Search - Drowning Ruth

Drowning Ruth
Larger
Drowning Ruth
Author: Christina Schwarz

Book Information
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Book Type: Paperback
Rating:

ISBN-13: 9780345439109 - ISBN-10: 0345439104
Publication Date: 7/31/2001
Pages: 368


Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Paperback

Book Description:
In the winter of 1919, a young mother named Mathilda Neumann drowns beneath the ice of a rural Wisconsin lake. The shock of her death dramatically changes the lives of her daughter, troubled sister, and husband...

Told in the voices of several of the main characters and skipping back and forth in time, the narrative gradually and tantalizingly reveals the dark family secrets and the unsettling discoveries that lead to the truth of what actually happened the night of the drowning.

Members who requested this book also requested:

Similar books to this author and title:
While I Was GoneA Virtuous WomanBlack and BlueShe's Come UndoneFall on Your Knees


Genres:

Top Member Book Reviews

Vicki L. (Eveleaf) wrote on 11/13/2006...

11 member(s) found this review helpful.

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.

Chelsea W. (chelseaW) wrote on 4/15/2007...

9 member(s) found this review helpful.

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.

Dory K. (msdorky) wrote on 8/26/2007...

8 member(s) found this review helpful.

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.

Mary B. (eagles) wrote on 6/15/2007...

7 member(s) found this review helpful.

Depressing, dark book. I don't always need upbeat stories, but this one was too serious/dark when I am reading for enjoyment.

Tessie B. (ladyinwaiting) wrote on 7/27/2007...

5 member(s) found this review helpful.

This book was a dark book to read but it was intriguing. It was just a simple glimpse into the human psyche. Story of death....accidental or not? Family secrets to be explored and unraveled. I actually enjoyed it.

Maureen F. (mo-baby) wrote on 2/18/2007...

5 member(s) found this review helpful.

Deliciously morbid. This book keeps you guessing with every turn.

Karen Jo H. wrote on 6/28/2007...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

Incredible story. Writing is amazing. No wonder it made it on the NY Times best seller list and Oprah's book club! Read it and pass it on.

Joy S. (Slim) wrote on 5/15/2007...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

Set in Wisconsin in the early 1900's. Family secrets and sad lives but you want to get to the end to find out exactly what happened. why are Oprah's picks so dark?

Ann R. (Annie128) wrote on 3/18/2007...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is a mysery set in 1919 about a family with secrets. I really enjoyed this book and the narrative really lets you get into the characters minds. This book really sucks you in. A great read.

Taryn C. (TarynC) wrote on 3/7/2007...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

I thought this was a very well written book. It had me guessing till the last minute about what "really happened". My book club loved it!


Please Rate these Book Reviews

Laura P. wrote on 6/29/2009...


Thought this book was great; read it very quickly because I was so excited by it.

Kathleen L. (noisynora) wrote on 6/1/2009...


Different - a page-turner.

Pamela L. wrote on 4/23/2009...


Engrossing and suspenseful, just the way I like 'em. Great read.

Natalia W. (coastieswifenat) wrote on 9/22/2008...


Awesome! It is a fast read and very riveting, wish more books were this exciting to read!

Ammie H. (AmiLu) wrote on 8/17/2008...


A little confusing at times but good.

Niki M. wrote on 7/29/2008...


A great smooth read, fast.

Joleen N. (PinkHollywood) wrote on 4/28/2008...


I normally do not like mystery books, but I could not wait to get to the end of this one. It keeps you guessing till the end and leaves you with a great story by the end.

Christie K. (cnkerr82) wrote on 2/19/2007...


Certainly different, not my usual read.

Caitlin A. (caitlin-allen) wrote on 11/25/2006...


Oprah's Book Club

Martha C. wrote on 7/18/2006...


Anything endorsed by the Oprah's Book Club seal is a winner in my estimation. This one is no exception


Book Wiki
Common Title
Series
Original Publication Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
People/Characters
Real Places
Fictional Places
Important Events
Awards and Honors