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Ruth
Provides a fictionalized account of the life of Ruth the Moabite who, after the death of her husband, refuses to desert her mother-in-law Naomi and chooses to embrace the Hebrew religion
Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
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About the author
Lois T. Henderson
16 books30 followersLois T. Henderson is an American author of Christian novels, many of which are dramatizations of Biblical narratives about women.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 19, 2022
Quick read. Doing bible study on Ruth so nice to read this at the same time.
November 28, 2015
"Belief is something that can happen in a minute," Ruth said slowly, groping for the words. "In the way that the sun can come through the clouds suddenly after a storm. But faith -- that's something different. More like the almond blossoms I guess ... They grow so slowly from bud to blossom that you're hardly aware of it.
Like many girls raised in Christian homes, Ruth has always held a special place in my heart and respect. She is the gentile woman whose faith and devotion made her the great-grandmother of King David. Her's is one of the most famous love stories of the blossom, and her words to Naomi are often repeated at wedding ceremonies. "I will go where you go. I will stay where you stay. Where you are buried, I will be buried. Your God will be my God."
Lois T. Henderson's story of Ruth's life did not disappoint. If anything, this book was better than Priscilla and Aquila because Henderson did not have a co-writer for this book. Published in the 1980s, Henderson's books have a different depiction of Bible times than most recent books. I appreciate the less romanticized take on Bible stories. That said, Henderson does not shrink from weaving strong strands of love into her tales!
Though very simple and old-fashioned, I believe you (like me) will find this book hard to put down after the first 50 pages. Despite knowing the entire plot and how the tale would end, watching Ruth's faith grow and love blossom between her and Boaz kept me reading as if I'd never heard the story before. Highly recommend this book for lovers of Bible fiction, classics, and non-mainstream books.
Like many girls raised in Christian homes, Ruth has always held a special place in my heart and respect. She is the gentile woman whose faith and devotion made her the great-grandmother of King David. Her's is one of the most famous love stories of the blossom, and her words to Naomi are often repeated at wedding ceremonies. "I will go where you go. I will stay where you stay. Where you are buried, I will be buried. Your God will be my God."
Lois T. Henderson's story of Ruth's life did not disappoint. If anything, this book was better than Priscilla and Aquila because Henderson did not have a co-writer for this book. Published in the 1980s, Henderson's books have a different depiction of Bible times than most recent books. I appreciate the less romanticized take on Bible stories. That said, Henderson does not shrink from weaving strong strands of love into her tales!
Though very simple and old-fashioned, I believe you (like me) will find this book hard to put down after the first 50 pages. Despite knowing the entire plot and how the tale would end, watching Ruth's faith grow and love blossom between her and Boaz kept me reading as if I'd never heard the story before. Highly recommend this book for lovers of Bible fiction, classics, and non-mainstream books.
November 22, 2020
This book is so good! I did a re-read of this book and another retelling of Ruth. Both are so well done! I love Lois Henderson's writing style and ability to give us warm, lovely characters that we care about. Read this one and then buy it so you can read it again!
June 14, 2024
There are arguably some changes to the Biblical story, but if so, they're minor enough to not be a huge deal, like Orpah choosing to stay before they actually leave Moab, or shifting the emphasis of why the other kinsman decides not to marry Ruth. There are, of course, also expansions to the plot, which I mostly liked. The idea that Mahlon was planning to do a levirate marriage with Orpah makes sense and is good setup for later, while Boaz's sons add emotional stakes. I might have cut the Ishbal subplot and shortened the trip between Moab and Bethlehem, though.
Relatedly, I went in skeptical about how the the pacing would work out, since the book is relatively short, but Henderson did a good job there. We get just enough of Mahlon to care about him before he dies, and though Boaz and Ruth seem to fall in love rather quickly, it works surprisingly well when the book doesn't actually introduce him until past the halfway point. I also like that their romance didn't feel too "tropey."
All that said: the writing style isn't great. The dialogue is often stilted and tends to fall into "As You Know" Syndrome, and the messaging can be a bit on the nose. There are many examples of "Ruth feels bad about something, then prays and suddenly is filled with Faith™." Which you expect at least once in a Biblical novel, but not for every problem.
The characterization can also be a bit messy, particularly with Ruth herself. We're told that she's very shy and meek, but she actually argues with people a lot. It's telling that there are multiple points where someone is "this is very uncharacteristic of you, Ruth!," as if Henderson realized that she needed to tell us that. The summary makes it sound like Ruth is supposed to be meek, but winds up demonstrating inner strength from that gentleness; if anything, it feels more like her arc is starting off fighting against her circumstances, then learning to humbly accept it as God's plan. This isn't a bad arc by any means, but you can tell it's not what Henderson was aiming for.
Naomi had good moments, and Boaz and Chalem (his younger son) were probably the best-written in the cast. His other son, Aborakim, I have some quibbles with. I like that he's supposed to be a good guy despite his issues with Ruth, but his personal hatred of Moabites is another of those "on the nose" things. (Must he have a friend who was randomly killed by Moabites? Couldn't he just hate them because they're traditional enemies of Israel, or because they perform human sacrifices and pagan orgies?) The way it gets resolved is also kinda silly. I can't say that that scene came out of nowhere, but it's close, and seemed a but melodramatic. I do like it didn't instantly fix their relationship, though.
It's a mixed bag overall. Not terrible, but probably could have used a stricter editor or something.
Relatedly, I went in skeptical about how the the pacing would work out, since the book is relatively short, but Henderson did a good job there. We get just enough of Mahlon to care about him before he dies, and though Boaz and Ruth seem to fall in love rather quickly, it works surprisingly well when the book doesn't actually introduce him until past the halfway point. I also like that their romance didn't feel too "tropey."
All that said: the writing style isn't great. The dialogue is often stilted and tends to fall into "As You Know" Syndrome, and the messaging can be a bit on the nose. There are many examples of "Ruth feels bad about something, then prays and suddenly is filled with Faith™." Which you expect at least once in a Biblical novel, but not for every problem.
The characterization can also be a bit messy, particularly with Ruth herself. We're told that she's very shy and meek, but she actually argues with people a lot. It's telling that there are multiple points where someone is "this is very uncharacteristic of you, Ruth!," as if Henderson realized that she needed to tell us that. The summary makes it sound like Ruth is supposed to be meek, but winds up demonstrating inner strength from that gentleness; if anything, it feels more like her arc is starting off fighting against her circumstances, then learning to humbly accept it as God's plan. This isn't a bad arc by any means, but you can tell it's not what Henderson was aiming for.
Naomi had good moments, and Boaz and Chalem (his younger son) were probably the best-written in the cast. His other son, Aborakim, I have some quibbles with. I like that he's supposed to be a good guy despite his issues with Ruth, but his personal hatred of Moabites is another of those "on the nose" things. (Must he have a friend who was randomly killed by Moabites? Couldn't he just hate them because they're traditional enemies of Israel, or because they perform human sacrifices and pagan orgies?) The way it gets resolved is also kinda silly. I can't say that that scene came out of nowhere, but it's close, and seemed a but melodramatic. I do like it didn't instantly fix their relationship, though.
It's a mixed bag overall. Not terrible, but probably could have used a stricter editor or something.
September 24, 2023
Beautiful and sweet. Henderson infuses this familiar character with warmth, charm, and very human insecurities.
I’ve always wondered about Ruth’s motivation to leave her country, family, and culture, the Go’el, and what does it mean to lay down at someone’s feet?? (These are not spoilers; the story is 2000 years old.)
Here, in this quiet and lovely retelling of the Bible story, Ruth comes alive and shows why she was chosen to be King David’s great-grandmother.
I’ve always wondered about Ruth’s motivation to leave her country, family, and culture, the Go’el, and what does it mean to lay down at someone’s feet?? (These are not spoilers; the story is 2000 years old.)
Here, in this quiet and lovely retelling of the Bible story, Ruth comes alive and shows why she was chosen to be King David’s great-grandmother.
January 10, 2024
It was a good read.
There are some things I would have done differently, but that's just me.
Trigger warning: there are parts that cover the story of a baby's death/murder.
That part was pretty disturbing to me, but is probably accurate for the time.
I like to remember that this is also just a man's version of her life, not an actual biblical account.
But overall it was a good read.
I would read again.
There are some things I would have done differently, but that's just me.
Trigger warning: there are parts that cover the story of a baby's death/murder.
That part was pretty disturbing to me, but is probably accurate for the time.
I like to remember that this is also just a man's version of her life, not an actual biblical account.
But overall it was a good read.
I would read again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2017
Bible romance story. I learned a lot about Israel culture at that time and what Ruth's feeling in details. I think this book is a good "support book" if you want to know about Ruth's Story apart of Bible.
July 31, 2022
Really loved to read this book. Its easy to read and its beautiful made. Because they tell good the story about ruth how she is leaving her villige and will be going with noömi trough the dessert to betlehem.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2023
Lovely fictionalized account of Biblical story of Ruth as she endears herself to her mother-in-law and Boaz and is protected by a caravan of Jews returning to their own families.
But Boaz has two sons which the Bible does not authenticate.... Makes for another plot in the story.
But Boaz has two sons which the Bible does not authenticate.... Makes for another plot in the story.
October 9, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read from Henderson, but I know there are a lot of them. I really did enjoy it. I already knew the story of Ruth well, and I appreciated the extra details she put into the story to make all of the characters well rounded.
May 1, 2018
I've always been fascinated by the story of the Ruth from the Bible - such a strong woman.
March 12, 2023
My favourite biblical romance story. Even though this book is already so old, I still reccomend reading it in 2023
August 16, 2023
I like books that make me think outside the box but this was a bit much. Even if the relationships Lois imagined did happen I'd rather never think about them.
January 5, 2024
I may have read this book a dozen times in my life. It's my original romance story. I lost my original copy that I stole from my mother. After all these years I found & bought my own copy.
September 6, 2024
This book is worth the read. It makes you feel like you are there and connects you to the characters. One of my favorite books of all times.
January 26, 2014
I read this book as part of a year-long reading challenge I'm doing; this month's requirement was to read a book published the year I was born (1981). I felt a bit like I wasn't stay true to the "spirit" of the prompt because this is a historical fiction novel/Biblical retelling, so I didn't think it would have much that spoke specifically to this being written in a different time than the present. But on the acknowledgment page, I got this:
"I want to express thanks to my nephew, Robert Richardson, who spent part of his vacation helping with the typing of the manuscript."
So I went into this book imagining it written longhand, and knowing that revisions would be more work-intensive than they are with modern word processors. As such, I feel like this book was not as rigorously edited as it would have been today. Grammatical issues were fine, but the writing was mediocre and sometimes sloppy. On the first page, a woman is described as having "elfin" features, which seems an out-of-place descriptor in an ancient Middle Eastern society. I am no expert, but a quick search didn't return any results that would place elves in a Biblical context. I also found myself wondering whether the book was reflecting "views of the times" or the author's own conservative social and religious views with passages like this:
"Hadn't she known, since she was a child, that only in obedience could there be peace and contentment for a woman? And hadn't she always known that peace was as much as a woman dared to covet." [sic]
and
"Like all women, she simply had a task to do while the men of the town decided her fate. Chalem [a 10-year-old boy] felt a sense of satisfaction that this was the way life was."
And then there are vague sentences like, "Altah made an airy gesture of reassurance." (What the heck IS that? Cannot picture it at all.) And obvious observations like, "The water was tepid and it held the scent of the bottle, but it was wet." (Thank goodness for that! Dry water is the pits.)
Still, the book was readable enough, and the action moved along at a nice pace. Characterization of secondary characters was flat, but Ruth felt fully developed, and the relationship between her and her mother-in-law Naomi was surprisingly nuanced. It felt awkward when the author forced exact quotes from the Biblical story of Ruth into her characters' mouths. But it was a quick read, and women are given so little "screen-time" in the Bible that this book could be enjoyable for someone who hungers to delve deeper into what little we know. I think Lois T. Henderson truly cares for her subject matter, and the religious messaging isn't too heavy-handed. Not something I'd enthusiastically recommend, but not something I'd tell someone not to read, either. Lukewarm all around.
"I want to express thanks to my nephew, Robert Richardson, who spent part of his vacation helping with the typing of the manuscript."
So I went into this book imagining it written longhand, and knowing that revisions would be more work-intensive than they are with modern word processors. As such, I feel like this book was not as rigorously edited as it would have been today. Grammatical issues were fine, but the writing was mediocre and sometimes sloppy. On the first page, a woman is described as having "elfin" features, which seems an out-of-place descriptor in an ancient Middle Eastern society. I am no expert, but a quick search didn't return any results that would place elves in a Biblical context. I also found myself wondering whether the book was reflecting "views of the times" or the author's own conservative social and religious views with passages like this:
"Hadn't she known, since she was a child, that only in obedience could there be peace and contentment for a woman? And hadn't she always known that peace was as much as a woman dared to covet." [sic]
and
"Like all women, she simply had a task to do while the men of the town decided her fate. Chalem [a 10-year-old boy] felt a sense of satisfaction that this was the way life was."
And then there are vague sentences like, "Altah made an airy gesture of reassurance." (What the heck IS that? Cannot picture it at all.) And obvious observations like, "The water was tepid and it held the scent of the bottle, but it was wet." (Thank goodness for that! Dry water is the pits.)
Still, the book was readable enough, and the action moved along at a nice pace. Characterization of secondary characters was flat, but Ruth felt fully developed, and the relationship between her and her mother-in-law Naomi was surprisingly nuanced. It felt awkward when the author forced exact quotes from the Biblical story of Ruth into her characters' mouths. But it was a quick read, and women are given so little "screen-time" in the Bible that this book could be enjoyable for someone who hungers to delve deeper into what little we know. I think Lois T. Henderson truly cares for her subject matter, and the religious messaging isn't too heavy-handed. Not something I'd enthusiastically recommend, but not something I'd tell someone not to read, either. Lukewarm all around.
January 24, 2010
She gave up everything to follow her mother-in-law to a strange land. She lost her husband, but found love again.
She never turned her back on her God, though many rejected her.
This is the story of Ruth.
She never turned her back on her God, though many rejected her.
This is the story of Ruth.
January 20, 2008
This book helped me to understand more about the culture that Ruth came from and about the traditions of her day.
Read
December 4, 2008YA Hen
March 19, 2010
Anointed narrative about Ruth.
March 7, 2012
just a nice, easy reader book. i enjoyed the story. i think it a great book for younger kids as well as adults.
April 15, 2013
Good story, of course, from the Bible
December 23, 2015
Love love loved the lush writing and fabulous details. Excellent work.
May 6, 2020
This book is awesome. Christian fiction at its best. One of the greatest love stories ever told in my opinion. Written well and easy to understand. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews