Winner of the 1989 PEN/Hemingway Foundation Award for best first novel, this exquisite book confronts real-life issues of alienation and violence from which the author creates a stunning testament to the human capacity for mercy, compassion and love.
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From Amazon
Oprah Book Club® Selection, November 1996: The Book of Ruth is a virtuoso performance and that's precisely why it can be excruciating to read. Author Jane Hamilton leads us through the arid life of Ruth Grey, who extracts what small pleasures and graces she can from a tiny Illinois town and the broken people who inhabit it. Ruth's prime tormentor is her mother May, whose husband died in World War II and took her future with him. More poor familial luck has given Ruth a brother who is a math prodigy; Matt sucks up any stray attention like a black hole. Ruth is left to survive on her own resources, which are meager. She struggles along, subsisting on crumbs of affection meted out by her Aunt Sid and, later, her screwed-up husband Ruby. Hamilton has perfect pitch. So perfect that you wince with pain for confused but fundamentally good Ruth as she walks a dead-end path. The book ends with the prospect of redemption, thank goodness--but the tale is nevertheless much more bitter than sweet.
From Publishers Weekly
"In her first novel, Hamilton takes on a challenge too large for her talents," said PW of this tale about a Midwestern woman who is loyal to her wounded and wounding family. "Hamilton evokes Ruth's character marvelously, but others as seen by her are incompletely rendered."
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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First Sentence
WHAT it begins with, I know finally, is the kernel of meanness in people's hearts. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt
WHAT it begins with, I know finally, is the kernel of meanness in people's hearts. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By Pam Bak
Format:Paperback
I had this book sitting on my shelf for sometime since Oprah first recommended it. I happen to pick it up recently to take to the beach. I must admit it was not an easy read and there were many times when I wondered why I was reading it because it was so painful. The ending was not unexpected for me because I felt like we were always leading to a crescendo only I was secretly hoping it would have been a happy one. Needless to say, it was certainly more appropriate than anything sugar coated. I was truly emotionally touched by Ruth's wonderful ability to look past the imperfections of those around her. I completely agree with other reveiwers in that this is not a light read but one that will never totally leave your heart and soul. The book is well worth the effort.
Format:Paperback
This book is definately set at a slow pace and rich in confimration of Ruth's harsh reality. It is incerdibly well written and thorough of this woman's life. I began reading it with no prior information, and was constantly looking for signs of a positive turn in Ruth's life. Don't read it and expect to feel warm and fuzzy. I think that the redemption in The Book of Ruth is that each character is subtle in showing their selfless qualities. The end does contain a note of guarded optimism and leaves the future open for readers.
By D. Desantis
Format:Paperback
I read this book many years ago but it left such an impact on me. I still remember the words from the first paragraph and the horrific ending. I didn't find it to be an easy read but it was well worth it. I felt it made such a powerful statement. Would highly recommend.
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3.7 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ever wonder how people survive reality?
Did you ever think about how when you see some "sensational, human interest" tragedy on the evening news, that there are real people in that story? Read more
Published on Jan 6 2007 by T. Harris
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very well written
This book has been in my bookcase for several years waiting to be read. After seeing the made-for-tv movie version of this book a couple of weeks ago, I decided to pick it up and... Read more
Published on May 26 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing book
It's about a young girl who has a mean mom.It gives the feel of you are not alone to abuse victims.Helped me alot
Published on May 3 2004 by Andreacyatrousis
1.0 out of 5 stars
Did not like the book
I belong to a book club, only one person was able to finish the book and she only like the endng. I thought it was boring, it did not hold my interest.
Published on May 2 2004
2.0 out of 5 stars
unconvincing...
I thought the narration was good, but unconvincing that Ruth was supposed to be mentally deficient... Read more
Published on May 1 2004
3.0 out of 5 stars
Too much unnecessary violence!
I didn't like reading this book. I'm glad I'm finished.
What's the point???
What's the point???
Young girl is born into a disastrous family,
gets involved in a disastrous marriage. Read more
Published on Mar 13 2004 by L. Hall
4.0 out of 5 stars
I put down WOW in my journal!
WOW Is all I can say. I don't want to give the story away, so I won't say more. This book is def one NOT to miss! I will add this one to my library one day.
Published on Feb 28 2004 by Tonya Speelman
5.0 out of 5 stars
second to "To Kill A Mockingbird"
This book is now in second place in my "Top 10 Best Books" behind "To Kill A Mockingbird". I've read it 3 times and know I will again. Read more
Published on Jan 14 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
wow!
I was amazed last year to discover Jane Hamilton. I'm really glad I disregarded my initial impulse _not_ to read _Book of Ruth_ because it was an Oprah pick (it's a prejudice I... Read more
Published on Jan 10 2004 by Hunter Anne Holt
3.0 out of 5 stars
Like eating raw chicken...
This novel works backwards. It all starts in the present, in the aftermath of something horrible, and Ruth starts telling the story of her life, as far back as she can remember. Read more
Published on Jan 3 2004 by Manola Sommerfeld
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