Finding Ruby
Finding Ruby is Jemima's debut novel and tracks the journey of a young woman on a round-the-world trip that she doesn't want to take. We see how she is forced out of her comfort zone and traverses new and thrilling experiences. Not only do we get to journey through the wilds and wonders of South East Asia with Ruby, but we also see her own personal journey as she is pushed to her limits and forced to change due to some catastrophic events beyond her control.
What inspired Finding Ruby?
In my twenties, I embarked on a round-the-world trip - willingly, unlike the protagonist of novel! - with my then-boyfriend (now husband) and our two best friends. We sold everything we owned and set off with nothing but what we could fit into our rucksacks. We planned on going for 9 months; we returned 4 years later! Those years were the best years of my life and the experiences we had changed my outlook and my personality irrevocably.
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Our incredible experiences and the rich tapestry of people that we met inspired the story that was to become Ruby's. Things that happened to her, happened to people that we met along the way and I brought them altogether into one narrative.
Finding Ruby underwent a number of reincarnations but still, I hope, captures the beauty of exploration and the importance of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone in order to find out what, and who, you truly are.
Watch my Q&A on Finding Ruby
