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Ruby

V. C. Andrews (1991)

SubgenreDark Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age16+
Goodreads3.96

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentModerate
LanguageMild

Hero archetypes

Forbidden Love

Protagonist archetypes

Coming-of-Age Protagonist

Synopsis

**In the heart of the bayou, Ruby Landry lives a simple, happy life. But innocence can't last forever....** The only family Ruby Landry has ever known are her loving guardian, Grandmère Catherine, a Cajun spiritual healer, and her drunken, outcast Grandpère Jack. Although thinking about her dead mother and mysterious father sometimes makes her feel as mournful as the wind sighing through the Spanish moss, Ruby is grateful for all she has. Her life is filled with hope and promise... especially when her attraction for handsome Paul Tate blossoms into a mysterious, wonderful love. But Paul's wealthy parents forbid him to associate with a poor Landry, and Grandmère urges her to follow her dream of becoming a great painter, foreseeing a time when Ruby will be surrounded with riches in the dazzling city of New Orleans! Yet she cannot know how close that uncertain future looms.... In a faded photograph, Ruby glimpses for the first time the image of her father -- and learns of a shameful deception and a shocking scheme of blackmail that now must come to light. Stunned by these revelations, she is devastated when Grandmère dies, leaving her to seek out her father in his vast New Orleans mansion. There, in a house of lies, madness, and cruel torment. Ruby clings to her memories of Paul to keep her heart alive. For only their love can save her now....

Is Ruby appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 16 and up.

This V.C. Andrews novel contains mature themes including family secrets, blackmail, deception, forbidden romance, and emotionally abusive family dynamics typical of the author's Southern Gothic style.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, moderate sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include alcohol abuse, emotional abuse, death of parent, death of caregiver, and grief (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Teens will be drawn to Ruby's journey from poverty to wealth and her forbidden romance with Paul as she uncovers devastating family secrets.

Tags

Southern GothicFamily SagaRomantic DramaMystery