Ruth is a strange looking, poor student, using language which implies borderline retardation. Her low self-esteem is reinforced by a mother who prefers Ruth's brother, Matt, to her. Ruth's marriage to a man her mother dislikes puts a lot of pressure on the marriage since economic necessity forces them to live under her roof. The author skillfully takes on the voice of a person with a skimpy education, low IQ and deprived background and reveals her as worthwhile and very heroic. Ruth's natural wisdom prevails as she comes to grips with the terrible calamity which changes her life. | ||
Plot & Themes Tone of book? - thoughtful Time/era of story - 1960's-1970's Poverty, surviving Yes Kind of living: - general poverty story Internal struggle/realization? Yes Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Brain/Body disability? - mental illness Main Character Gender - Female Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - Female Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor Intelligence - Average intelligence Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 5 () United States Yes The US: - Midwest Small town? Yes Small town people: - nice, like Andy/Opie/Aunt Bee Writing Style Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |