Ruth: Victorian Romance Classic, With Author's Biography

By Elizabeth Gaskell

Book Overview

In 'Ruth', Elizabeth Gaskell crafts a poignant narrative that explores moral complexity and social issues surrounding class and sexuality in Victorian England. The novel is characterized by Gaskell's richly descriptive prose and her empathetic insights into human behavior. Through the life of Ruth Hilton, a young woman who falls from grace after a brief romantic entanglement, the story deftly navigates themes of redemption, social ostracism, and the transformative power of love. Gaskell challenges the rigid conventions of her time, pushing against the boundaries of acceptable behavior for women, and striving to evoke sympathy for those marginalized by society. Elizabeth Gaskell, a prominent figure in 19th-century literature, wrote 'Ruth' partly influenced by her deep social consciousness and her own experiences with class disparities. As a member of a nonconformist family, she was exposed to progressive ideals, advocating for the rights of women and the working class. Gaskell's connections with literary luminaries like Charles Dickens and her own struggles with societal expectations fueled her desire to address social injustices, rendering 'Ruth' a profoundly compassionate work. This novel is a must-read for those interested in the intersection of gender, class, and morality in literature. Gaskell's nuanced portrayal of her characters invites readers to reconsider the societal norms of her time, making 'Ruth' not only a compelling narrative but also a significant commentary on the human condition.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 8027344182
• ISBN13: 9788027344185
• Release Date: July 2022
• Publisher: E-Artnow
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 1 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 5

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.