Probably Ruby: A Novel

Finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award

An Indigenous woman adopted by white parents goes in search of her identity in this unforgettable debut novel about family, race, & history.

This is the story of a woman in search of herself, in every sense. When we first meet Ruby, a Métis woman in her thirties, her life is spinning out of control. She’s angling to sleep with her counselor while also rekindling an old relationship she knows will only bring more heartache. But as we soon learn, Ruby’s story is far more complex than even she can imagine.

Given up for adoption as an infant, Ruby is raised by a white couple who understand little of her Indigenous heritage. This is the great mystery that hovers over Ruby’s life—who her people are and how to reconcile what is missing. As the novel spans time & multiple points of view, we meet the people connected to Ruby: her birth parents & grandparents; her adoptive parents; the men & women Ruby has been romantically involved with; a beloved uncle; & Ruby’s children. Taken together, these characters form a kaleidoscope of stories, giving Ruby’s life dignity & meaning.

Probably Ruby is a dazzling novel about a bold, unapologetic woman taking control of her life & story, & marks the debut of a major new voice in Indigenous fiction.

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“Writing from the depths of her heart, Lisa Bird-Wilson has gifted us a passionate exploration of identity & belonging & a celebration of our universal desire to love & be loved.”— Imbolo Mbue, bestselling & award-winning author of How Beautiful We Were & Behold the Dreamers

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Lisa Bird-Wilson is a Cree-Métis writer & poet & the CEO of the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies, an organization committed to the renewal & development of Métis culture & education. Probably Ruby is her debut novel & her American debut. She lives in Saskatoon, Canada.