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 pretence 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)

Latest episodes of the podcast Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell

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