“In sensual and vivid prose, [Alexandersdottir] gives voice to a young woman in the process of finding her place in the world … The longing for her father’s presence runs like a thread through the text. So does desire, the use of sex as a means to an end … Alexandersdottir portrays Ruby without ironic distance and with a keen eye for the ever-changing motives of self-deception … I have no doubt: April Alexandersdottir is a gifted debut author with a bright future ahead of her.”
5/6 stars, Gabriel Moro, VG

“A diamond that has practically been polished to perfection, a ruby-red literary treasure… Just as the search for validation is the driving force behind Ruby, the prose is the driving force behind the text itself. Alexandersdottir’s apt word combinations add as much originality as they do tempo … a funny and serious, intelligent and emotional, steady and exploratory book.”
5/6 stars, Joachim Tjøstheim, Dagbladet

“A distinctive narrative talent. [Alexandersdottir] writes sensually and viscerally about sex, daring to get up close and personal… Ruby Baby is full of surprising, striking images… April Alexandersdottir has written a refreshing counterpoint to the new seriousness that characterises Gen Z. I root for the self-centred, clingy Ruby, who doesn’t quite know who she is or what she wants. There is something recognisable, something deeply human, in her self-sabotage and indecision, in her urge to kiss the wrong guy.”
Ellen Sofie Lauritzen, Dagens Næringsliv

“April Alexandersdottir paints a compelling portrait of a generation of young women who have grown up with all the benefits of women’s liberation, while at the same time being sexualised from a young age, by others and by themselves. As a young woman – albeit a few years older than both Ruby and Alexandersdottir, who is 21 – I find the book uncomfortably accurate. It both understands and exposes a young female appetite for everything from sex to care to self-destruction, an appetite we are mutely trained to suppress. It feels intrusive how honest and visible this desire is, if only to the reader… Although it reeks of desperation, it’s not a chaotic read. It exposes the sexual ambivalence of today’s young women, women who are too often accused in today’s online discourse of being too egalitarian for their own good. Ruby Baby shows, however, that it may not be that simple.”
Sofie Martesdatter Granberg, Dagsavisen

“Alexandersdottir impressively manages to portray the life of an ordinary person in such a way that it is a pleasure to read about. The prose is rich and the story never feels private. On the contrary, it is impressive that a 21-year-old debut author demonstrates such mature insight into human psychology and behaviour. Adult readers will also easily recognise the everyday problems Ruby struggles with … The novel is elegantly composed and builds up to a cathartic ending … Yes, Ruby Baby is a portrait of a generation, but first and foremost, it is a really well-written novel. This polished debut shows that April Alexandersdottir is a great literary talent.”
Ingrid Åbergsjord, Aftenposten

“A wonderful little novel that more than hints that the kingdom of Norway may have found a new voice that will be followed and read for many decades to come.”
5/6 stars, Tor Hammerø, Nettavisen