Drowning Ruth

Rating:
Summary: So well written
Review: The emotional repression of the early 20th century is portrayed magnificently in this eloquently written story. The topics are somewhat dysfunctionally disturbing, rendering their disclosure in a torturously suspenseful way to the reader.
We follow a handful of people in Wisconsin all interconnected and each narrative written each in their own voice. The plot is centered around several traumatizing events but none moreso than the mysterious drowning of Mathilda, sister of Amanda, mother of Ruth and wife of Carl.
This writer does not disappoint. This is a great read and I'm hooked on her writing style. Can't wait for the next one.

Rating:
Summary: Drowning Ruth
Review: I really enjoyed this book, but found it confusing at first. The writing style made it hard to follow. She jumps back and forth between time periods and also characters. This was confusing at first. The further I got into the book, the easier it was to follow. This book was very interesting because of the events that occured after Ruth's mother dying. The story has some twists and turns that make it more and more interesting. So I would highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: Addictive
Review: DROWNING RUTH is one of the most emotionally involved stories I have ever read. Schwarz does an excellent job with character development. You actually feel like you can relate to each character in their unique situation as it pertains to the story. I have to disagree with another reviewer who said that the plot leaves alot to be desired (not in those exact words). I think Schwarz does a wonderful job involving different perspectives to tell the same story and that the plot, although somewhat simple, unfolds in a dramatic storytelling. It is easy to follow but not in the least bit, boring. I was engrossed in reading it from the first paragraph. I do feel as though she doesn't tie everything up completely at the end. Other than that, great read.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Definitely worthwhile. Intriguing plot. Good character development. The story has some twists and turns but not so many that the plot become convoluted. I like a book that keeps me engaged and thinking throughout. This novel did just that. I passed this book on to my sister who enjoyed it as much as I did.

Rating:
Summary: Good Read
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I was at first a bit confused with the writing style, but the more I read it, I caught on and by the end of the book I was singing praises of the style. This is a story I couldn't put down. For me, the more I think back over the story, the more I appreciate it. I highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: Waste of money....
Review: "A gripping psychological thriller..." Well, that is what the back of the book claims. But after reading it i realize that is a bare faced lie. The book is psychological. But it is not even close to a thriller. Can you call a book a thriller when it takes several decades to finish?
When I first looked at this book I was interested. It sounded like a gripping tail. And I also found the 1919 setting as a good choice too. I would also like to commend Christina Schwarz on her writing style. She jumps back and forth between characters, and that does liven things up.
OK. So now that we have the very short list of the books strengths lets get right on to the meat of this review: the many horrible faults!
As I said before I liked Mrs. Schwarz's writing style. Unfortunately, her imagination doesn't catch up with it! A story moves you when you invest in one or more of the characters. So who in the world do you like in this story? Mathilda is dead. Her husband emotionally crippled. And her sister Amanda is totally insane! Ruth is one of the only characters that you will like in the story. But even that falls short because you don't really hear from her that much till the later parts of the story.
I don't know about other readers, but I don't like being able to easily guess who the "bad guy" is in the story. But even worse, after a while I found myself reading the book, just so I could see the end! And it was kind of disappointing too.
I ended up buying two copies of the book. One for me and the other for my girlfriend. I wish I had read my copy first. That way I would have never been dumb enough to buy a second copy! Unless you can buy this cheap, save your hard earned money!
Hopefully Mrs. Schwarz will have a little more plot in her second novel. Although, I will not waste money on that one. Think I will go to the library when it comes out...........

Rating:
Summary: Emilys Review
Review: The book Drowning Ruth, by Christina Schwarz was a fiction that is about family values, love and mystery. The story begins with Ruth remembering a vague image of her drowning. Her aunt Amanda insists to Ruth that it must have been a dream, even though Ruth isn't so sure about that. Ruth goes through the book believing, and remembering she had once drowned. In truth Ruth had drowned and survived, but she was just a baby at the time. As the book goes on it switches the characters views and you get to hear their opinions and they characters have flashbacks to the night when what Ruth remembers parts of what really happened, is revealed at the end.
In the story Amanda Starkey becomes too overwhelmed and goes back to her family's farm in Nagawaukee Lake. About a year later an accident happened that would change her life forever. She goes throughout the book telling the story and revealing bits and pieces of what really happened during the accident.
The book was really interesting and had a good twist in it. I enjoyed reading about the characters lives and how they helped each other get through times of confusion. Drowning Ruth affected me by helping to realize not to take anything for granted in life, and to appreciate being alive.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but not great
Review: The story itself is somewhat predictable, but the pacing and writing style is excellent. Enjoyable, thoughtful read.

Rating:
Summary: All you can ask for in a mystery
Review: Drowning Ruth was an amazingly creative mystery. Amanda's sister, Mattie, drowns while her husband is fighting in the war in France. When he returns, he has many questions for Amanda regarding Mattie's death. No matter what though, Amanda evades these questions to avoid having a horrible secret from her past dredged up. It would go back to when she was in nursing school, sleeping with a married man. In this wonderful book you get introduced to many different characters and hear personal points of view from each. It's almost as if they are talking to you. While reading you may even feel like you're with them, at the lake. Drowning Ruth, written by Christina Schwarz, is a book you just cannot put down once you start. That is the main reason I gave it five stars. The plot pulled me in, and kept me, throughout the whole book, wondering what would happen next.

Rating:
Summary: Close But No Cigar
Review: This was a truly amazing book. The only reason I didn't give it the full five stars is because it took me a while to get into the flow of it. I believe Christina Schwarz is an extremely talented writer. The way the story is written, it gives all of the characters' point of view. You hear what everyone has to say, whether it is memories or daily life. Some of the characters ask questions that really make you wonder, make you think, if what has been told to you so far in the book is really true. Once I found the flow of the book, I could not put it down. I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a creative, slightly twisted, plot.