56 pages 1 hour read

Jane Hamilton

The Book of Ruth

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988

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Chapters 10-12Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 10 Summary

Ruth announces her Ruby’s engagement to May, fully expecting that May will be critical of her decision. Ruth attributes May’s circumspection to her own regret at growing older. As Ruth expects, May questions how Ruby will provide for Ruth without a job, and she predicts that Ruth plans to live with her and sit around while May continues to work to support the three of them and any children they may have. Ruth asks why May can’t simply be happy for her, and she promises to continue to help around the house. She also expresses her confidence that Ruby will get a job.

Though Ruth and Ruby met only in July, they plan to get married in October. Daisy is the maid of honor, and even Matt returns for two days for the wedding. Ruth invites Aunt Sid, to May’s chagrin.

Ruth and Daisy travel to Rockford for her bridesmaid’s dress material. Ruth wears the blue and white floral dress that May wore at her first wedding. Having her name and wedding date displayed in the local drugstore makes Ruth feel special. She has a bridal shower with her friends at the Trim ‘N Tidy, where she is given a provocative nightgown and a blender.