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The Raffle Baby: An astounding lyrical novel inspired by a shocking true story of the Great Depression Paperback – January 23, 2022

by Ruth Talbot (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 955 ratings
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“Purchase a ticket for a chance to win a rosy-cheeked little one. Ladies particularly welcome.”

With precise, breathtaking prose and hints of magical realism, Ruth Talbot tells the tale of three orphans as they crisscross the country in the 1930s, riding the rails, chasing the harvests, and stealing when they must. Their destination is always the same: survival.

Teeny, Sonny Boy and Vic have been swallowed up by the desperation and devastation of the Great Depression, but the trio is buoyed by the fantastical tales Teeny weaves around campfires in hobo jungles and migrant camps, including the story of the raffle baby.

As the three navigate the ravages of poverty and prejudices, they form a family bond as strong as the forces against them. But when a solemn pact fails to protect them, their lives are forever changed. And Sonny Boy is left to tell their story, and his own.

Both heartbreaking and uplifting, The Raffle Baby examines the intersection of love, loss and resilience, and the enduring triumph of memory. This is a magical tale not soon forgotten.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    166 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    January 23, 2022
  4. Dimensions
    5.25 x 0.42 x 8 inches
  5. ISBN-13
    979-8406801215
  6. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09QNYKPBY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (January 23, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 166 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8406801215
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.42 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 955 ratings

About the author

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Ruth Talbot

Ruth Talbot

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Hello readers! I am a fiction writer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where I live with my husband and rescue pup. I love to comb through old newspapers for story ideas. This is how I was inspired to write The Raffle Baby, which is based on a shocking true story of the Great Depression.

When you read the book, I hope you feel a lyrical momentum that moves you, whimsy that delights you, and characters who take root in your heart.

Some of my favorite novels (I stopped at five) are:

🔷 Year of Wonder, Geraldine Brooks

🔷 The Last Days of Dogtown, Anita Diamant

🔷 News of the World, Paulette Jiles

🔷 The Two Pound Tram, William Newton

🔷 Zorrie, Laird Hunt

Sign up for news and updates at www.ruthtalbot.com, where you may also read an excerpt from The Raffle Baby.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
955 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

JoyceAnn
5.0 out of 5 stars Raffle Baby
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024
Verified Purchase
The language in this book was so magical and lyrical, it would take my breath away and I would need to reread the passage just to roll it over my tongue! The story was mesmerizing and told in a voice and order that made it a pleasure to read!
2 people found this helpful
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Lucy Lyn
4.0 out of 5 stars Children on their own
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2024
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Story about children making it on their own at a difficult time. Title is misleading. The raffle baby is barely mentioned. May or may not be true.
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weschmuck
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2024
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Impeccable imagery with poetic words that just dance in your head like a well-rehearsed waltz. This was a divine tale, told so differently it was like being in a cozy room with Grandpa spinning a yarn or lying in bed with Grandma's sweet voice conjuring up a bedtime story. I loved this book - so rich it was like a decadent pastry you both can't wait to devour but that you don't want to ever end.
2 people found this helpful
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Jean D. Perreault
5.0 out of 5 stars This book has now become one of my very favorites!
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2024
Verified Purchase
Like everyone else, I know you can’t judge a book by its cover. But I did choose this book to read even though the cover was nothing special. I’m so glad I did! What an excellent story. It was so interesting to follow this poor dejected kid through his life of trials and tribulations right up to his old age. I loved Vic and Teenie. Together they formed a perfect trio. I adored Merlona and Early thanking goodness they came into his life right when he desperately needed them. What an education in life did he have! I too, went right along thinking Teenie was the raffle baby. Of course she was. I enjoyed being shocked to find out she was the mother. My sincere thanks to Ruth Talbot for giving me such a wonderful story to enjoy!
2 people found this helpful
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Mattie sanders
3.0 out of 5 stars interesting.
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2023
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Life coming full circle with a secret that was brought to fruition with his imagination. It was a short read.
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MeConnie
5.0 out of 5 stars A song
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2024
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This book was like reading a wonderful song. Beautifully written in a way that only the story could be told.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Good
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
I wasn't sure about the last part . I had to go back and read the last chapter twice enjoyed the story worth reading mAY READ IT AGAIN
3 people found this helpful
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Rose
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story telling - a mesmerizing writing style
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book surprised me. I mean it is based on a true story, so I expected a predictable book. Forget that, it left me with tears in my eyes at the very end. An intriguing read for both the history and the fiction.
Two observations - by the time you made it through the first chapter you find yourself in the grip and rhythm of a unique writing style. This book just flows from then on and I could not put it down - no kidding, supper will be late today.
It is a gentle writing voice. The heart-wrenching and cruel historical realities are somehow tempered by time and emotional maturity. There is an underlying pragmatism, a strong survivalist attitude, and a rather wistful, fanciful, fairy tale quality about it all.
Yet, there is suspense woven into every chapter - a must-read for a mature audience that can appreciate the twists and turns of fate. Loved it - worth ten stars!
17 people found this helpful
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