56 pages • 1 hour read
Jane HamiltonThe Book of Ruth
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Book of Ruth by Jane Hamilton is set in small-town Illinois in the 1970s and follows Ruth Grey, a young woman overshadowed by her intelligent brother and domineering mother. Ruth finds solace in a relationship with Ruby Dahl, an alcoholic, which leads to further conflict and violence. The novel explores themes of familial tension, coming of age, and the struggle for personal identity. Topics of domestic violence and abuse are present.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jane Hamilton's novel, The Book of Ruth, offers a poignant exploration of small-town life and complex family dynamics. Readers appreciate its deep character development and emotional depth. However, some criticize its slow pacing and bleak tone. Overall, the book is heralded for its insightful portrayal of resilience amidst adversity.
Who Should Read The Book of Ruth?
A reader who would enjoy The Book of Ruth by Jane Hamilton is likely drawn to heartfelt, character-driven stories with themes of resilience and family dynamics. Fans of works like Anne Tyler's The Accidental Tourist or Marilynne Robinson's Housekeeping will appreciate Hamilton's nuanced exploration of rural life and personal struggle.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
950L