RUTH JONES, BY YOUR SIDE BOOK TOUR

In the afternoon of Wednesday 21 May 2025, if you were to enter the unassuming Heswall Hall – a space close to our own doorstep here on the Wirral – to find it packed with people, you may wonder ‘What’s occurring?’

What was occurring was a visit from author and Gavin & Stacey actress Ruth Jones as part of the book tour for her latest novel, By Your Side.

We were lucky enough to be invited along to the event – organised by local, independent booksellers, Linghams.

Rather than the buzz of excitement one might expect, there was instead more of a starstruck stillness. This continued as Ruth appeared on stage – the audience clearly completely captivated and in awe, almost as if they dare not blink for risk of missing precious time taking in this momentous occasion. However, Ruth’s down-to-earth style soon had us all relaxed and comfortable.

In conversation with Hannah Beckerman – journalist and author of bestseller, Three Mothers – it was clear how busy the last year alone has been for Ruth. From playing Sister Act’s Mother Superior on the West End stage to filming Gavin & Stacey: The Finale – which became the UK’s highest rated scripted show and won Ruth her BAFTA for Best Female Comedy Performance – and now the release of her fourth book, By Your Side.

Speaking first about Linda, one of two main characters in the novel, Hannah asked Ruth to perform a reading that would give us a sense of the protagonist. And perform she did – combining her talents as an actor and comic. Launching seamlessly into an impressive Scottish accent – interjecting with an apology to any Scottish people present, much to the audience’s amusement – she first provided a deep and complex context of Linda’s character, also displaying her skillset as an author. It’s clear that, like many writers, Ruth utilises her own, real-life experiences. For instance, she wanted Linda to be a realistic representation of a plus-size woman, who accepts herself fully and is body confident.

Ruth shared she’s always liked writing, but she didn’t think she would actually be a writer. Her mum – who always wanted her to be an author, more so than an actor – would be proud of her daughter’s growing repertoire of bestsellers.

Telling the audience, “I’ll have to write book number five at some point and I have no idea what it’ll be about!”, she did share how she likes writing about “interesting dynamics” – (Never Greener on relationships; Us Three, friendships and Love Untold a mother and daughter) – yet she feels By Your Side doesn’t seem to fit that pattern.

Ruth also revealed that the chapters on Levi – the second main character – are written in the third person past tense, which is a different style for her, but which she loved doing.

With the promise of another book, we’re sure whatever the topic, it’ll be ‘tidy’ – much like the wonderful afternoon we all had.