| The Book of Ruth by Jane Hamilton
from Chris McDonough Guide Rating - *** The Bottom Line "I learned, slowly," Ruth tells us, "that if you don't look at the world with perfect vision, you're bound to get yourself cooked." In this novel, Ruth reviews her life in Honey Creek, Illinois, occasionally noting what she learned about the world. Pros: Strong characters, vivid settings. Cons: Some readers may find the theme of abuse disturbing. Description � Published by Anchor Books � 328 pages; softcover � ISBN: 0-385-26570-0 Guide Review - The Book of Ruth by Jane Hamilton Her abandoned, angry mother considers her "slow", especially in contrast to Ruth's favored, scholastically brilliant brother. The players in Ruth's life seem familiar - the absent father, the mother who doesn't believe in her, the distant aunt who does, the best friend who is prettier, the husband that no one approves, the baby. Ruth puts herself back together again and again, even after the tremendous climax near the end of the book. You may have heard of this book as one of Oprah's selections. It is a good read, with a pace that slows only slightly and briefly in the middle. Somehow - like Ruth herself - the book deals with abuse but is not depressing. Ruth is thought to be slow. In fact, her brilliance is not scholastic; it's about life and human nature. She is attracted to life just as her brother is attracted to mathematics. Her brother's gift is recognized by the world; Ruth's is not. This is what we can learn from Ruth. Perhaps we can also learn from her to value resilience as a life skill. If you enjoy The Book of Ruth, you may also want to read its companion book, A Map of the World. �2004 About, Inc. All rights reserved |
| Published About.com Women Writers 2004-10-12 |
| CHRIS MCDONOUGH |
 |
 |
 |