Set in Chicago in 1941 just before and just after Pearl Harbour and America's entry into World War II. Chicago is noted for it's jazz and blues music, and for it's connection with gangsters. Both feature in this novel.
Ruby is fifteen and sick of working in the packing house bottling pickled pigs feet. Who wouldn't be? When offered the chance of working in a dance emporium for 10 cents a dance by a shifty old school pal, Ruby jumps at the chance. Soon she is rolling in the money with the other girls after serving a pretty interesting apprenticeship, and coming in contact with dubious characters and the music scene. When war breaks out and the servicemen are on the scene everything changes. With a change in family circumstances forcing the issue, Ruby has to decide what she is going to do with the rest of her life.
A story of a little known period of American life and a very enlightening one at that, as Ruby makes the transition from girl to woman.
Suitable for secondary school students but young adults will get off on it too.
Reviewed by Bob
Published by Bloomsbury, NY. 2008.
0 comments:
Post a Comment