Ruth [with Biographical Introduction]
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Review
"A generally good teaching edition at a reasonable price."--Christopher C. Dahl, University of Michigan, Dearborn
"Essential that this remain in print for Victorian culture studies."--Linda Shires, Syracuse University
"I'm happy that you have made Ruth affordable for classroom use. Ruth illuminates many of the conflicts over 'the fallen woman' as Christian martyr or feminist hero seen in more famous Victorian novels such as Tess and The Scarlet Letter. Your edition is well-edited and readably printed."--Dr. Jeanette Shumaker, San Diego State University (Imperial Valley Branch)
"OUP is the only publisher of this in paperback. It's a significant book for any Victorian literature course and particularly for one on Victorian women."--Eleanor McNees, University of Denver
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
'I think I must be an improper woman without knowing it, I do so manage to shock people.' Elizabeth Gaskell's second novel challenged contemporary social attitudes by taking as its heroine a fallen woman. Ruth Hilton is an orphan and an overworked seamstress, an innocent preyed upon by a weak, wealthy seducer. When he heartlessly abandons her she finds shelter and kindness in the home of a dissenting minister and his sister, who do not reject her when she gives birth to an illegitimate child. But Ruth's self-sacrificing love and devotion are tested to the limit by a twist of fate that brings her past back to haunt her. Gaskell's depiction of Ruth lays bare Victorian hypocrisy and sexual double-standards, and her novel is a remarkable story of love, of the sanctuary and tyranny of the family, and of the consequences of lies and deception.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
83 of 84 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It's a shame that my review is the first one. Ruth is a classic, a must-read. Mrs. Gaskell deals in her novel with very serious problem of unmarried motherhood and double standards of judging men and women behavior. Why a wealthy young man who seduced and deserted a poor motherless girl is not to be blamed and not to pay for his guilt? And why a girl who has been too young, too innocent and too ignorant in sexual affairs is to suffer and to be an outcast in society? The heroine leads a virtuous life and does a lot of good after her so-called fall. Nevertheless the end of the book is tragic... Some critics find inconsistencies and exaggerations in the story. May be they are right. The author couldn't always choose the best way of presenting the heroine and circumstances. (Well, Hardy's more famous story of Tess of the DÚrbervilles is not also without faults.) Just imagine difficulties of writing of such book in Victorian society. Innocent as it is, Ruth was a scandal and was considered to be an improper reading for young people. Nowadays I would recommend the novel to any reader. It is interesting, intriguing, full of poetical nature descriptions and typical rural characters, the problem is sharp and up-to-day. Modern girls are neither naive nor ignorant. However... are they really wise in love affaires? Aren't they in danger of becoming voluntary victims of charming but spoiled young men? Read the book and judge for yourself.
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I came to this novel having just read North and South. As with North and South it takes time for Elizabeth Gaskell to set the scene and develop the central characters. But it is worth sticking with. The last 100 pages will take you on an emotional roller coaster. The central character's inherent goodness and selflessness only serves to highlight the hypocracy of those who claim to be the moral guardians of society. The central character feels so real and you cannot fail to be deeply affected by reading this novel.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I can't stop reading this book but don't want to finish it because I am right there with Ruth and the other wonderful characters. I started reading Elizabeth Gaskell after watching Cranford on TV and have since enjoyed several of her books - Ruth being the latest. 'Enjoyed' may not be quite the right word as some of the subject matter is harrowing at times and stirs the emotions no end. Not as dire as Mary Barton but real social history in the way that times have changed re the treatment of unmarried mothers and their children - all human life is there. I particularly chose this edition as I find the notes very helpful but recommend that you read the introduction AFTER reading the book when it will make more sense and not spoil the story.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Ruthful
This moral tale is told well and truly. There are the usual Victorian coincidences to move the plot along, although none that seem forced or unlikely. Read more
Published 2 months ago by T. Wasser
Gripping
Having previously studied Elizabeth Gaskell's 'Mary Barton' and not enjoyed it, i approached this novel with a pessimistic view. Read more
Published 4 months ago by AMB
Who could be more virtuous?
The biblical Ruth is often held up as a paragon of virtuous womanhood, but Gaskell's Ruth, for all she is a 'fallen woman', exhibits far more consistent perfection than her... Read more
Published 11 months ago by AZ
Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell
Bought as a result of our Book Club, it was a revelation. Not having read a Victorian novel since school (when I hated them) I discovered not only an excellent writer but an... Read more
Published on 2 Mar 2010 by Mr
superb moving book
i have read this a couple of times now and it's beautiful. Combines the nasty realities of life with touching sentiment and beautifully crafted characters. Read more
Published on 7 Jun 2008 by blondie08
Predictable and sobering. (Contains spoiler)
You could see most of it coming a mile off. The peerless young Ruth was bound to meet her Nemesis in the shape of Mr. Read more
Published on 13 Aug 2006 by Puskas
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