The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent
1/26/27; 336 pages; Gallery Books
Simon & Schuster Canada (3/12/26)
The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent is a very highly recommended, twisty, psychological domestic drama following two sisters and the scandal that changes their lives and family forever. This is an incredible, compelling drama that unfolds over decades and is un-put-downable.
Sixteen-year-old Ruby Cooper is jealous of her beautiful, intelligent eighteen-year-old sister Erin. They live in Brookline, a suburb of Boston. Their father, Douglas Cooper is an investment broker and the pastor over several churches. Their mother Maureen is Irish. In September 1999, an incident happens that results in immediate, major repercussions for the whole family. Ruby and her mother leave in a hurry for Ireland, to live with her grandmother in Dublin, while Erin and her father stay behind. Erin moves to her Aunt Rachel's house in Worchester.
The novel then follows Ruby and Erin over 25 years and the impact the incident had on their lives for decades. Ruby and Maureen stay in Ireland. Ruby spirals into self-destructive actions and addiction. Erin focuses on her education at Harvard and a career. Erin also continually receives anonymous messages attacking and threatening her. Their parents divorce. Ruby studies drama and theater but ends up going to rehab. She has a daughter, father unknown. The two remain unreconciled and estranged.
The writing is absolutely perfect, as is the pacing. The plot is intelligent, layered, twisty and intricate. The questions raised are troubling as these characters traverse an uncharted course impinged by trauma, addiction, and long held resentment and trust issues, all while heading for an intense reckoning. It will hold your complete attention even while you know that there is no sugar coated resolution in sight as they head for a brutal fallout.
This is a novel that focuses on exceptional character development. They are all depicted in depth as complex, nuanced, fully realized individuals with strengths and weaknesses, and their emotional scars are many. These are not likable characters, but they are very much realistic characters. As the narrative alternates between Erin and Ruby’s perspectives over time, two very different women emerge based on what they are struggling with, but they are both damaged and their lives were totally changed.
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