The Foreigner

by Gladys Malvern

It is the time of the Judges in Israel, and famine has swept through the land. The family of Elimelech has come to the prosperous but alien land of Moab to buy food for their people. Their two sons, though suffering from chronic illness, thrive in this pleasant land, and wives must be found for them. In the same city, two sisters live in a cold and unfriendly home; while blessed with material wealth, they are starving for love and affection. A match is made, and Ruth and her sister Orphah join the affectionate and kind Hebrew family. But tragedy strikes after several happy years, and a long and difficult journey back to the family home in Bethlehem lies ahead. They must make the painful decision of leaving their beloved country and becoming despised outcasts in a land which hates them, or staying and returning to their cold and resentful parents. How can they bear to part from their mother-in-law Naomi, who has loved them so well? But how can they leave their gods and people behind? How can Ruth endure the stigma of being a Foreigner? Out of print for more than 20 years, this special edition is presented in a large, trade size paperback format, suitable for collecting.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Religion, Clean Romance, Young Adult, Christian, Romance

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Gladys Malvern wrote almost four dozen books in her prolific career as a writer of historical and biographical Young Adult fiction. She was born in Newark, New Jersey on July 17, 1897. Her family roots were in Virginia and her ancestors include such historic American names as Lee, Rolfe, Randolph, and Custis.

Reviews

[LiterarySparrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the few Gladys Malvern books my library owned when I was a young teen. The Foreigner was not my favorite at that time, and I didn’t recall before this rereading how Malvern told the story, although I did remember the opening chapter, when Ruth is an old woman and her great-grandson begs for a story.

The book is charming and both characters and setting feel many-textured and vivid. The sacred text is handled respectfully, even as Malvern exercises her imagination to embroider the details the Bible merely hints at or omits entirely. If her portrayal of Jewish culture feels rather too developed for pre-monarchy Israel, I consider that a small flaw in light of the way she employs it to give the setting lifelike detail and vividness. (I do confess that my biblical and historical knowledge kept throwing me out of my immersion in the story when Malvern incorporated anachronisms (such as messianic prophecies that did not exist until several hundred years after Ruth’s story). But that was a personal issue that I brought to the book, and was not Malvern’s fault.)

Ruth is richly drawn and sympathetic. Naomi is a little less compelling, but she also isn’t the main character. Boaz and Tob are fleshed out enough to feel real enough for Ruth to marry one of them. As usually happens in historical novels, she (and the characters who surround her) are really modern people (or at least contemporary to the author’s time) underneath their ancient costumes. Hence we have Ruth and Orpah’s mother striving to remain youthful and skinny instead of displaying her wealth and status with her plump figure and matronly airs. The courtships have more to do with the way mid-twentieth century youth paired off than with authentic ancient Israelite customs. Still, I didn’t read the book for historical accuracy but for entertainment and a certain emotional journey, and The Foreigner delivered what I wanted in spades.

The last few chapters that develop the romance and bring it to a climax were delightful, immersive, and evoked all the emotions I want in a love story.

[Wendy Dwight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as I remembered. I read this as child and it was so captivating that the book if Ruth quickly became my favorite book in the bible. Now, reading it again as an adult, it didn't disappoint.

[Marsha Valance · Rating 3 out of 5]

A retelling of the story of Ruth, who when her young husband dies, accompanies her beloved mother-in-law Naomi on a long journey to Bethlehem, where she meets her 2nd husband, Boaz.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eternal favorite and a wonderful comfort read.

[Margaret Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book over fifty years ago, when I was a child. Loved it then, love it now. As I girl, I checked this one out of the public library. As an adult, I found a used library copy of it online and snapped it up so that I will always have it with me. I like to read it before falling asleep. Ruth's story is as soothing to me as a baby blanket.

There is a film version of the Story of Ruth that is far crueler and more violent than this one. As Malvern says in her "Note from the Author," there is much more to the story than is actually found in the King James Version of the bible. I'm glad that Malvern chose to flesh it out more kindly and gently than others have chosen.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Ruth and Naomi from the Old Testament. I found this possible version of the biblical story quite entertaining, and also enlightening as to the meanings behind the customs and rituals of the Hebrews and Moabites.

[B Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story but ended way too soon

Ms. Malvern is an incredible writer. I enjoyed her after explanation as to the reasoning behind what she wrote. However, I would have appreciated her to have continued on with Ruth and Boaz' life. It ended abruptly and I was left wanting!!!

[Sumi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather sweet rendition of the biblical story of Ruth written for young girls.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. Tessa afshar drew heavily from gladys malvern for her story, though i think afshar,s language is easier to read.
Very enjoyable