NEW Devon author Ruth Foster published her debut book in November titled A Perfect Year and will be holding a book signing at the Oak Apple Café at Membury village Hall on December 6.

The book will also be available in bookstores across East Devon, including in Archway Bookstore, Axminster.

What is the book about?

The book itself, exploring the years 1987-2007, is a story of three families (who do not get along) living along the same road, told through round-robin letters.

There is also apparently also a “compelling” murder mystery that unfolds too.

The book acknowledges everything that happened in the world during those years – painting a researched political and cultural picture – all through the lens of the yearly family round-robins.

“The letters are about these people’s lives and the feuds between the three families and their children growing up but also a story of this country,” Ruth said.

In true unreliable narrator fashion, the book also shows us how this early literary alternative for social media can distort reality and how readers should not take everything at face value.

“The letters paint a perfect picture, hence the title but that is not the reality. It really shows how people need to read behind the lines,” she added. “The book really shows how people prefer to write-up their lives.”  

Round-robin letters: Ruth's inspirations

A round robin letter is a letter sent to multiple recipients, usually at the end of the year, as part of a Christmas card.

Ruth has said that these “literary gems” were always important to her and her family at this time of year, and this was her sole inspiration for writing her seasonal novel.

“It was a fantastic colourful mixture of news. My family and I were all fascinated by round-robin letters and used to sit around the table reading them. It was a way of keeping up with people before social media,” she said.

Eventually, she moved to East Devon and found the time to write in her farmhouse, leading to the birth of A Perfect Year.

“It was really moving to East Devon that allowed me to get into the right headspace and get it written,” Ruth said.  

Ruth's debut as a published author

Overall, Ruth is excited and proud to be a new author and hopes that others will enjoy her novel as much as she has enjoyed writing it.

“The idea of the book is that it makes people smile, there is a bit of tragedy in there, but it is a humorous, feel-good read,” she said at the end of the interview. “It feels exciting and terrifying being a new author but very rewarding when people tell me they are enjoying reading it”

Good reviews

The book has already been receiving good reviews, such as in Closer Magazine.

The article wrote: “This captivating read is perfect for the festive season when those cheerful year-end letters arrive. Set in ‘90s and ‘00s England in leafy Upley Rising, neighbours (but not friends) Ali, Caroline and Robert share annual updates that mask the real chaos in their lives. With money woes, fame, family drama and a local murder mystery, this page-turner keeps you guessing: whose polished accounts can you really trust? We loved it.”

If you want the chance to meet Ruth yourself and get your copy signed then she will be at the Oak Apple Café at Membury village Hall on December 6.