What a Dog Knows by Susan Wilson: When young Ruby, aka Mary Jones’s abilities become a perceived devil issue 
at the convent for orphaned girls, Ruby knows it’s time to get out of dodge. As one decision leads to the next, Ruby finds herself in the care and tutelage of Madame Celestine who extorts Ruby for her psychic gifts and turns a blind eye when her son sexually assaults her leaving Ruby with little option other than to flee again and to raise a child effectively on the streets.
Flash forward, and we instantly fall in love with Ruby who has found herself at Harmony Farms and for every twist of fate conceivable finds herself unable to leave. It is only when she finds her familiar, or rather, her familiar finds her in the form of a run-away cocker spaniel who she aptly names Hitchhiker, that Ruby realises she has been given a second gift and can communicate with animals. Coincidently, it also appears that she has begun to have dreams of her mother and for whatever reason has the sense that the strange pull in Harmony Farms may be the key to her search.
Narrated from a variety of perspectives, including that of Hitchhiker, there were many layers – past, present, future and dog, all adding to the rich tapestry of Ruby’s mystic life. Survival, grit and determination were part of the key themes that were woven throughout and remarkably, there was never a sense of self-pity or indulgence in her misfortunes, and thus, Ruby’s love-ability grew from the fact that she simply got on with things without too much fuss or attachment. Searching her whole life for that sense of belonging, Ruby’s carnival and psychic journey was one that had a sense of inevitability, and vicariously, she was able to explore the deep bond between people and their pets.
In many ways this was a complete delight, particularly Wilson’s interpretation of what would actually go on inside a dog, a donkey or a horses mind. And despite her nomadic ways, her kind heart and generous spirit was a blessing to all whose lives she touched, and thus perhaps a lesson to all. In many ways, this gentle read will call to those who have been abandoned by family, and Ruby’s first question of ‘why’ will definitely resonate. Naturally, there was a romantic element that bubbled from seemingly nowhere and it appears that Ruby was able to put the pieces to her puzzle together once her connection with Hitchhiker had been made.
Overall, this is a wonderfully endearing story that was filled with light and warmth and irrespective of the fact that the majority of the book is set in the Summertime, it is definitely one of those reads that will suit a comfy couch, a snuggle blanket and a little faith that everything will work out perfectly in the end.
Book Info:
Publication: 22nd June 2021 | St Martin’s Press |
Ruby Heartwood has always lived a life on the move. As a traveling psychic, she makes her living working at carnivals and festivals and circuses around New England. It’s a life Ruby has made peace with–settling in one place has never been for her. She needs no one, and no one needs her.
Until one night, when she is camped by the side of the road in her trusty Volkswagon Westie van, a fierce thunder and lightning storm erupts. In the middle of the downpour, she hears a distinct voice telling her to let me in. In jumps a little black and white dog, and to Ruby’s astonishment, she can hear the dog’s thoughts. Has she been struck by lightning? Did the storm do this? Is she losing her mind?
It turns out, Ruby can hear many dogs’ thoughts. She decides to set up semi-permanent residency in the town of Harmony Farms, until she can sort out what is going on, and who the little dog, Hitch, belongs to. But some people in Harmony Farms don’t want her there. And it seems that events keep preventing Ruby from leaving. What secrets is this town keeping? Why was she meant to find this dog? And what has Ruby really been running from, all these years?
