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A review by char_j
Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown
1.0
I’m somewhat dumbfounded by the number of outstanding responses to this book. I do want to acknowledge that it was written during the 70s and I know that it is considered a classic.That being said, there are many very problematic elements in the story, and on a literary level, I found most of the book to be disappointing.
this book depicts a lesbian as someone who is self righteous, pro-incest, and a rapist. also, while she verbally rejects the repeated claims that she just hasn’t “met the right man,” she repeatedly goes on a date with a man she finds disgusting, and engages with him sexually (if passively) for no apparent reason, which really undermines the point.
from a literary standpoint, this book fell short for me in terms
of characterization. it relied on the retelling of the characters childhood instead of deep character development, and while there were some moments of insight and self reflection, most of the motivation depicted in the book was weak.
I kept waiting for the plot to redeem itself, but it just kept getting worse. maybe it was great in its time, but it’s 2021 and there are much better options for decent representation.
this book depicts a lesbian as someone who is self righteous, pro-incest, and a rapist. also, while she verbally rejects the repeated claims that she just hasn’t “met the right man,” she repeatedly goes on a date with a man she finds disgusting, and engages with him sexually (if passively) for no apparent reason, which really undermines the point.
from a literary standpoint, this book fell short for me in terms
of characterization. it relied on the retelling of the characters childhood instead of deep character development, and while there were some moments of insight and self reflection, most of the motivation depicted in the book was weak.
I kept waiting for the plot to redeem itself, but it just kept getting worse. maybe it was great in its time, but it’s 2021 and there are much better options for decent representation.