Drowning Ruth: A Novel (Oprah's Book Club) by Christina Schwarz Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Drowning Ruth: A Novel (Oprah's Book Club)
Book Review: What a Depressing Cast of Characters!
Summary: 2 Stars
I would not have read this book if it had not been a selection for the book discussion group to which I belong. I would not have finished it if I were not a person who must finish what I begin.
It has been a while since I read the book, and I had to look at other reviews to refresh my memory about the book. I did remember the sense of place. The author described places so well that I felt as if I were there.
However, I was not able to relate well to any of the characters. I guess I am grateful for that. What a depressing cast of characters!
Book Review: 1920s Wisconsin without nostalgia
Summary: 4 Stars
From the beginning of Drowning Ruth, I kept wondering, is Ruth's aunt Amanda just kind of crazy, or really crazy? The story begins with Ruth's memory of drowning when she was four, at the time her mother drowned beneath the ice. Aunt Amanda keeps telling Ruth that of course she didn't drown, but Ruth has emotional memories of the time surrounding her mother's death. Drowning Ruth is as much (or more) Amanda's story as Ruth's, a story about the healthy and unhealthy bonds of family.
Drowning Ruth is set in rural Wisconsin starting in 1919. The isolated farms and communities seem to foster private sorrows. Although the farm family's private island is idealized, generally life for these characters is harsh. There's no eccentric charm of Lake Wobegon here. Although I didn't click with any of the characters, the complexity of the puzzle drew me in.
The back of the book blurb describes it as a "psychological thriller". That's a misnomer better applied to The Alienist: A Novel. It's more of a family drama where Amanda's past unfolds piece by disjointed piece as Ruth's life progresses along a chronological path. This book is sold as an Oprah book and a book club book to an audience of women, because the primary material is motherly/sisterly/daughterly love, but it's also a good historical study. This is Christina Schwartz's first novel, and an impressive first one it is.
Book Review: Well written but depressing as hell.
Summary: 2 Stars
Read this for a book club. Wish I hadn't. Going back to romances now so I don't have to deal with any more suffering than absolutely required.Book Review: I've read this at least three times.
Summary: 5 Stars
I haven't found an emotional thriller to beat "Drowning Ruth". The fact that I could get so involved with the characters that I wanted to shout at them is a credit to Schwarz's style. The plot twists -so surprising-yet not, in retrospect, reminded me of the last chapters of "Rebecca".
I'm sure this will remain one of favorite reads.
Book Review: Read it twice
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is an intricate, perfect character study. I enjoyed the writing style and especially enjoyed the mental imagery. Read it once for pleasure. Read it a second time for the subtle jems you may have missesd the first time through. Wonderful!