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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
85 of 87 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quiet Brilliance,
By
This review is from: Ruth (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)
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.
55 of 61 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Least Favorite Gaskell Novel,
By Eclectic Reader (NYC) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ruth (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)
I was surprisingly unimpressed with this book. So far I have read three of Gaskell's other novels -- North and South, Wives and Daughters and Mary Barton. I loved them all. Gaskell's faith, the elegant strength of her heroines, and the attention that she pays to the details of daily life kept me interested and engaged. Gaskell is just such a passionate and compassionate writer.I have loved the way she combines social commentary with fine story telling. But while Ruth starts out just as strong as her other books, I was bored a third of the way through. Ruth's long suffering, her sobbing and sighing and crying through her desertion by Mr. Bellingham, her motherhood, and her stuggle to overcome her sin drove me to distraction. I found this character annoying and insipid. While her early innocence was refreshing I really didn't feel there was much character development after that point. In fact, Ruth seems less like a real person than any of the other characters in Gaskell's novels. If you have never read anything by this author I would not recommend this book as the place to start. Any of the others is a better choice
45 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better than any modern novel!,
By
This review is from: Ruth (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)
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!
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