Ripeness is a descriptive, character-driven novel set across two timelines in Italy and Ireland. It explores hidden identities, family secrets, and social and cultural expectations in the 1960s. The writing beautifully conveys emotion and a strong sense of time and place, but I found the pace too slow for me; it’s definitely a slow burn rather than a dramatic read, but I can still appreciate how beautifully it is written and others will appreciate this I am sure. I received a free advanced review copy from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the opportunity to read Ripeness by Sarah Moss which Is, as to be expected, an exquisitely written story.

Ripeness questions what it means to belong somewhere, what home really is. For those who are forcibly removed from places torn by war, those who’ve been adopted by their parents, and those who have chosen to create a home somewhere else.
Identity is something blurry, bendable, weak to pressure. While our rules around nationality are not. It’s a messy thing to consider, but Moss has created a beautiful narrative to think it through.

I loved getting to know Edith through two timelines. Moss’ writing is absolutely fantastic, especially her descriptions of the land around the characters. A wonderful story I didn’t want to leave but didn’t leave me wanting more as the ending was beautiful.

Great writer but I really could not get into this story. Thanks for the opportunity to read but it was just not for me. Good Luck with the boo.

First off, a thousand thanks to FS&G, the author and Netgalley for the privilege of reading this advance copy of Moss's magnificent new book.

As I have read all eight of her previous novels and enjoyed them all, plus one of her two memoirs, I suppose I was predisposed to love this one also. I am not sure if I can articulate how, but the author has noted this is a new direction in her writing and I agree - somehow, if even possible, with new clarity and deeper insight, richer and more humanistic.

There is a lot to unload here, but basically, as the synopses above states, it is the story of 73-year-old Edith Braithwaite, a recently divorced English woman who has settled in Ireland. The chapters alternate between a 3rd-person POV in 2023, detailing Edith's present life, with a 1st person narration by Edith, reflecting back on her summer of 1967, when she was sent to Italy to attend to her older sister's pregnancy. We eventually learn that she is writing in the autumn of her life a memoir of that time for her nephew, who was given up at birth for adoption, just in case he should ever want to find out about his first week of life, even though she has no idea where he is or what might have become of him. It all comes together quite movingly and beautifully at the end, an affirmation of the fragility and importance of knowing one's place in the world.

Since I ALSO have an ARC of that 2nd memoir, that came out a few months ago, I am going to read that next, as I want even more of Moss's exquisite prose.