Why did I wait this long to read Drowning Ruth? This was definitely a "difficult to put down" read. Beginning in the early 1900's, this is a story about the intricacies of family. The author, Christina Schwarz, skillfully weaves a tale of familial love, loss, secrets, and the torment left behind. She successfully wraps events around the characters' interpretations of the events. She has a talent of bringing characters to life; at many points, I felt as if I was watching events unfold through the eyes of Amanda and Ruth.

The story begins in the early 1900's. Amanda and Mathilda - Mattie - are sisters. They are close, but underlying is the rivalry most of us feel at one time or another with a sibling. Amanda aches to break away from the confines of country living, and she does. Mattie stays behind, marrying a local boy and tending to their aging parents. After an incident that leaves Amanda fragile, she returns to her hometown and to Mattie's welcoming arms. An horrific event occurs and we are left at the mercy of the author to find out what really happened. Schwarz is masterful at slowly unweaving the web of events that ensue.

One of Oprah's picks back in the day (2000), Drowning Ruth is an excellent, compelling read. Enjoy!