Ruth

by Elizabeth Gaskell

Book Overview

One of the less familiar of Mrs. Gaskell's novels, Ruth was in its own time a cause celebre which not only contributed substantially to its author's growing reputation but also won the approval of a number of her distinguished contemporaries. The text used for this edition is based upon that of the first edition published in 1853.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0192816691
• ISBN13: 9780192816696
• Release Date: August 1985
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 502 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.6" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

Elizabeth Gaskell hasn't failed me yet.

Beautifully written novel. One of my favorites. Is it a slow read? Yes. But not obnoxiously slow. Just slow enough so that you can savor it. Wasn't too impressed with this edition though. Quite bulky and low quality.

Ruth

As usual Elizabeth Gaskell highlights for us issues of the day and the problems they produce. These are presented to us in a very good read..I will look for other books by this author

Better than any modern novel!

I picked up "Ruth" at a used book store looking for a good book to read on my vacation. Once I started, it was hard to put down! I finished the last chapters while waiting in a hot parked car for my husband - I was so engaged in the book, I didn't even notice I'd been there for a couple hours! By the time my hubby got back to the car, I was still drying my eyes from all the tears shed, and thinking that I want to name my first child Ruth! I admire Gaskell for taking on the social and religious condemnation of single mothers - and for creating a character that so successfully redeemed herself of sin! I loved the theological questions raised by the characters regarding forgiveness and acceptance. And I loved Ruth's determination, the love and support she received from her adopted family, and the faith that she maintained despite pain and rejection from the community around her. If you like Austin, Dickens, Burney, etc. you will enjoy this book!

Quiet Brilliance

Elizabeth Gaskell is often referred to as the forgotten classic author and "Ruth" is a prime introduction into this obviously complex and passionate woman. "Ruth" is a truly brilliant novel dealing with the issue of a fallen woman due to an illicit affair and subsequent birth of a bastard child. This, due to the societal assumptions of morality and righteousness, lead the main character into a series of deceptions and tribulations in an attempt at redemption. Gaskell's eloquent prose engrosses the reader into the lives of the multiple characters and as it is in three volumes, much time is spent developing each individual. This allows for a true feeling and understanding of the motives and meanings behind every action. The character of Ruth is obviously the most important and Gaskell allows her to develop into an almost Christ-like figure in her beliefs, faith and actions. "Ruth" is a novel that tackles incredibly sensitive and deep subject matter and reaffirms ones belief in a higher power. This is a novel that should be introduced back into the mainstream to achieve the stature that it deserves as a classic of literature.

Or, Single Motherhood in the 19th Century

Elizabeth Gaskell's RUTH is a seemingly deceptive novel. Portraying a steadfastly single mother of an illegitimate child, the novel postures itself to be a sermon on the evils of sex. Instead it shows the hypocrisy of those who refer to the Biblical texts as fact rather than truth. Gaskell's novel of public damnation versus divinity is at times a frustrating one. Gaskell tends to lean heavily on maudlin devices to carry her plot along. Her characters rarely tread between the saintly and the dreadful. The reader is rewarded by the end of the novel, but Gaskell takes her time. An enjoyable, if not always gripping, read.