Ripeness

by Sarah Moss
Ripeness cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £16.99
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  • ID: 3652
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780374609023
  • Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
  • Published: 2025-09-09
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Ripeness by Sarah Moss delves into the complex dynamics of familial love and the bonds that transcend time and distance. Set against the backdrop of 1960s Italy and contemporary Ireland, the novel follows Edith as she grapples with the repercussions of her sister Lydia's scandalous pregnancy and the secret adoption that followed. Decades later, Edith's best friend Méabh receives a life-altering phone call from a man claiming to be her long-lost brother, forcing both women to confront their pasts and the choices that shaped their lives./n/nThe novel explores themes of migration, new beginnings, and the search for a place to belong. Moss's evocative prose and deep emotional resonance make Ripeness a compelling read that resonates with universal questions about family, identity, and the enduring power of connection.

Reviews
Lonesome Reader · 2025-06-18
poignant 4.20

The novel is celebrated for its poignant exploration of community and family, with a leisurely pace that keeps the reader engaged. The protagonist's development is particularly compelling.

The reviewer is captivated by the novel's poignant exploration of community and family dynamics. The leisurely pace of the narrative allows for deep introspection and character development, making the protagonist's journey extremely poignant. Moss's ability to craft evocative phrases and explore complex emotions is highlighted, adding to the novel's overall impact. The reviewer appreciates the balance between the personal and the universal, making it a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Following her development and meditations on community/family is extremely poignant.

    Moss also has an excellent turn of phrase and an ability to capture the nuances of human emotion.

    The novel's leisurely ruminative pace does not stop you from wanting to turn the page.

A Life in Books · 2025-05-30
reflective 4.00

The novel is praised for its powerful and reflective narrative, enriched by vivid descriptions of the natural world. The themes of migration and personal growth are handled with sensitivity and insight.

The reviewer finds the novel to be a powerful and reflective exploration of migration and personal growth. The descriptions of the natural world are particularly vivid, adding a layer of beauty and depth to the story. The themes of (im)migration and the movement of people are intertwined with the protagonist's journey, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to balance introspection with a broader commentary on societal issues, making it a compelling and meaningful read.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed this powerful, reflective novel which has the added bonus of some vividly evocative descriptions of the natural world woven through it.

    The themes of (im)migration and the general movement of people are handled with sensitivity and insight.

    The novel's reflective and introspective tone makes it a deeply engaging read.

The Guardian · 2025-05-27
evocative 4.50

The novel beautifully captures the essence of migration and identity through its vivid descriptions and emotional depth. The intertwining narratives create a rich tapestry of human experience.

The reviewer is struck by the novel's ability to weave together themes of migration and identity in a way that feels both personal and universal. The descriptions of Italy and Ireland are particularly evocative, drawing the reader into the characters' lives and struggles. The emotional depth of the story is balanced by a thoughtful exploration of family heritage and the treatment of refugees, making it a poignant and reflective read. The reviewer appreciates the nuanced portrayal of the protagonist's journey, which is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

Quick quotes

    A beautifully written novel of place and identity.

    Moss's prose is both lyrical and incisive, capturing the complexities of human emotion.

    The novel's exploration of migration and heritage is both timely and timeless.

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