Reviews

Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell

rcsreads's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Ruth was at times a little bit too pious for my tastes but I suppose she had to be super good to highlight the hypocrisy of societies treatment of "fallen women".

We all learned not to be judgy, lest our sons grow up to commit fraud. And while the ending was Old Curiosity Shop levels of saccharine it did make me have a good cry. Not Gaskell's best but still well worth the time.

hattiereadssomanybooks_x's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

msrichardsreads89's review

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

thecatladybooknook_penny's review against another edition

slow-paced

3.0

inkling_bee's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ronbert's review against another edition

dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

estiejoy's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is a beautiful tale, captivating the rises and falls of lifelong love and friendships. One thing I adore about Gaskell's writing is her exploration of male power and authorship over the fate of fallen women, and the way in which she unpacks societal prejudices and the contradicting motives of the human heart. Her characters always ooze nuance and feel so real. 

I only dock the 1/2 point because I flagged at the length of the political plot in the middle.

_bydbach_'s review

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

serrasa's review against another edition

dark emotional tense slow-paced

2.5

nkbullard's review

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0