Ruth


Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)

(4.4 stars; 220 reviews)

The book is a social novel, dealing with Victorian views about sin and illegitimacy. It is a surprisingly compassionate portrayal of a 'fallen woman', a type of person normally outcast from respectable society. The title of the novel refers to the main character Ruth Hilton, an orphaned young seamstress who is seduced and then abandoned by gentleman Henry Bellingham. Ruth, pregnant and alone, is taken in by a minister and his sister. They conceal her single status under the pretense of widowhood in order to protect her child from the social stigma of illegitimacy. Ruth goes on to gain a respectable position in society as a governess, which is threatened by the return of Bellingham and the revelation of her secret. (Wikipedia) (18 hr 41 min)

Chapters

01 – The Dressmaker’s Apprentice at Work 27:35 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
02 – Ruth Goes to the Shire-Hall 46:03 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
03 – Sunday at Mrs. Mason’s 34:04 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
04 – Treading in Perilous Places 41:31 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
05 – In North Wales 20:30 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
06 – Troubles Gather About Ruth 21:04 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
07 – The Crisis—Watching and Waiting 20:09 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
08 – Mrs Bellingham 27:53 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
09 – The Storm spirit Subdued 9:25 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
10 – A Note and the Answer 13:27 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
11 – Thurstan and Faith Benson 34:07 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
12 – Losing Sight of the Welsh Mountains 26:36 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
13 – The Dissenting Minister’s household 30:07 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
14 – Ruth’s First sunday at eccleston 22:28 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
15 – Mother and Child 22:14 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
16 – Sally Tells of her Sweehearts, and Discourses on the Duties of Life 33:50 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
17 – Leonard’s Christening 31:25 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
18 – Ruth Becomes a Governess in Mr. Bradshaw’s Family 25:54 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
19 – After Five Years 34:49 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
20 – Jemima Refuses to be Managed 51:44 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
21 – Mr Farquhar’s Attentions Transferred 36:19 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
22 – The Liberal Candidate and his Precursor 36:31 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
23 – Recognition 58:52 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
24 – The Meeting on the Sands 43:22 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
25 – Jemima Makes A Discovery 52:38 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
26 – Mr Bradshaw’s Virtuous Indignation 34:58 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
27 – Preparing to Stand on the Truth 52:47 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
28 – An Understanding Between Lovers 33:30 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
29 – Sally Takes Her Money Out of the Bank 32:38 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
30 – The Forged Deed 38:15 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
31 – An Accident to the Dover Coach 22:49 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
32 – The Bradshaw Pew Again Occupied 17:45 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
33 – A Mother to be Proud Of 20:15 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
34 – I Must Go and Nurse Mr. Bellingham 29:38 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
35 – Out of Darkness Into Light 12:37 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)
36 – The End 23:41 Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011)

Reviews

Wonderful book & reader!


(5 stars)

This is my first book by this author, and I feel so fortunate to have discovered her. Her characters, their relationships with one another, and the storyline are richly drawn. And the truths embodied by them profound. Cynthia Lyons, the reader, at first seemed somewhat uncomfortable and awkward with her task. Yet with each passing chapter, she read with greater ease and found her rhythm. I noticed that she gave the gift of reading to us in the final years of her life. May God bless Ms. Lyons and the loved ones she left behind.

A bit conflicted


(3 stars)

First off very well read by Cynthia Lyons. She was not the most expressive reader but has a very clear voice that is nice to listen to. As for the story... I'm conflicted on this one. Mrs. Gaskell was pretty forward thinking for her time, from what I understand, but some of the views people hold are hard to listen to. I also found Ruth a bit too perfect. She didn't feel very human to me. I was a bit disappointed in the ending. Seems like most stories about fallen Victorian angels end this way.

Lovely but Sad


(5 stars)

A lovely but sad tale of a young girl pulled down into sin intentionally by an older man and the love of a pastor and his household for an unknown girl. They choose to give her and her child opportunities for a better life. A story of the grace of God and the love one can have for another when one chooses. Well worth listening to.

Great Story, So-So Reader


(3 stars)

I loved the story itself. The character of Ruth is very compelling, and the "love the sinner, hate the sin" vs. not condoning sinful behavior debate is timely even in some circles today. I did get a little bored at some of the descriptive language - a lot of description can get tedious. I'd give the story itself 4 stars. The reader was so-so. She never paused for effect or change of scene, so one scene runs into another. She seems to try to pronounce every word clearly, which is good but makes for a somewhat wooden reading. But I got used to it. :) Reader: 3 stars. The worst part was the production quality. The volume would change suddenly from normal volume to quiet, for no apparent reason, then go back to normal volume. Many plosives and microphone thumps and weird squeaks and creaks throughout, and the occasional paper rustling (accompanied by a drop in volume - moved away from the mic when flipping a page?) detracted from the story. :( There wasn't much background static or hum that I recall. Sound quality: 2 stars.

a moving story of repentance


(4 stars)

first let me review the reader. as another review said, she is not very good in the beginning. she reads better as the book progresses, never really excellent, but much clearer. bare with the recording the first few chapters and you will get so wrapped up in the story you will not notice it as much. the reader did do a great job at reading the section of ruth being thrown out of an employers home, i was enraged and as upset as ruth would be aftering hearing the words read with such wrath. this story has religious and moral matters throughout. it goes into forgiveness and thinking you are holier than others. and repentance, a major factor is how ruth turned away from previous bad actions and even turned away when the temptation came up again. a moving story in the final chapters that left me in tears. an amazing writer!

Amazing Author and Story


(5 stars)

Such characters and insights into life as this author creates are rare and I'm so glad I discovered her books. The religious and spiritual look into the past shows the scope of the kindness, wisdom and beauty, as well as the judgemental, narrow-minded self righteousness that have been passed down through the centuries, and affect our society, even unconsciously. Thank God the destructive, heartless views about marriage and child birth are evolving. I'm reminded of years I lived in Philippines, where their close family participation in child rearing seems much more civil than was the old English way. I'm thankful the reader gave her time to share this book. Her reading is tolerable, but I must warn the listener to prepare to be patient with the sudden volume fluctuations throughout.

2 stars because of the narrator


(2 stars)

If it weren't for my audiobook app's speed function, which allows me to speed up the narration, I wouldn't have gotten more than 2 minutes into the book. The narrator's slow, deliberate reading is beyond irritating, at normal speed. Sped up to 1.1 or 1.2, it's tolerable (as it's a free audiobook, I make some allowances for the quality). I give it 2 stars for that, and also for the way she speaks-- it's obvious that she's just reading a text & is not a professional, & some of her intonation is irritating.

GREAT STORY; DETERMINED READER


(5 stars)

Story is tender, compassionate, and thought-provoking. Contains all the expected elements, right down to the swooning. Reader deserves every credit; she's not a professional, but she reads well and with great generosity of spirit. R.I.P. Cynthia.