Clare Stephens
Published September 30, 2025
9781761507465 (ISBN10: 176150746X)ASIN
My Review:
Wow she is an incredibly talented writer Clare is.
This raw powerful story gives an insight in the world of publishing and journalism, such a brutal profession.
How the public react to the written word even if it’s true and the backlash and nasty words that can follow. I don’t know how a journalist ever writes sensitive topics, as soon as it’s published they must hold their breath and wait to see if it’s accepted or not.
Ruby Williams runs the gantlet as an editor of a magazine that highlights woman’s issues. She is bombared with hate and vile responses to her pieces. All the while she is fighting her own demons. A traumatic birth of her son, guilt of losing her brother and caring for her elderly mum.
This book is a lesson in sensitivity everyone should read.
About:
A timely debut novel from an exciting new voice in women’s fiction about cancel culture and appearance versus reality.
‘As compulsive as any app. Clare Stephens creates a cautionary tale for our times, full of wit and nuance.’ Jane Harper, author of The Dry and Exiles
It’s an ordinary Tuesday morning when Ruby Williams’ name starts trending online.
She’s uploaded an interview that has outraged journalist Felicity Cartwright, a social media personality who has built her profile by policing exactly what women are allowed to say and how they’re allowed to say it. Ruby is at the centre of a brutal public shaming, watching on in horror as her reputation is torn apart.
At first Ruby thinks she can get on top of it if she can just explain herself better. But she soon realises she’ll never be able to placate the tsunami of strangers baying for her blood.
The vitriol pouring in through her phone cracks open a visceral, personal shame from her past that she’s refused to face. Because the worst thing Ruby’s ever done is not defined by this interview, but by a single, chilling scream.
