Ruth is a young orphaned girl who works in a sweatshop. Mrs. Mason,
Ruth’s boss, runs the sweatshop in a respectable manner, earning
a sterling reputation among her employees and society. However, the
comfort and acclaim of Ruth’s job is threatened when she attends
a ball to repair any dresses that get torn during dancing. There,
she meets an aristocratic man named Henry Bellingham, who is
infamous for his immoral treatment of women and frivolous spending.
Ruth, however, is blinded by his charm, and after they have another
chance encounter, befriends the man. When they are spotted
together, Ruth’s reputation is at stake as rumors start to fly.
Worried about the gossip harming her sweatshop Mrs. Mason fires
Ruth, leaving her with nowhere to go. With no other viable options,
Ruth accepts Henry’s invitation to go to London. Now considered a
fallen woman, Ruth’s reputation seems to be in a state beyond
repair, though, while she stays with Henry, she is protected by his
privilege. Held to lower standards by society, Henry is slightly
looked down on, but his wealth and gender protects him from actual
consequence. Perhaps that is why he finds it so easy and acceptable
to leave Ruth, stranding her in Wales with a small allowance and
tarnished reputation. Hopeless and pregnant, Ruth slips into a deep
despair. It is only at the mercy of a kind local family, the
Benson’s, that Ruth is able to continue living. With their help,
Ruth creates a new alias and backstory to live under, and is able
to get a job and start to rebuild her social status. However, when
Henry makes a surprise return, and rumors start to grow once again,
Ruth must overcome illness and social disgrace to provide a better
life for her son, and for herself. With strong characterization and
themes of morality, gender, and sexuality in Victorian society,
Ruth by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell provides a compelling glimpse
into the hypocrisies of social expectations while depicting a
moving narrative that captures both the audience’s mind and
heart. This edition of Ruth by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is now
presented in an easy-to-read font and features a striking new cover
design. With these accommodations, modern audiences are provided a
lavish and accessible reading experience.
General
Imprint: |
Graphic Arts Books
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Series: |
Mint Editions |
Release date: |
September 2021 |
Authors: |
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
|
Contributors: |
Mint Editions
|
Dimensions: |
203 x 127mm (L x W) |
Format: |
Hardcover
|
Pages: |
388 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-5132-0555-7 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
1-5132-0555-2 |
Barcode: |
9781513205557 |
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