Ruby and Roland Audiobook (Free)

From the writer of Good Night, Mr. Wodehouse and The Cape Ann comes a fresh tale of resilient womanhood in Harvester, Minnesota.

Growing up in early twentieth-century Illinois, Ruby Drake is usually a happy child. But one winter’s night time, her beloved parents perish in an accident-and suddenly Ruby finds herself penniless and nearly by itself in the globe. Her new route eventually will take her to Harvester, where she actually is lucky enough to find focus on the welcoming Schoonover farm. Kind Emma, forward-thinking Henry, about Ruby and Roland and their employed men-ambitious Dennis and reserved Jake-soon become a second family members towards the orphaned teenager.

At a historical minute when young women are expected to be centered on courtship and marriage, the industrious, bright Ruby looks for opportunities to broaden her horizons at every stage. Mastering her obligations in the farm. Learning to smoke cigarettes. Borrowing books from the neighborhood lending library, reading devotedly and expansively: mythology, romance, poetry. And dropping deeply in love with her wedded neighbor, Roland: ‘the most gorgeous man-maybe in the world.’ But when Ruby is definitely asked to care for Roland’s wife in the wake of tragedy, she is torn between responsibility and interest, between what has been her lot and what could possibly be.