, it seemed like it was handled well. The violence was acknowledged, but the emphasis was on empowerment and healing, both for survivors and for their friends and families. I thought it was a very meaningful and personal exploration of the theme. Hopefully it will be healing rather than triggering for readers who are themselves survivors.
Ruby and the Blue Sky is a great example of a novel that tells a nuanced and compelling story, populated with interesting characters, who happen to be grappling with their personal and collective responses to the climate crisis. Any reader could pick up this book simply because they wanted a good read, and walk away from it with some significant food for thought about global warming. That strikes me as the type of climate fiction that may have the greatest impact in the long run. Casual readers will pick it up because they’ve heard it’s a good story and find themselves wondering if they should take any climate actions of their own.
To be honest, I’m not entirely sure that the approach the characters take to climate action would be an effective approach for the real world. But it’s an approach that I can easily see people trying. It also got me thinking. Would it actually be effective? If not, what would work better? What would I do differently? These sorts of questions lead to productive thinking and dialog on the subject. They also show that I enjoyed the novel enough to take it seriously and really think it over. Those are both good signs of a good novel.
I definitely recommend Ruby and the Blue Sky to everyone who enjoys good fiction. If you have a special interest in climate fiction, then you’ll definitely want to read this book.
September 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I know the author, and respect her marketing and public relations work, so I thought this would be interesting to read. What I can say is that I quickly forgot that Kath was the author and just got immersed in the characters and the story. At times I didn't want to put it down. It is a 'rollicking good read'; the characters are all people we know; the story moves along at a good pace; there are surprises we like, and some we don't. It has a great message.
Someone else wrote that they would give this book as presents to young women. I don't think it is that gender specific - I think men can enjoy it too, as I did.
This is Kath's debut novel. I look forward to the encore.
Someone else wrote that they would give this book as presents to young women. I don't think it is that gender specific - I think men can enjoy it too, as I did.
This is Kath's debut novel. I look forward to the encore.
May 12, 2018
First-time novelist Katherine Dewar delivers an intriguing tale that flows along wonderfully and gives readers plenty to think about: climate change and the environment, feminism and the marginalisation and abuse of women, fighting for things you believe, celebrity power, and music.
It's a concoction that will sit differently with different readers, but overall I really enjoyed the read.
With such an array of 'big issues' and challenging topics packed into the novel, it would have been easy for any author, let alone a debutant, to mishandle things and come off as preachy, but for me Dewar struck a good balance, weaving things into the narrative and action. Even where topics were directly addressed, it was in discussion between characters interested in such things who were debating what they could or should do - it tied into their character and relationships and actions rather than coming across as the author talking directly to the readership via a mouthpiece.
Ruby is an engaging character and a good 'in' for the readers. She's interesting, offbeat and individual enough to feel fresh but not forced. She's plunged into a whole new world of climate activism after speaking out at a music awards show. Suddenly she's seen as a hero to the cause by some, and a threat by others. When all she'd wanted before was to play music and make people care a little more.
RUBY AND THE BLUE SKY burbles along at quite a quick pace. The tale is largely told from Ruby's perspective, intercut with the voice of another who holds strikingly different views. Dewar handles the interchange well, building the tale and the tension, and gives the reader the opportunity to consider a various perspectives, not just her heroine's. There are times when the narrative lags a little, or not much seems to be happening, but even at these times Dewar keeps readers pretty engaged.
Along with the climate change theme, an issue that begets the 'inciting incident' early on in the story and continues to play a large part throughout, Dewar also doesn't hold back when illustrating the ubiquitousness of misogyny and violence towards women. Some of what's covered may be difficult to read for some, and Dewar certainly wouldn't be in the running for the Staunch Prize, but for me she handled things exceptionally well, making this reader pause and think both during and afterwards. Violence against women wasn't ignored by Dewar, instead it was portrayed and addressed in a nuanced and thoughtful way. It was done with meaning, and compassion and understanding towards the victims and their ongoing battles with healing and empowerment.
Overall, RUBY AND THE BLUE SKY was a highly enjoyable debut novel that's an eco-thriller with a lot of meaning and real-world thoughtfulness beyond 'in-book' high stakes or high action.
It's a concoction that will sit differently with different readers, but overall I really enjoyed the read.
With such an array of 'big issues' and challenging topics packed into the novel, it would have been easy for any author, let alone a debutant, to mishandle things and come off as preachy, but for me Dewar struck a good balance, weaving things into the narrative and action. Even where topics were directly addressed, it was in discussion between characters interested in such things who were debating what they could or should do - it tied into their character and relationships and actions rather than coming across as the author talking directly to the readership via a mouthpiece.
Ruby is an engaging character and a good 'in' for the readers. She's interesting, offbeat and individual enough to feel fresh but not forced. She's plunged into a whole new world of climate activism after speaking out at a music awards show. Suddenly she's seen as a hero to the cause by some, and a threat by others. When all she'd wanted before was to play music and make people care a little more.
RUBY AND THE BLUE SKY burbles along at quite a quick pace. The tale is largely told from Ruby's perspective, intercut with the voice of another who holds strikingly different views. Dewar handles the interchange well, building the tale and the tension, and gives the reader the opportunity to consider a various perspectives, not just her heroine's. There are times when the narrative lags a little, or not much seems to be happening, but even at these times Dewar keeps readers pretty engaged.
Along with the climate change theme, an issue that begets the 'inciting incident' early on in the story and continues to play a large part throughout, Dewar also doesn't hold back when illustrating the ubiquitousness of misogyny and violence towards women. Some of what's covered may be difficult to read for some, and Dewar certainly wouldn't be in the running for the Staunch Prize, but for me she handled things exceptionally well, making this reader pause and think both during and afterwards. Violence against women wasn't ignored by Dewar, instead it was portrayed and addressed in a nuanced and thoughtful way. It was done with meaning, and compassion and understanding towards the victims and their ongoing battles with healing and empowerment.
Overall, RUBY AND THE BLUE SKY was a highly enjoyable debut novel that's an eco-thriller with a lot of meaning and real-world thoughtfulness beyond 'in-book' high stakes or high action.
October 6, 2016
Ruby, a musician at the peak of popularity, struggles with the responsibilities her fame forces upon her. Her concern for the state of the planet drives her to take action, fueled by the energy of other like-minded activists, she faces local, global, religious, and corporate battles in an attempt to make use of her fame and influence. Set in the near future, her journey is not easy.
I found this novel engaging, enlightening, fearful, tearful and inspiring. Ruby is a character that is easy to like and easy to relate to. Her family and friendships support her through success, fear and violence.
Without giving too much away, I loved the duel narrative, allowing first person voice to swap at times, giving a contrasting view into the action surrounding Ruby. Katherine Dewar creates two believable and engaging voices through this duel voiced narrative.
An emotional roller coaster of a read. I would recommend this to anyone concerned about the future of humanity, the responsibility of fame, and anyone who likes feminist eco-thrillers.
I found this novel engaging, enlightening, fearful, tearful and inspiring. Ruby is a character that is easy to like and easy to relate to. Her family and friendships support her through success, fear and violence.
Without giving too much away, I loved the duel narrative, allowing first person voice to swap at times, giving a contrasting view into the action surrounding Ruby. Katherine Dewar creates two believable and engaging voices through this duel voiced narrative.
An emotional roller coaster of a read. I would recommend this to anyone concerned about the future of humanity, the responsibility of fame, and anyone who likes feminist eco-thrillers.
November 30, 2016
This tale was different from what I usually read but it challenged me, made me think and, although the subject matter was at times difficult, the imagery and language used is beautiful!
Definitely recommend Ruby and The Blue Sky to anyone who cares about the future of our planet, or strong female role models <3
Definitely recommend Ruby and The Blue Sky to anyone who cares about the future of our planet, or strong female role models <3
October 4, 2018
Having ripped through this book one day while I was sick in bed, like a bar of chocolate, I'd recommend it to any person young or old who is tired of the fight, or who needs a break from serious reading.
This is above all a brave book because it helps us imagine what the beginnings of an alternative, different path forward might look like and the struggles it might involve- and that is not an easy task. While the picture painted of the opposition may be far fetched and a bit dramatic, it is also what makes this a good read and perhaps enable this book to reach a wider and younger audience. You could get knit-picketty about the relationship between consumer society and and some of the environmental problems touched on, but I really don't think the details matter here. Katherine has successfully managed to convey that the biggest environmental dilemmas we face stem from the way we organise consumption and production, in a fun and accessible way. Finally, she rather fantastically puts women first on the battle front, conjuring up what many of us suspect and what science also shows: women perceive and care more about social and environmental values, but are also underrepresented in the institutions that govern our daily lives. May it inspire many girls, boys and bands out there!
This is above all a brave book because it helps us imagine what the beginnings of an alternative, different path forward might look like and the struggles it might involve- and that is not an easy task. While the picture painted of the opposition may be far fetched and a bit dramatic, it is also what makes this a good read and perhaps enable this book to reach a wider and younger audience. You could get knit-picketty about the relationship between consumer society and and some of the environmental problems touched on, but I really don't think the details matter here. Katherine has successfully managed to convey that the biggest environmental dilemmas we face stem from the way we organise consumption and production, in a fun and accessible way. Finally, she rather fantastically puts women first on the battle front, conjuring up what many of us suspect and what science also shows: women perceive and care more about social and environmental values, but are also underrepresented in the institutions that govern our daily lives. May it inspire many girls, boys and bands out there!
May 21, 2017
I've been reading Cli Fi's since I'm teaching a class on the Science of Cli Fi, and this is one of the first stories I've read about action. I found it interesting but could have done without the more disturbing aspects. There doesn't have to be certified evil involved in resistance and persistence. The lead up to those events made them unexpected - usually when something really bad happens, I'm somewhat prepared for it - not sure if that's by literary device or some unspoken publisher conventions. I also couldn't relate to (or like) Ruby given her responses to the bad stuff - especially at the end. Overall, though, this was an engaging read.
October 1, 2017
I was immediately engaged in the fast-paced literary style and loved its punchy and colloquial dialogues. The use of descriptive language I found particularly brilliant - original, subtle and haunting. Its message is one we must all heed - that our world is fragile and we must take bold and immediate steps to halt her imminent destruction.
March 12, 2018
The pace seems odd to me. There are some plot holes, and then serious things happen, but I'm not feeling the story.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews