Ruth

Written by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

Narrated by LibriVox Community

The book is a social novel, dealing with Victorian views about sin and illegitimacy. It is a surprisingly compassionate portrayal of a 'fallen woman', a type of person normally outcast from respectable society. The title of the novel refers to the main character Ruth Hilton, an orphaned young seamstress who is seduced and then abandoned by gentleman Henry Bellingham. Ruth, pregnant and alone, is taken in by a minister and his sister. They conceal her single status under the pretence of widowhood in order to protect her child from the social stigma of illegitimacy. Ruth goes on to gain a respectable position in society as a governess, which is threatened by the return of Bellingham and the revelation of her secret. (Wikipedia)

• Language: English
• Publisher: LibriVox
• Release date: Aug 25, 2014

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell (1810-1865) was an English author who wrote biographies, short stories, and novels. Because her work often depicted the lives of Victorian society, including the individual effects of the Industrial Revolution, Gaskell has impacted the fields of both literature and history. While Gaskell is now a revered author, she was criticized and overlooked during her lifetime, dismissed by other authors and critics because of her gender. However, after her death, Gaskell earned a respected legacy and is credited to have paved the way for feminist movements.

Reviews for Ruth

[Helen Mossberg Ruebel · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The audio is horrible can’t even listen. Don’t make the effort.

[Mitch Sayler · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely love the message of this story... God's love and forgiveness, sin has real consequences. Thank you to the reader.