Barnaby: A Novel

"Barnaby: A Novel" by Rina Ramsay is a story set in the tough times of the early 1900s. The story centers on Barnaby's surprising comeback after everyone thought he was gone forever, and how this shakes up the lives of those he knew, especially Susan, a woman who had accepted her life without him. The book looks at big ideas like who we are, the lies we tell, and where we fit in society, as the characters wrestle with what's behind them and what's in front of them. To start, we're dropped into the gloomy town of Paradise, where a group of struggling actors, led by M'Kune, are desperate to get out. There's a heavy feeling of hopelessness and something bad about to happen, especially for a sick girl who becomes important as the story moves forward. As they get ready for what might be their last show, another woman who has her stuff going on is about to make a choice that will change everything and connect her to Barnaby's story. The story starts off with a lot of tension, putting the actors' desperation next to the secret of Barnaby's return, suggesting the book will deal with making it through tough times and changing for good.