Ruth (Part 1)

Elizabeth Gaskell

⏱ 8 minVictorian classic

Part 1 of 2. An orphaned seamstress is seduced and abandoned in the Welsh hills, then sheltered by a gentle Dissenting minister who lets her begin again as a respectable young widow. The opening of Gaskell's daring novel of a fallen woman's redemption.

Listen to the whole of Ruth (Part 1) in about 8 minutes — professionally narrated, with Apple-Music-style synced subtitles. One book free every day; Folio Premium unlocks the entire library.