Reviews with content warning for Homophobia - Rubyfruit Jungle

This is such a groundbreaking novel for the 1970s. I loved how it was all about being true to yourself despite all of the misogyny and homophobia that the main character faced!

I did feel like there was not much depth to Molly's relationships with other women and it did feel quite whimsical at times. However, it did reflect the fact that sexuality is very fluid and we are not 100% anything. I would give the novel a 3.5 stars!

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hailstorm3812's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I think I enjoyed this book overall but it is quite dated. I liked Molly, the pacing, and overall story. I did not like the attitude about race, gender, and the very weird take on butches. It is an easy to read classic and I can see how it got there, but mostly I just wanted read it so next time I am in the bar named after it, I can say I did ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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knicke's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The characterization in Rubyfruit Jungle is super simple, but it’s super consistent and no character is too polished, which I found appreciable. It’s also very funny; Molly (narrator) has a dry humor that reads very well. I understand why some people find this novel offensive, and that’s valid. Still, I also recognize what it accomplishes in treating such varied and serious material so lightly. Basically, bad takes in this novel should not be considered as endorsements of hateful rhetoric but rather examples of how hate and othering can come from anywhere, including from inside the house, so to speak.

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julessssss's review

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challenging medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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allymute's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Rita Mae Brown's seminal 1973 novel is delightful and subversive. I get why Molly Bolt is canonical - she is a strong-willed and dynamic character. Unfortunately, I wanted more substance, and the novel's structure was all over the place. When the story hits its stride, it is too close to the end. I still think it's worth reading, but I was left wanting more.

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