Super Short Summary

The Book of Ruth by Jane Hamilton is set in small-town Illinois in the 1970s and follows Ruth Grey, a young woman overshadowed by her intelligent brother and domineering mother. Ruth finds solace in a relationship with Ruby Dahl, an alcoholic, which leads to further conflict and violence. The novel explores themes of familial tension, coming of age, and the struggle for personal identity. Topics of domestic violence and abuse are present.