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Ruth

By Elizabeth Gaskell
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell, the story follows a young orphaned girl named Ruth Hilton, who works as a seamstress. Through a series of misfortunes and societal pressures, she finds herself facing challenging circumstances and has to navigate the complexities of morality and redemption within the constraints of Victorian society. The narrative explores themes of forgiveness, social stigma, and personal growth.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are drawn to emotional and thought-provoking narratives that delve into the challenges faced by women in the 19th century. The story offers a deep exploration of social issues, personal redemption, and resilience, appealing to readers interested in character-driven tales set against a historical backdrop.

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Ruth Hilton, an orphan and dressmaker's assistant, is seduced and then heartlessly deserted by the wealthy Henry Bellingham. A dissenting minister advises her to pass as a widow and be employed as a governess with the tyrannical Mr Bradshaw. However, the deceit brings grievous consequences.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Ruth is the story of Ruth Hilton, an orphaned young seamstress who captures the attention of a gentleman, Henry Bellingham, who is captivated by her simplicity and beauty. When she loses her job and home, he offers her comfort and shelter, only to cruelly desert her soon after.

Nearly dead with grief and shame, Ruth is given the chance of a new life among people who offer her love and respect, even though they are initially unaware of her secret — an illegitimate child. When Henry re-enters her life, Ruth must face the impossible choice between social acceptance and personal pride.

In writing Ruth, Elizabeth Gaskell daringly confronted the prevailing views about sin and illegitimacy with her compassionate and honest portrait of a fallen woman.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140434309

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 July 1997

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Edited by Angus Easson
  • Introduction by Angus Easson
  • Notes by Angus Easson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 298g

Pages: 432

Collections

Best Sellers at Book Hero Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Elizabeth Gaskell Fiction General Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction New Release Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics

About the Author

Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-65) wrote her first novel, MARY BARTON, in 1848 as a distraction from her sorrow at the death of her only son in infancy. It won the attention of Dickens and was followed by 5 other full-length novels as well as numerous short stories and novellas. Angus Easson is Professor of English at Salford University. He has written widely on Elizabeth Gaskell.

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