Ripeness is Sarah Moss’s latest novel, a family saga spanning decades about family, home, and the decisions that define our lives. 

Set in the 1960s, the story begins with young Edith, freshly out of school, journeying to the Italian countryside. Her mother has sent her with clear orders: to support her sister Lydia—a ballet dancer—through the last stages of her pregnancy, assist with the birth, and make a crucial phone call that will determine both the baby's and Lydia's futures. Years later, Edith is contentedly living in Ireland, divorced and reinvigorated by a new chapter in life. When her close friend Maebh hears from a man in America who claims to be her brother, she faces a life-altering choice and turns to Edith for guidance.

I really enjoyed Ripeness. I liked that the novel was split between 60’s Italy and modern Ireland and Edith’s thoughts on both, from her naïvety in Italy as a young woman to a wise older woman, a woman who has seen and understood a lot more than most. 

My only criticism of Ripeness would be that it took forever for me to get into properly, especially the first few chapters set in the 1960s, they just felt kind of slow and flat.  

The story is very moving and relatable, especially within the themes of feminism, politics, migration, and identity. I liked it a lot!