Super Short Summary

Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz, published in 2000, is a historical novel set in 1919 that follows the events after three-year-old Ruth almost drowns in a frozen lake and is saved by her aunt Amanda. Ruth’s mother, Mathilda, dies in the incident, leading Amanda to care for Ruth while concealing secrets about that fateful night. The non-linear narrative and elements of mystery and psychological thriller explore complex family dynamics, mental health, and deep-seated secrets, building tension until the truth is revealed in the final chapters. This novel includes content related to mental health conditions, death, and infidelity.