A review by eleanorareads
Ruth & Pen by Emilie Pine
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
*deep sigh* I love this book so much. It is very introspective and very melancholy, and I got a little sad reading it, but it's so beautiful!!
Ruth and Pen both have a lot going on in their minds, and much of the book is their inner monologues and memories. I love a character driven novel, so this massively ticked that box.
There was autism/neurodiversity, wlw and asexual representation in this book, which I was appreciative of. Infertility was also a significant part of the book, which felt incredibly poignant given Pine has written about her own infertility. I really admire her ability to write so gracefully and thoughtfully about tough subjects.
I would recommend you read Ruth & Pen while in a good place mentally. I read it over a series of bad days and it all felt pretty heavy, but I still loved it and can't wait to revisit when I'm in a better headspace.
CW: Infertility, infidelity, bullying, self-harm
Ruth and Pen both have a lot going on in their minds, and much of the book is their inner monologues and memories. I love a character driven novel, so this massively ticked that box.
There was autism/neurodiversity, wlw and asexual representation in this book, which I was appreciative of. Infertility was also a significant part of the book, which felt incredibly poignant given Pine has written about her own infertility. I really admire her ability to write so gracefully and thoughtfully about tough subjects.
I would recommend you read Ruth & Pen while in a good place mentally. I read it over a series of bad days and it all felt pretty heavy, but I still loved it and can't wait to revisit when I'm in a better headspace.
CW: Infertility, infidelity, bullying, self-harm
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Infertility, and Self harm
Minor: Infidelity