The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux

An evocative and exhilarating faux-memoir

M. J. Robotham

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Paperback

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English

Bloomsbury
04 March 2025

Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945); Romance

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'This is just a delight! The lovable characters and Ruby's charming and thrilling stories make this a book truly enjoyable and heartwarming read.' - Amazon reviewer, 5

Everyone knows Ruby Devereaux’s books. But no one knows her story... until now.

From a teenager in wartime England to a veteran of modern-day London – via 1950’s New York, the Swinging Sixties, Cold War Berlin, Venice and Vietnam – Ruby Devereaux has lived one hell of a life: parties, scandals and conflict zones, meeting men and adventure along the way. In a writing career spanning seven decades and more than twenty books, she’s distilled everything into her work. Or has she?

Now beyond her 90th year, Ruby’s energy is ebbing and her beloved typewriter put away. Until a call from her publisher presents Ruby with an ultimatum, and the impetus to embark on one last book – “warts and all”, as she says. Even in her dotage, Ruby M Devereaux has the power to surprise, because whatever this author does, she does on her own terms. Always.

Is Ruby finally about to reveal the secrets of her infamous life?

Taking the reader on a rollercoaster ride through the latter half of the 20th Century, The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux is a mesmerising story of one unforgettable woman’s place in an ever-changing world.

Readers LOVE M.J. Robotham:

'I absolutely loved this book! I could not put it down! I was absolutely mesmerized by this story and I loved every word of it. This may is my favorite book for the year so far!! 5 star read!!!' - NetGalley reviewer, 5

'Highly original and FUN. Highly recommend.' - NetGalley reviewer, 5

'Kudos to Mandy Robotham for writing a fabulous novel.' - NetGalley reviewer, 5

'A lovely book and a wonderful read' -

NetGalley reviewer, 5

'LOVED this book. So good!!! It was so interesting to read and Ruby is just the best character. I laughed throughout and had tears.' - NetGalley reviewer, 5

By: M. J. Robotham
Imprint: Bloomsbury
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm,
ISBN: 9781035901128
ISBN 10: 1035901129
Pages: 400
Publication Date: 04 March 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

M J Robotham saw herself as an aspiring author from the age of nine, but was waylaid by journalism, birth, children and life. After twenty years as a midwife and an MA in Creative Writing, she is now a full-time author, writing historical fiction as Mandy Robotham. She lives in Gloucestershire with her partner and muse mutt, Basil.

Reviews for The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux: An evocative and exhilarating faux-memoir

It’s hard not to fall in love with Ruby Devereaux. I thoroughly enjoyed her warm, witty company on this joyous journey through the late 20th century -- Nicola Rayner You're going to love Ruby Devereaux... A chronicler of life and love, her story is by turns fierce, feisty, passionate and poignant -- Emma Flint Exciting, alluring, seductive -- Clare Whitfield Brilliant, courageous... funny and flawlessly told -- Melanie Golding This delicious romp across time in the company of such a spirited and loveable heroine is impossible to resist -- Kate Riordan Even though we have never read any books written by Ruby Devereaux, we can’t help but be intrigued by her story * United by Pop * This fun faux-memoir takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride through the second half of the 20th century...A joy for anyone who feels wistful for vanished days of glamour * Platinum * This page-turning character study succeeds in bringing to life a flawed but captivating heroine, weaving a tale sure to resonate with any reader who has navigated the zigzags of love and self-discovery * History with Jackson * If you loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, then this is the book for you * Pick Me Up! * A beautifully written tale about life and love * My Weekly * If you were a fan of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid and looking for another book which follows an older, now-famous woman’s life through interviews, with a reveal at the end, then I think you’ve found it in The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux (though of course it’s not exactly the same kind of reveal!) * LoveReading *