Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell
This novel is a poignant exploration of societal attitudes towards fallen women in the 19th century. It tells the story of a young, orphaned seamstress who, after being seduced by a wealthy gentleman, finds herself pregnant and abandoned. Facing societal scorn and ostracization, she is taken in by a dissenting minister and his sister, who offer her a chance at redemption and a new identity. Throughout the narrative, the protagonist's journey from shame and despair to resilience and redemption challenges the harsh moral judgments of her time, highlighting themes of forgiveness, the hypocrisy of social mores, and the possibility of personal transformation.
The 2905th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1853
- Nationality
- British
- Length
- Moderate
- Pages
- 400-500
- Original Language
- English
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- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 2 lists:
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)
- C.K. Shorter List of Best 100 Novels (The Bookman February 1898)