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Key Features
- Lee Ann Setzer’s first novel is an acclaimed, captivating debut, filled with penetrating insight and admirable style.
- This historical novel brings the life of the Biblical heroine Ruth into rich focus.
- Readers will gain a powerful appreciation of the struggles and triumphs of this valiant ancestor of the Savior.
Join Ruth on a richly-imagined journey—physical, emotional, and spiritual—from the land of her birth to the Promised Land. Both those who love the old story, and those who've never yet encountered it, will find something that resonates for them in this fresh and engaging tale.
Ruth thought her life was over. Widowed and penniless, she despaired of anything better than poverty and grief, whether in Moab or among her dead husband’s people. Following her mother-in-law back to Bayt-Lahm would be less lonely. Ten years among the people of Jacob’s Street had taught her the forms of their Law. Yet Bayt-Lahm turned out to be more than a sleepy village, and its Lord more than the voiceless, powerless statues of Moab’s gods. At least one man in Bayt-Lahm had honor and virtue beyond measure. The widower Boaz taught Ruth, and all who met him, what loving the Lord could really mean. Could she bring him to love her, as well?
Reviews-
"Fictionalizing any event from scripture is always risky. . . Though Setzer has taken many of the usual liberties with the story, she still maintains Ruth’s character, keeping her chaste, obedient, and the embodiment of loyalty to the God and people she chose.
Setzer has researched the time period and culture of both the Moabites and the Israelites to give her story authenticity. It is a fascinating story, well worth reading, for those reasons alone. However, she weaves in a story of a young girl’s growing faith and her journey from a frightened, insecure child to a respected, mature woman. . .Gathered, a Novel of Ruth is one of those books I’m glad I read."
"This book follows the Biblical story of Ruth with many embellishments--filling in the day to day events in the life of Ruth as she journeys from widow in Moab to wife of Boaz in "the land of promise". The reality of the geography and time of the setting is excellent showing the author's knowledge of the place and history. It is imaginative and entertaining. For my own part, I enjoy my own perceptions of the personalities of Ruth and Naomi, however, this challenged them and helped me to rethink them."
"New characters and settings bring life to this age-old story. The story begins with Ruth leaving her people in a time of famine and turmoil and traveling with Naomi back to the land of her birth. Both widowed and penniless, these two women's lives depend on Ruth's ability to work and the kindness of others. Ruth and Naomi are accepted into the home of distant relatives but others are not so kind to Ruth, the untrusted stranger. The author helps the reader feel the conflict within Ruth between the pagan customs with which she grew up and Naomi's faith."
"I was a little taken aback with this type of Ruth character, although I found it interesting and eye-opening. I have always thought of Ruth as a woman who already believed in the God of Abraham when she leaves her home and people to be with Naomi. After reading this book I think it possible that Ruth was not yet converted until later in the story, although I still prefer the traditional viewpoint. . .I feel Lee Ann Setzer did a great job with the research of her book. . .I give this book 4 stars."
"With this novel Lee Ann Setzer combines a wealth of social, cultural, and historical detail with a deft story teller’s skill to create a wonderful reading experience that satisfies the mind and the heart as well as the spirit. A fine novel that reveals, with penetrating insight and admirable style, both the sorrows and the greatness of a marvelous woman."
—Scott, Parkin, author
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