Ruth

By Elizabeth Gaskell

Book Overview

Ruth" is a novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, first published in 1853. It is a powerful and controversial work that deals with themes of social ostracism, redemption, and the harsh realities faced by women in Victorian society. The novel was groundbreaking for its sympathetic portrayal of a "fallen woman" and sparked significant debate upon its release. The protagonist, a young and innocent orphan who falls from societal grace but seeks redemption. A wealthy and charming young man who seduces Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. Benson: A kind and compassionate couple who take Ruth in and provide her with a chance for a new life. Leonard: Ruth's son, born out of wedlock. Ruth Hilton is a beautiful and innocent young woman working as a seamstress in a large town. She meets Henry Bellingham, a wealthy young man who seduces her under the pretense of love. When she becomes pregnant, Bellingham abandons her, leaving Ruth destitute and alone. Ruth is discovered in a state of despair by the benevolent Mr. Benson, a Dissenting minister, and his sister, Faith. The Bensons take Ruth into their home and protect her, presenting her as a widow to preserve her dignity and to shield her from social condemnation. Ruth starts a new life, working as a governess and raising her son, Leonard. Despite her efforts to live virtuously, her past eventually catches up with her, leading to public exposure and ostracism. However, Ruth remains steadfast in her moral integrity and continues to care for her son and the community around her.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9364288696
• ISBN13: 9789364288699
• Release Date: August 2024
• Publisher: Double 9 Books
• Length: 370 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

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.