From Ruth’s interview
You mentioned the house your father built. Take me back there. What comes to mind first?
The sound, mostly. It was never quiet. Somebody was always singing, or running the pump.
Who was most likely to be the one singing?
My mother. Always at the back door, looking out at her garden.
You said she looked like she was counting the rows. What do you think she was really doing?
Resting, I think. There was never a moment in that house that didn't need something done.
Your story starts when you do