Having never read a book by Rosie Thomas I was completely unsure as to what to expect. I was given this book as a Christmas present and I wouldn't have chosen it myself. I would now try every Rosie Thomas book if they're the same as this!! This story centres around the lives to two generations of women from one family - grandmother and grandaughter. However, as virtual strangers neither knows how to react to the other. This book is about the discoveries of friendship, the frailties of family love and importance of knowing where you came from. In addition there is a healthy dose of culture too! Set in Egypt, this book describes perfectly the transitions ...  Read the complete review

I had read other works by Rosie Thomas in the past and had been disappointed with the experience, and thought I would give someone who is heralded as successful and certainly seems very popular another chance, and am very glad I did. Iris and Ruby writes a very well woven story, and tells of the relationship between two ladies, both of different generations, interacting with each other to create a whole picture. Many writers have tried to do this and have failed, though the pages of this book take you on a very worthwhile journey, and one that can best be summed up by saying that it deals with two very human aspects, looking back in an attempt to remember the ...  Read the complete review