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You could never be certain exactly what she meant or whether she meant it seriously, and, most tricky of all, whether you were meant to laugh or keep quiet.

Ruth Figgest demonstrates how to make a story about more than one thing at once

Ruth Figgest has a deep understanding of the human condition in all its many guises and depicts it with razorsharp accuracy

Ruth Figgest has a deep understanding of the human condition in all its many guises and depicts it with razorsharp accuracy. Her characters are emotionally vulnerable, self-sabotaging, and prone to exhilaratingly outrageous behaviour, but they somehow never lose our sympathy. This is psychologically acute, perceptive and witty writing that can make you laugh out loud and wince with discomfort at the same time.’

Umi Sinha

‘A thoroughly compelling read: pointed yet subtle, it skewers middle-class American foibles with biting humour and authentic compassion. Figgest’s voices are so real and tangible they leap off the page into your ears and into your bones.’

Martin Spinelli

‘Ruth Figgest has as firm and careful a grasp on the

There had been no other choice. For the greater good, it had to be done.

the girl you did not really know

the girl you did not really know

,’ she calls, knowing she’s probably gree

The boat rounds the south end of the island and chugs through a narrow channel between the rocks. The swell calms and it feels almost peaceful here, the wash of the b

Through the thickly salt-encrusted window at the front of the cabin she can see a concrete jetty