Drowning Ruth

Rating:
Summary: Holds interest, but lacks sophistication
Review: I looked forward to reading this book - the back jacket was enticing, other reviews were good, and I had enjoyed a series of Anita Shreve books and was looking for a 'new' author. It was interesting, held my interest, kept me curious, but started to disappoint about 1/3 of the way through -- some of the character development was weak, and the story line became forced. Not bad, and a good first effort. Don't pass it by if you're looking for an interesting tale from a new author. Skip it if you insist on an outstanding read.

Rating:
Summary: Very disappointing
Review: I thought this would be much more interesting than it turned out to be. The blurb on the back cover is intriguing, but the actual story is rambling and poorly structured. Though the author tries to set up a 'mystery' ending, it's actually pretty obvious from early in the book what is going to happen. I soon lost interest and started skipping pages to see what happens in the end.

Rating:
Summary: Not worth the money
Review: I thought this book sounded interesting judging by the back cover.However,it disappointd me.I thought it to be dull and hard to follow.The author jumps back and forth in terms of time and narrator.The story is divided into two parts.After reading the first part I had absolutely no desire to finish the second part.I could care less what happens in this story.

Rating:
Summary: Modern Jane Austin?
Review: The story reminds me of Jane Austin novels but less interesting. Perhaps that is because the story setting is more modern and closer to home. Regardless of why, the story of affairs, unwed mothers and [illegitimate] children from a woman's point of view is trite. The story of mysterious murder was interesting however. I cant recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: A story of love and obsession
Review: Drowning Ruth - by Christina Schwarz

Drowning Ruth opens with the words - "Ruth remembered drowning". The book centers on Amanda and her niece Ruth, and a mystery behind the death of Amanda's sister and Ruth's mother, Mathilda. The story is told in bits and pieces, at times told by Ruth at various ages and other times by Amanda, also at various ages. The reader learns from each character what really happened that cold winter night, as Ruth tries to remember her past and Amanda tries to forget it. For Ruth, it is a struggle to remember what happened when her mother died, because she was only a toddler. Her memories are of water, a baby crying, and drowning with her mother. But with Amanda's narration, we learn that there is a secret buried with the past, and only Amanda knows the true story. For Amanda, this secret is so horrible that she tells no one.

Carl, Mathilda's husband, comes home from the War to find his wife has died, but he doesn't know how she died except for the lies that Amanda tells him. He struggles to fit in, finding that Ruth is more attached to her Aunt than to him. Amanda does her best to bond with Ruth, but as time passes, she settles in with the role that Carl plays in this little family, as if Mathilda never existed.

We watch Ruth grow from a very insecure child to a young adult ready to be independent and free. She befriends Imogene, a girl that helps Ruth become accepted by their peers. But as their friendship blossoms, Amanda becomes nervous, afraid of a truth that may come out, but also afraid that she is losing Ruth to another. Amanda's possessiveness alienates her from Ruth, and soon the secrets come out.

I highly recommend Drowning Ruth. Not only did Christina Schwarz do a good job painting images of life in rural Wisconsin during the early 1900's, but she wrote a story in such a way that keeps the reader on edge till the very end. I found the ending rather anticlimactic, because it was certainly not what I had anticipated. Still, I was very pleased with the ending, and am looking forward to reading more by Ms Schwarz.

Rating:
Summary: A disturbing tale that keeps you on the edge
Review: When I read this my first impression was that Amanda was a nut case. At the beginning of the novel, it had me thinking that I was about to read a disturbing tale that can only get more depressing. By the fourth chapter however, I was completely taken by the novel and its creative style. Told by different character's each chapter, you will find yourself aching to read on to reach the same one again. Not a nail bitter, but certainly a great summer read.

Rating:
Summary: A bit disappointing
Review: I bought the book because of the back cover description as a suspenseful story of how a woman drowned. While the author did manage to keep me on my toes and interested in what really happened that night, the suspense wasn't worth the revelation that came towards the end of the book. Schwartz is a good story teller but didn't have too much of a story to tell here. Without going into details on the plot and ruining it for people that haven't read it yet, the big family secret turns out to be the most typical type of family secret in existence. There are better books out there to spend your time and money on.

Rating:
Summary: A Family Spider Web
Review: This story was excellent, although not riveting and not a 'keep you on the edge of your seat' type. However, it's pace rang true with which the time in history in which it took place... the 1920's ish... where no one 'talked' and everything was 'hush hush'.

Ruth is an only child whose Mother died when she was three from drowing in the lake where their family home was located. She was raised thereafter by her Aunt Mandy, her Mother's sister, and a woman who is both loving, controlling, disturbed and hiding a deep secret.

The beginning of the book made me think, "why am I reading this"?
So the Mom died and the daughter is left to be raised by her aunt... but the story continues and reveals a situation that is probably more common-place than we all realize... that life comes full circle, and that all things are intertwined in an earie sort of way.

Well worth reading!

Rating:
Summary: What Can I Say? I Was Impressed!
Review: Now I know you've heard me before when I said I would never purchase a book featured in Oprah's bookclub. I also know when I am being silly for no particular reason, thanks to Christina Schwarz.

Drowning Ruth is one of the few books I've read set in this particular time frame (late 1800s-mid 1900s) that I can actually say I've enjoyed. It's an astounding work of melancholy, suspense and drama. It strikes a chord with anyone who cares about their family and who tries to keep the peace.

Amanda was the eldest child and her parents always favored the younger daughter, Mathilda. Amanda's rough mannerisms held her back for years and a hate and jealousy was shrouded beneath the formal fascade of love for her family.

Amanda doesn't find love until long after Mathilda, but has full faith in her lover, Clement. But it isn't until too late she realizing a shocking secret and worse-- literally carries his burden for the rest of her life.

It's romanticly detailed and you will find yourself immersed in the lush scenery details, each character's well-plotted and thoroughly fitting mannerism. Every asset of this novel builds suspense and sadness, showing the shallow and empty life that both Mandy and Ruth are forced to live without guidance from the light-hearted Mathilda.

Intrigue.

Repentence.

Starting over as best you can.

It's an outstanding book in a world where literature mostly seems to be mediocre.

I will be ticking days off my calendar for Christina's next novel.

Rating:
Summary: An intriguing story.
Review: "Drowning Ruth" is the sort of book that will keep you thinking after you've finished it. The characters are very complex, but not too complex so that you don't feel for them. At some parts I wanted to just scream at the characters what really happened in a situation -- that's how much you can get caught up in this novel. I think the back-flashes and switching of characters keep the book fresh. I did wish Schwarz put in an Epilogue, or perhaps she'll make a sequel. Whether or not you read this book for a book club, answer the book club questions -- it'll get you thinking even more. I look forward to Christina Schwarz's next book. I recommend.