carrotstheredpanda 's review for:

Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell

4.5

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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A deeply sad, yet hopeful book. I believe it’s the first book to have focused on the position of a fallen woman in society, at least sympathetically. It thoroughly dissects the hypocrisy of Christianity towards fallen women, and advocates for a kinder, more accepting version of religion. The only thing I disliked was Ruth returning to nurse Bellingham, and dying as a result. I understand why she had to die to conclude her arc, as society made it impossible for her to ever regain her perceived “innocence” and there would truly be no other way of tying up the narrative, but Bellingham disappearing after Ruth rejected his belated offer of help and marriage would have been much more fitting.