What do you think?
Rate this book
Ruth Hall and Other Writings
When Ruth Hall was originally published in 1855, it caused a sensation. In it, Fanny Fern (Sara Payson Willis Parton) portrays a mid-nineteenth-century woman who realizes the American Dream solely on her own becoming the incarnation of the American individualist-regarded at that time as a role designed exclusively for men. Based on the author's life, the novel reflects her spirit of practical feminism-that a woman was only truly independent when she was financially independent. Fanny Fern was one of the most popular American writers of the mid-nineteenth century, the first woman newspaper columnist in the United States, and the most highly paid newspaper writer of her day. This volume gathers together for the first time almost one hundred selections of her best work as a journalist. Writing on such taboo subjects as prostitution, venereal disease, divorce, and birth control, Fern stripped the façade of convention from some of society's most sacred institutions, targeting cant and hypocrisy, pretentiousness and pomp. Fern portrays a mid-nineteenth century woman who becomes the incarnartion of the American individualist, something regarded as exclusively for men.
391 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1986
7 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Fanny Fern
119 books19 followersFanny Fern, born Sara Willis (July 9, 1811 – October 10, 1872), was an American newspaper columnist, humorist, novelist, and author of children's stories in the 1850s-1870s. Fern's great popularity has been attributed to her conversational style and sense of what mattered to her mostly middle-class female readers. By 1855, Fern was the highest-paid columnist in the United States, commanding $100 per week for her New York Ledger column.
A collection of her columns published in 1853 sold 70,000 copies in its first year. Her best-known work, the fictional autobiography Ruth Hall (1854), has become a popular subject among feminist literary scholars.
A collection of her columns published in 1853 sold 70,000 copies in its first year. Her best-known work, the fictional autobiography Ruth Hall (1854), has become a popular subject among feminist literary scholars.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 18, 2017
*NOTE* This about the NOVEL only, and not the "Other writings."
If ever there was a pioneer in women's rights and feminism, Fanny Fern (born Sara Willis) was she. And if ever there was a book that was the cornerstone of such movements, Ruth Hall (1854) is it. Sure, there had been others before her, but Fern made such a statement with all her writings, and became so popular among women and men, that she must have at least made a huge impact in that step towards women's independency, and her fictional autobiography shows it.
Fanny Fern became the first newspaper columnist in the U.S. during a period that was dominated by men in every field. And on top of that, she became the highest paid newspaper writer of her time, a huge blow to men everywhere, and a giant step for women. And she did so from a poverty so low that she could barely feed herself and one child on a daily basis, resorting to milk and bread for most meals, if she even had the money for that. Her family shunned her because of her free spirit, continued to shun her for her poverty after her husband died (a marriage arranged by her parents, by the way), embraced her only when she became wealthy, and then shunned her again when she exploited them for all the wrongs they did to her when she needed them the most. She is the epitome of feminine independence, for after she received no help from her own family, she strove to make ends meat, endured every hardship thrown her way, and worked all hours of the day to finally make enough money to support herself and her children. Then she wrote all about it, in a fictionalized way, in her novel Ruth Hall.
Though a bit exaggerated and sarcastic, Ruth Hall exploits the uncivil side of society that we all know exists: The negative, unsupportive, greedy people that prevail and preside over the average, honest, hard-working people that go unnoticed. But Fern's exaggeration and witty sarcasm are what make us really realize the truth behind her words. She shows us how evil humankind can be - not just men, but women as well - and especially when assistance is needed most. She emphasizes the nation's obsession with gender roles in the nineteenth century and ridicules the necessity of such, and she does so by retelling her own tale through the fictional character of Ruth Hall.
It is amazing how one person can go through so many hardships in one life, but Hall does it and prevails just as Fern did so priorly, and it makes for a great, riveting story that stands the test of time. If you have not had a chance to pick this story up yet, do so soon, as it is a great book for men and women alike, and I recommend it to all.
If ever there was a pioneer in women's rights and feminism, Fanny Fern (born Sara Willis) was she. And if ever there was a book that was the cornerstone of such movements, Ruth Hall (1854) is it. Sure, there had been others before her, but Fern made such a statement with all her writings, and became so popular among women and men, that she must have at least made a huge impact in that step towards women's independency, and her fictional autobiography shows it.
Fanny Fern became the first newspaper columnist in the U.S. during a period that was dominated by men in every field. And on top of that, she became the highest paid newspaper writer of her time, a huge blow to men everywhere, and a giant step for women. And she did so from a poverty so low that she could barely feed herself and one child on a daily basis, resorting to milk and bread for most meals, if she even had the money for that. Her family shunned her because of her free spirit, continued to shun her for her poverty after her husband died (a marriage arranged by her parents, by the way), embraced her only when she became wealthy, and then shunned her again when she exploited them for all the wrongs they did to her when she needed them the most. She is the epitome of feminine independence, for after she received no help from her own family, she strove to make ends meat, endured every hardship thrown her way, and worked all hours of the day to finally make enough money to support herself and her children. Then she wrote all about it, in a fictionalized way, in her novel Ruth Hall.
Though a bit exaggerated and sarcastic, Ruth Hall exploits the uncivil side of society that we all know exists: The negative, unsupportive, greedy people that prevail and preside over the average, honest, hard-working people that go unnoticed. But Fern's exaggeration and witty sarcasm are what make us really realize the truth behind her words. She shows us how evil humankind can be - not just men, but women as well - and especially when assistance is needed most. She emphasizes the nation's obsession with gender roles in the nineteenth century and ridicules the necessity of such, and she does so by retelling her own tale through the fictional character of Ruth Hall.
It is amazing how one person can go through so many hardships in one life, but Hall does it and prevails just as Fern did so priorly, and it makes for a great, riveting story that stands the test of time. If you have not had a chance to pick this story up yet, do so soon, as it is a great book for men and women alike, and I recommend it to all.
August 11, 2013
I'm delighted to have discovered Fanny Fern. Her novel is a humorous satire of American antebellum society, championing the wrongs of womanhood through the courage and endurance of the heroine Ruth Hall. Fern cleverly uses characters' own speech against themselves, through the sympathy the reader feels for Ruth. Fern's portrayal of women writers was particularly interesting, in the apparent contradictions between Ruth's opinion of writing, the portrayal of Ruth as a writer, and Fern's own authorship.
I have not yet read the newspaper selections that conclude the book, but look forward to doing so. Warren's introduction to the book, is a delightful introduction to Fern's personality, life, and method. This is a wonderful edition.
I have not yet read the newspaper selections that conclude the book, but look forward to doing so. Warren's introduction to the book, is a delightful introduction to Fern's personality, life, and method. This is a wonderful edition.
October 12, 2015
Despite the prologue of this book insisting that it would not stand with 'real novels' to me this book far superseded all other 'sentimental fiction' I have read. The melodramatic language and imagery was wonderfully sarcastic, though there were very poignant moments sprinkled throughout the text. Fanny Fern is one of the most important writers in American history, and this book will always be worth reading if only because it gives an excellent glimpse into female life during the mid-nineteenth century. The main moral takeaway from the novel was that a woman cannot rely on marriage to support her, that she must be independent minded and strong of will. Though we are many years removed from the suffrage movement, I think that women could still stand to be reminded that they are whole and strong in and of themselves. Though the plot was outside the realm of realism, and the novel in many ways was a Roman a Clef to gloat to her apparently atrocious family, Fanny Fern's message still reads loud and clear a century and half later: we are all strong, and we hold the key to our own strength.
October 8, 2017
This book is surprisingly good. Before reading it, I had the mistaken impression that Fanny Fern was an old-fashioned sentimental writer who encouraged women to be happy homemakers. WRONG. Quite the opposite.
Ms. Fern (a pseudonym) actually wrote about encouraging women to be financially independent and work outside the home, and had the real life experience that pushed her to write about that subject. Her husband died young, leaving her with children to support, and neither her own family nor her husband's family would give her money, so she was forced to seek work to pay her bills.
She tried to get all kinds of work and no one would hire her, so she eventually became a writer and was able to sell her writing to newspapers to earn her living.
The amazing thing is that she was writing about this during the 1850's! Right before the Civil War! Her contemporaries were Louisa May Alcott and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Compared to them, Fanny Fern's writing seems as if she is writing in the 1920's or 1930's. Her style is also more modern, with short brisk chapters and informal language.
Fanny Fern is an early feminist author whose writings deserve to be far more well-known....
Ms. Fern (a pseudonym) actually wrote about encouraging women to be financially independent and work outside the home, and had the real life experience that pushed her to write about that subject. Her husband died young, leaving her with children to support, and neither her own family nor her husband's family would give her money, so she was forced to seek work to pay her bills.
She tried to get all kinds of work and no one would hire her, so she eventually became a writer and was able to sell her writing to newspapers to earn her living.
The amazing thing is that she was writing about this during the 1850's! Right before the Civil War! Her contemporaries were Louisa May Alcott and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Compared to them, Fanny Fern's writing seems as if she is writing in the 1920's or 1930's. Her style is also more modern, with short brisk chapters and informal language.
Fanny Fern is an early feminist author whose writings deserve to be far more well-known....
August 4, 2013
This book contains the 1854 novel Ruth Hall, as well as the author's newspaper columns.
Fanny Fern was the pseudonym of Sara Payson Willis, who was the first female columnist in America, and for a time the highest paid journalist. I checked out this book to read her columns, which were straight-spoken and very progressive for her era. Definitely worth a perusal.
Fanny Fern was the pseudonym of Sara Payson Willis, who was the first female columnist in America, and for a time the highest paid journalist. I checked out this book to read her columns, which were straight-spoken and very progressive for her era. Definitely worth a perusal.
February 16, 2008
Anyone interested in women's writing in the 19th century has probably read this. And if you haven't, shame on you!
May 31, 2018
Fanny Fern will not celebrate Independence Day until society allows her to leave her house without a hat.
I think we should all read Fanny Fern.
I think we should all read Fanny Fern.
February 5, 2025
Not a book to read before bed. It inspires too much rage for that. (At the mother-in-law, not the book itself.)
December 30, 2019
I think I’m finally accepting that I won’t get to the end of this one, not because I didn’t thoroughly enjoy it, but because I took too long in between reading sessions. I love Fanny Fern’s snark, and I love having complex female characters in the 1850s. Definitely would recommend.
February 19, 2019
The sentimentality is so over the top that I found it weirdly fascinating.
“death’s dark wing.”
“velvet cheek nestled up to as velvet a bosom.”
"A bitter smile struggled with the hot tear that fell upon Ruth’s cheek. ‘I have tried the unobtrusive employment,’ said Ruth; ‘the wages are six cents a day, Hyacinth;’ and again the bitter smile disfigured her gentle lip. ‘No talent!’ ‘At another tribunal than his will I appeal.’ ‘I can do it, I feel it, I will do it,’ and she closed her lips firmly; but there will be a desperate struggle first,’ and she clasped her hands over her heart as if it had already commenced; ‘there will be scant meals, and sleepless nights, and weary days, and a throbbing brow, and an aching heart; there will be the chilling tone, the rude repulse; there will be ten backward steps to one forward. Pride must sleep! but—‘ and Ruth glanced at her children—‘it shall be done. They shall be proud of their mother. Hyacinth shall yet to be proud to claim his sister’."
See! Weirdly fascinating, right?
“death’s dark wing.”
“velvet cheek nestled up to as velvet a bosom.”
"A bitter smile struggled with the hot tear that fell upon Ruth’s cheek. ‘I have tried the unobtrusive employment,’ said Ruth; ‘the wages are six cents a day, Hyacinth;’ and again the bitter smile disfigured her gentle lip. ‘No talent!’ ‘At another tribunal than his will I appeal.’ ‘I can do it, I feel it, I will do it,’ and she closed her lips firmly; but there will be a desperate struggle first,’ and she clasped her hands over her heart as if it had already commenced; ‘there will be scant meals, and sleepless nights, and weary days, and a throbbing brow, and an aching heart; there will be the chilling tone, the rude repulse; there will be ten backward steps to one forward. Pride must sleep! but—‘ and Ruth glanced at her children—‘it shall be done. They shall be proud of their mother. Hyacinth shall yet to be proud to claim his sister’."
See! Weirdly fascinating, right?
October 19, 2007
Dickensian in theme, my biggest problem with this book are the spiteful soliloquies Fern has some of her characters make. The characters seem to be more concerned with making the reader see what horrid human beings they are rather than communicating with the other characters. It has a feel-good ending and is what I would classify as "chick lit." I find merit in the fact that Fern could address social issues without being too preachy (unlike Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin").
February 8, 2011
i really enjoyed the continual shifting of the narrative voice between first, second and third person. This was really effective in characterisation and narrative. However, the story dragged considerably and was often to concerned with fitting into the mould of 19th century writing. The end was drawn out to horrendous lengths.
November 7, 2011
I loved this book. The non-linear omniscient 3rd person narration keeps you on your toes and serves a clear purpose for the narrative. Fern's semi-autobiographical parallels make for an uplifting and empowering tale that shatters the gender roles of the mid 19th century, and surely has resonance today.
November 23, 2014
If 19th century print culture isn't your cup of tea, this book probably won't do a whole lot for you. If it is, however, the autobiographical Ruth Hall is rather interesting, not merely for its account of the publishing world but also for its exploration of the power dynamics at work within it, and the notions of authorship that arise as a result.
March 28, 2007
If you're reading this, you're probably reading it to understand American domestic and sentimental fiction of the 19th century. But why do you want to do that at the cost of your precious time here on earth? Go read a novel you'll actually enjoy!
June 14, 2008
I've read this before, but I have to say, now that I'm married and have a kid, I find the whole baby / husband dying, single destitute mom thing to be much more of a bummer. Nothing quite so witty as a novel by Fanny Fern though.
October 8, 2007
Love this book. By a woman, about a woman. Strong heroine.
October 9, 2009
Dated in style but the story both in and behind the book is one that merits reading and understanding. Read the introduction and you will understand the book's humor.
Want to read
February 3, 2010To Read
November 5, 2012
Too biased perhaps in some respects I felt at times but a brilliant book otherwise, got me very enraged at Ruth's treatment.
February 4, 2013
Ruth Hall was good, and so were the few articles I had to read for class.
March 3, 2015
Interesting within the context of 19th century lit by a female author.
January 22, 2016
Interesting read because of the roman a clef factor. It's basically a mid 19th century super burn.
November 9, 2024
Response from Writing and Rights class:
I have been pulled in by the perspective and characterization of the titular character, Ruth. I can very easily connect with the saccharine and emotional indulgences she seems to center in her life, as it is something that lives deep within us though we are expected to stifle as we grow older. Ruth, however, has no interest in stifling her heart’s desires nor its sorrows. I find it very refreshing to read from someone so openhearted, so unabashed and not catering their inner self to any expectations or reward system from the outside. I wonder how this translates into a discussion of gender, as the emotional stereotyping of women is something I analyzed on a societal level in my recent essay. This, however, feels very personal to Ruth, and I wonder if it is something boys and men can relate to equally, or if the negative repercussions of association with this type of sentimentality have stifled this voice within many of them. I was both amused and annoyed at the dynamic between her and her step mother, who has a classic case of mother-son idolization. She represents the cold boot of society stepping on Ruth’s self-expression and enjoyment of her life -- both metaphorically and literally as she becomes an overbearing presence in their lives, even policing Ruth in her own home. This type of monitoring depresses Ruth. Many times it is stated that she wants nothing more than to be her own mistress. In short, what this means is that she is free to be her own person, not a daughter, wife, or mother. The book is subtley radical. She grows calloused from everything poverty and womanhood and using her voice puts her through -- but eventually people have something to say about her as a person with thoughts, beliefs, abilities – not about her as a mom or her as a wife. I also really liked the way Willis describes what was special about Ruth and her writing with “…and the earnest and sorrowing, to whose burdened hearts she had given a voice, cried God speed her.” I thought this was really beautiful and emblematic of what makes Ruth unique and beloved.
I havent finished her essays but holy shit she is so funny and so brilliant!!! Can't wait to finish those, hopefully will when I have a break lol.
I have been pulled in by the perspective and characterization of the titular character, Ruth. I can very easily connect with the saccharine and emotional indulgences she seems to center in her life, as it is something that lives deep within us though we are expected to stifle as we grow older. Ruth, however, has no interest in stifling her heart’s desires nor its sorrows. I find it very refreshing to read from someone so openhearted, so unabashed and not catering their inner self to any expectations or reward system from the outside. I wonder how this translates into a discussion of gender, as the emotional stereotyping of women is something I analyzed on a societal level in my recent essay. This, however, feels very personal to Ruth, and I wonder if it is something boys and men can relate to equally, or if the negative repercussions of association with this type of sentimentality have stifled this voice within many of them. I was both amused and annoyed at the dynamic between her and her step mother, who has a classic case of mother-son idolization. She represents the cold boot of society stepping on Ruth’s self-expression and enjoyment of her life -- both metaphorically and literally as she becomes an overbearing presence in their lives, even policing Ruth in her own home. This type of monitoring depresses Ruth. Many times it is stated that she wants nothing more than to be her own mistress. In short, what this means is that she is free to be her own person, not a daughter, wife, or mother. The book is subtley radical. She grows calloused from everything poverty and womanhood and using her voice puts her through -- but eventually people have something to say about her as a person with thoughts, beliefs, abilities – not about her as a mom or her as a wife. I also really liked the way Willis describes what was special about Ruth and her writing with “…and the earnest and sorrowing, to whose burdened hearts she had given a voice, cried God speed her.” I thought this was really beautiful and emblematic of what makes Ruth unique and beloved.
I havent finished her essays but holy shit she is so funny and so brilliant!!! Can't wait to finish those, hopefully will when I have a break lol.
March 19, 2023
Damn! 1855 this was published! She was waaaaaaay ahead of her time.
I appreciated her defense of "spinsters" and women without children.
Ruth Hall is one of the few works ever where the happy ending does not involve securing a man.
I liked Ruth Hall better than the other writings, but there were some gems in there.
Her piece on women lecturers being described foremost on what they wore is apropos today.
I especially liked the piece on her encouraging women to write, if even just for themselves "to lessen the number who are yearly added to our lunatic asylums from the ranks of misappreciated, unhappy womanhood, narrowed by lives made up of details."
Her own life was tragic and fascinating.
I appreciated her defense of "spinsters" and women without children.
Ruth Hall is one of the few works ever where the happy ending does not involve securing a man.
I liked Ruth Hall better than the other writings, but there were some gems in there.
Her piece on women lecturers being described foremost on what they wore is apropos today.
I especially liked the piece on her encouraging women to write, if even just for themselves "to lessen the number who are yearly added to our lunatic asylums from the ranks of misappreciated, unhappy womanhood, narrowed by lives made up of details."
Her own life was tragic and fascinating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2023
The first thing I have to say is that I absolutely ate this shit up. Fanny Fern's writing style is one that feels quite modern in comparison to other famous authors from her time. Her wit is ever so funny and it was very neat to learn about Fanny Fern's life while reading Ruth Hall . To know now that she was one of the most influential column writers of the time blows my mind, considering the fact that I knew nothing about her before starting this novel for my class. This is hands down one of my favorite pieces I read for my 19th Century American Lit class & I now want to read more of her news columns.
March 10, 2024
Very real very funny i had a really bad hormonal dip and couldn’t enjoy this book as much as my peers and i have FOMO but absolutely no time to reread. It’s probably a 4 but i was lost in the sauce before page 100 and then drama happened and then it faded around page 150/200. Can’t a girl be given drama all of the time when she’s in need? Can’t a girl be understood when life calms down and she’s bored?
October 24, 2024
(4.5) Ruth Hall provided a refreshingly independent and firey protagonist that I grew to love dearly. I also love that this is semiautobiographical, and Fern got to lay out all her grievances with her family! Icon.
January 1, 2025
“The old church clock rang solemnly out on the midnight air. Ruth started.”
Read
March 6, 2015Excellent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews