A review by ros_scallydandler
Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell

challenging hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

This was a brave book to publish in 1853. I had to bear that in mind to stomach the almost oppressive moral tone. Gaskell had to make her "fallen woman" unfeasibly saintly to justify making her the heroine of the story. The minor characters counterbalance this somewhat.