The Ruby Teardrop - A Novel by Kieran Beville
The Ruby Teardrop by Kieran Beville is a
poignant novel exploring themes of love, loss, grief, and self-discovery. The
story centres on Rachel Roycroft, whose life is shattered when her husband,
Richard, an Anglican minister, dies by suicide. The narrative delves into
Richard's internal struggles with faith and identity, as revealed through his
journal, which becomes a source of reflection and pain for Rachel.
Rachel navigates the aftermath of
Richard's death, grappling with guilt, anger, and the challenge of raising
their daughter Leah, who is deeply traumatized by the tragedy. Leah's journey
is marked by rebellion, emotional turmoil, and eventual healing through
rehabilitation and her passion for art. Rachel, meanwhile, finds solace in meditation,
her work in an antiques shop, and the support of friends and family, including
her sister Sarah and Richard's brother Alex.
The story also explores Rachel's evolving
spirituality, her rejection of organised religion, and her efforts to rebuild
her life. She transforms the rectory into a retreat centre and supports Leah in
opening a cocktail bar, ‘The Rainbow,’ in a de-consecrated church, symbolising
inclusivity and new beginnings.
The novel concludes with themes of hope
and renewal, as Rachel embraces her independence, Leah thrives in her artistic
career, and the family finds moments of joy and connection despite their shared
grief. The story is a testament to resilience, the complexity of human
relationships, and the enduring power of love.
Set in the fictional village of Rossbury
in Ireland over a twenty-three year period (1993–2016) it traces the
transformational journey of its heroine Rachel Roycroft. She is an Anglican
minister’s wife who lives an apparently idyllic life, in the rectory with her
husband Richard and their six-year-old daughter, Leah. But their world is about
to change in dramatic ways.
In this forensic analysis of doubt,
disbelief and despair we are confronted with the human condition and its
ultimate questions about identity, purpose and belonging. In exploring the war
between sacred and secular worldviews, it examines the tension between belief
and unbelief.
It is ostensibly a story about a tragedy
in a family, but more than that it is a journey into the inner worlds of its
main characters as they mull over what might have been and consider the deep
questions of life. Thus it offers profound insight to the unbalanced mind,
suicidal ideation and the process of bereavement.
The Ruby Teardrop could be
understood as an allegorical tale about a changing Ireland, from the
decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1993 to the introduction of same-sex
marriage in 2015. These dates roughly book-end the period covered in this work.
As such it could be read as a story about the demise of religion and the
emergence of secular culture and alternative spiritualties.
It is a provocative novel that debunks
some myths and defies domineering narratives that are restrictive and
effectively censorious of anything that counters the prevailing orthodoxy.
The premise of this book is interesting,
its characters are credible, the dialogue is engaging and the issues it
explores are relevant in contemporary society. Overall it is a refreshing
reflection on a period of transition in Irish life.
The Ruby Teardrop is an
eloquent, erudite and philosophical novel that will engage the minds as well as
the hearts of readers.
If a work of fiction makes one think in a
fresh way about familiar things then it has justified its existence. This novel
excels in doing just that.
The main
themes in The Ruby Teardrop include:
- Love and Loss:
The novel explores the deep emotional impact of losing a loved one,
particularly through Rachel's grief after her husband Richard's suicide.
It examines the complexities of love, both romantic and familial, and how
it evolves in the face of tragedy.
- Grief and Healing:
Rachel's journey through mourning, guilt, anger, and eventual acceptance
is central to the story. The novel portrays the different ways people
cope with loss and the long-term effects of trauma, especially on Leah,
Richard's daughter.
- Faith and Doubt:
Richard's internal struggle with his faith and identity as a minister is a
key theme. His journal reveals his crisis of belief, questioning the
existence of God and the meaning of life, which ultimately leads to his
tragic decision.
- Identity and Self-Discovery:
Rachel's transformation from a minister's wife to an independent woman
with her own sense of spirituality reflects the theme of self-discovery.
Leah's journey as an artist and her coming out as non-binary also
emphasise the importance of embracing one's true self.
- Resilience and Renewal:
Despite the tragedy, the characters find ways to rebuild their lives.
Rachel creates a retreat centre, Leah opens a cocktail bar, and the family
finds new meaning and purpose, symbolizing hope and renewal.
- Community and Acceptance:
The novel touches on societal issues such as LGBTQ+ acceptance, atheism,
and the role of organized religion. Leah's cocktail bar, The Rainbow,
becomes a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, symbolizing inclusivity and
belonging.
- Art and Creativity:
Art serves as a healing and transformative force in the story,
particularly for Leah, who channels her emotions into her paintings.
Richard's earlier passion for art also reflects the theme of creativity as
a means of self-expression.
These themes intertwine to create a rich
narrative about the human experience, resilience, and the search for meaning in
life.
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