Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Rubyfruit Jungle
Book Review: A Book Chockfull of Fun, Fearlessness, and Strength
Summary: 3 Stars
The first time I read Rubyfruit Jungle, I was about 12 and because my mother had signed the permission slip at the NY Public Library I was able to gain access to the Young Adult and Adult sections. This was the first book I'd ever read that had a main character who was a lesbian. The notion just blew my mind! Rita Mae Brown (the author) took me on a wild ride with her character Molly as she grows up the bastard (or rather adopted) daughter of a poor country family. One of the things I love most about Molly is how sure she is of herself. She's strong willed as a child--the struggles between her and her mother are really exciting and tense, willing and open to explore her sexuality as a teenager, and straightforward and no holds barred as a young woman, Molly only gets better as she gets older.
Reading this back in the early 90's was definitely an experience because back then lesbian literature was few and far between. Rubyfruit Jungle held so many secrets of what it was like to be female and gay. I can remember hiding this book for fear that my mother would find it and think I was a lesbian too. But sadly as an adult, the allure was gone. Maybe it's because I'm a jaded New Yorker where being gay isn't a stigma and Molly's experience has been sort of deflated by all the other writing that followed it.
For me, a book like this must be read when you really don't have a clear understanding of the world you live in. The reader has to be naive to put it plainly. As I think this book is meant to be an eye-opener for those who only know one side of the coin. Reading it as a young girl definitely had my heart pounding, made me blush and laugh out loud and want to share it with the world. Reading it as an adult was still an experience, and while it didn't move me as much, it did give make me reminisce about the young girl I was and how my innocence played such an important role in how I responded to literature. What I wouldn't give to be young again!
Book Review: A Classic!
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book for a local book group here in Chicago, this book is true classic of lesbian fiction. Molly Bolt lives her life her own way and to her own expectations. So nice to see a character that is sure of herself and is not some depressive, self-(man) hating woman. In this book Molly experiences first and post love, family, education and career choice along the way. Highly recommended. Still packs a punch in the new century. Bravo Ms. Brown, Bravo.Book Review: A Frustrating Read
Summary: 3 Stars
This could have been a five star rated read. Rita Mae Brown's book is funny, at times sensitive and is one lesbian readers can enjoy the world over regardless of the "Deep South" setting. There is, however, a frustration and annoyance which occasionally hits this reader over Rubyfruit Jungle. It's a brilliant book but sometimes too simplistic, and too light. It is never certain whether it wants to deal with important emotional issues etc. or to take a light-hearted view of all aspects of a lesbian coming out, meeting the world's pitfalls and challenges and emerging triumphant. It's a good read but could have been so much better; so much more.Book Review: A Great Read!
Summary: 5 Stars
This was a wonderful book. I really appreciated Molly's honesty. It made me laugh and cry. A great book for everyone and a must for women coming out as lesbians.Book Review: A Story About Human Strength and Courage
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is absolutely hilarious and witty! I love the main character, Molly Brown. Even though it's classified as a gay and lesbian book it doesn't focus on that, which is what I most admire about this book. It focuses more, to me, on Molly's ability and strength to do what she has to do, regardless of her financial situation and what other people think. This book is a story about having the strength, will, and courage; to do what you wish and be who you want to be, all of which Molly has little bproblem obtaining and keeping.