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Drowning Ruth
Drowning Ruth
Author: Christina Schwarz
Deftly written and emotionally powerful, Drowning Ruth is a stunning portrait of the ties that bind sisters together and the forces that tear them apart, of the dangers of keeping secrets and the explosive repercussions when they are exposed. A mesmerizing and achingly beautiful debut. — Winter, 1919. Amanda Starkey spends her days nursing soldie...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780385499712
ISBN-10: 038549971X
Pages: 338
Rating:
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 60

3.7 stars, based on 60 ratings
Publisher: Doubleday
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 30 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 20
DROWNING RUTH is deceptively clever. What seems initially like the conventional, usually predictable murder yarn turns out actually being a meticulously crafted story of considerable artistic merit. The circumstances of the drowning of Ruth's mother serves as the catalyst that precipitates an intriguing flow of interrelated events in the lives of Amanda (the drowned woman's sister) and her niece Ruth. Christina Schwarz is a wonderfully talented writer who has woven a rather intricate tale of psychological suspense. There are many engrossing trwists and digressions (but quite necessary) in this very emotional marrative. The mystery is sustained throughout because the reader, as if carefully and thoughtfully fitting together all the jagged pieces of a puzzle, learns in successive chapters what actually occurred that particular wintry night so long ago in the past of both Amanda and Ruth. The writer does a marvelous job in pacing the delicate unravelling of the knitting. This is a thoroughly enjoyable thriller.
I recommend this book very highly.
msdorky avatar reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
This is a dark story, but very good! I thought it was pretty predictable at first, but it wasn't at all. It's written in a mix of first and third person and the story bounces from present to past. Definitely kept it interesting.
reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
this book is as haunting and beautiful as the lonely landscape through which the events take place...repressed passion, living in a society where sexuality is so completely repressed and rejected that horrible events occur as a result.
reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 113 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
Depressing, dark book. I don't always need upbeat stories, but this one was too serious/dark when I am reading for enjoyment.
reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 34 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
DROWNING RUTH is deceptively clever. What seems initially like the conventional, usually predictable murder yarn turns out actually being a meticulously crafted story of considerable artistic merit. The circumstances of the drowning of Ruth's mother serves as the catalyst that precipitates an intriguing flow of interrelated events in the lives of Amanda (the drowned woman's sister) and her niece Ruth. Christina Schwarz is a wonderfully talented writer who has woven a rather intricate tale of psychological suspense. There are many engrossing trwists and digressions (but quite necessary) in this very emotional marrative. The mystery is sustained throughout because the reader, as if carefully and thoughtfully fitting together all the jagged pieces of a puzzle, learns in successive chapters what actually occurred that particular wintry night so long ago in the past of both Amanda and Ruth. The writer does a marvelous job in pacing the delicate unravelling of the knitting. This is a thoroughly enjoyable thriller.
I recommend this book very highly.
Read All 126 Book Reviews of "Drowning Ruth"

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reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 4 more book reviews
Thought this book was great; read it very quickly because I was so excited by it.
noisynora avatar reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 130 more book reviews
Different - a page-turner.
coastieswifenat avatar reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 9 more book reviews
Awesome! It is a fast read and very riveting, wish more books were this exciting to read!
Lizabeth86 avatar reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 2 more book reviews
From the first page you know that one of the characters is dead and thus already know
that there is a sadness or family tragedy that had occurred. But the way the story is written it instantly pulls you in making you want to know how things came to be. Amanda, Ruth, Carl, and Imogene are all very strong characters. There are those I am sure that may take an almost instant dislike to Amanda but I liked her in her very flawed way. It isn't until you reach the end of the book that you realize that the story is about the strong bonds and connection of family. I have to admit that I cried when I finished the book.
reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 30 more book reviews
A VERY GOOD,VERY UNIQUE BOOK
reviewed Drowning Ruth on
An Oprah book selection.
reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 3 more book reviews
Really good! I had trouble putting it down!
reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 31 more book reviews
A different book - different story - lots of secrets - it was hard to get into but then it was hard to put down.
reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 2 more book reviews
a chilling read
reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 8 more book reviews
Very good read - easy.
reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 39 more book reviews
This was a good first book for the author, she developed the characters well and kept you wondering what had happened in the in the past for the main character.
reviewed Drowning Ruth on + 30 more book reviews
This characters in this book are very provoking. The author has a good story. As you read this book several emotions and questions arise that keep you spellbound to finish the story. Interesting first book for this author.
luvmyboo avatar reviewed Drowning Ruth on
great book.


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