Rubyfruit Jungle: A Novel

This is my second reading of Rubyfruit Jungle. I read this one back in the mid-80's, right around the time I heard Rita Mae Brown speak at Gay Games II in Kezar Stadium, San Francisco. Back then the book was considered a landmark. But reading it now it is not hard to see how far the gay movement has come. I have often thought that in the 50's, 60's and 70's nearly any book written by anyone on the subject of "coming out" saw publication, and this book confirms my thinking. If Rubyfruit were published today, it would probably be dismissed as so much drivel. It feels like entire sections of the book were written in a flurry of activity, or perhaps were dictated, then transcribed later. No colors, no descriptive phrases, no style. Just a constant of "he said", "she said", "I did this", "she did that". The book is not without merit, however. The character of Molly Bolt is able to transcend the sloppy writing. She rings true, and her sense of self-worth, along with her fierce determination, are encouraging and refreshing.

I read this novel because it is referenced in the Educating Rita. The relevance of the main character saying that this book is her favorite escaped me until I read the novel for myself.

A lovely coming of age novel which I found very enjoyable. I can't say that this is great literature but I don't think that the the author was aspiring to write "the great American novel." What she did set out to write, an honest novel about a young girl's coming to terms with her role in society and her sexuality, is genuine and uncompromising. Above all else, it is gentle and sometimes, in a world where you are disenfranchised in spite of so-called equal rights, it is nice to have an honest and gentle story to remind you of how much further we still have to go.

I began reading this landmark book not knowing what to expect. Who I discovered was Molly Bolt who followed no rules and simply lived her life. She had the courage or audacity to say what would only run through my brain. I wonder where we would all be if we could simply do the same. Perhaps not the in your face shocker it was when first published this book has not lost any of it's charm. Not only do I admire the adoption story line (as I am adopted also) but also the transitions of coming out. Even though now lesbian characters are seen on almost every tv series... mis-nomers and prejudice still haunt us. I believe Rita Mae Brown wrote a timeless classic with Rubyfruit Jungle and gave lesbian literature its own hero.

I've just recently finished this novel for a college class I'm in dealing with gender and sexualities. The novel tells the coming-of-age story of Molly Bolt in primarily the 50's. As a child adopted by a very poor southern couple, Molly comes to realize early in her life she's a lesbian and she doesn't intend to apologize for this. Despite her family situation, she'a very smart and witty girl and people are drawn to her. After being kicked out by her mother who discovered she's lesbian, she goes out on her own determined to be successful.
I have to say like most other people in my class, I liked the character of Molly. She's smart, funny and witty. But, the book often seemed very unrealistic. Virtually every woman she meets that's her own age about ends up wanting to have sex with her once they discover she's lesbian. Now, I realize that must sound like an exaggeration, but if you read it you'll see it's not. The way in which she always ends up having sex with women is kind of hard to believe and some of her sexual encounters are comical. With all the sex she has and the gay people she meets, this book makes it seem like almost half the population is gay which I'm pretty sure isn't true, but these points shouldn't deter someone from reading the book if they're really interested. At one point, what's really weird is when Molly has sex with a woman who is a mother and her daughter finds out about it and starts to like Molly too and then wants to have sex with her own mother. That was even harder to believe.
But, the novel is easy reading and it's definitely something that's controversial. I can only imagine what people's reactions were to it when it came out. I think this book is worth reading since it's so simple and not particularly long. I have to say I do kind of have mixed feelings about it as one part of me feels like I'd never read it again and then another thinks the book was pretty good. I think this would be the kind of book it'd be fun to read with a friend and then discuss. I know there'd be plenty to discuss. So, even if you're only mildly interested, go ahead and pick this book up. It'll get you thinking and give you something to talk about.

Rita Mae Brown's Rubyfruit Jungle was a revelation at the time and is still a wonderful and readable lesbian coming out story. The strength of this book will always be in the strong, funny, honest, Southern lead character, Molly Bolt. She is the type of character that will anchor the future books of Rita Mae Brown. Rubyfruit Jungle does not have the richly drawn supporting characters of the even better Sudden Death and Southern Discomfort or the self assured writing that developed but in this fine first novel are all the beginnings of a dazzling writer who takes the read from silly to touching in the warm breath of a paragraph. This still should be anyone's first choice to learn as a teenager that being different is not only OK, it is preferred.

Rubyfruit Jungle isn't shocking in 2002, but when it first hit the shelves in 1963 it must have been revolutionary, eyebrow-raising, and a inspirational for a whole generation of women--not just lesbians. The main character, Molly Bolt, defies all gender roles and traditional expectations of women. She announced as a child that she would never marry any man, but she later considered marrying her 6th grade girlfriend. Rita Mae Brown mastered the art of compare/contrast; her inclusion of several "good girl" characters made Molly's determination all the more delightful and refreshing. Molly's strengths go beyond the simple fact that she was gay and proud. You go, girl!!

Excellent book. I love the development of the sexuality of the protagonist, but ever more than that, the development of the calling and career of the protagonist. Those strands are interwoven in a strong, colorful, and convincing way. Congratulations.
As an Episcopalian priest I referred to this book on Christmas Eve-- in the following regard: That St. Mary the mother of Jesus had to take just as strong and self confident a stance regarding what she, St Mary, understood to be her calling. Furthermore, that she, St. Mary, imbued her infant Jesus with that same inner spiritual confidence.

My Female Hero professor assigned Rubyfruit Jungle this semester, and I'm glad she did.
Molly Bolt grows up in poverty, surrounded by people who just don't seem to know how to deal with her. She is strong,smart, honest, and she doesn't care what people think about her. She realizes that she is a lesbian early in her life, and she makes no apologies for it.
We follow Molly from her childhood through her 20s, and she hardly shows a sign of weakness throughout the whole novel, despite not being treated well by her mother, and facing difficulties dealing with men at film school. Which is admirable, but...well, perhaps quite realistic. I walked away feeling that Molly just wasn't developed enough as a character. She seemed very two-dimensional to me, perhaps because she didn't show any weakness. Or maybe I'm just jealous that she could be so strong.....

This book has wit spilling from every page. I laughed as much as I cried and I invite anyone
and everyone to share in this treasure. The young heroine possesses a determination that is seldom seen and often repressed. You will root for her as she makes her way through all kinds of crazy situations. Rita Mae Brown gives me, as a lesbian, a character that I can identify with. Moreover, she is a character that I am happy to identify with.

This could have been a five star rated read. Rita Mae Brown's book is funny, at times sensitive and is one lesbian readers can enjoy the world over regardless of the "Deep South" setting. There is, however, a frustration and annoyance which occasionally hits this reader over Rubyfruit Jungle. It's a brilliant book but sometimes too simplistic, and too light. It is never certain whether it wants to deal with important emotional issues etc. or to take a light-hearted view of all aspects of a lesbian coming out, meeting the world's pitfalls and challenges and emerging triumphant. It's a good read but could have been so much better; so much more.

I have been reading all of the customer reviews, and it seems that they have been missing the whole point of this book. By no means is this a "lesbian" book, or a book that completely focuses on dealing with "coming out". Nor should this book be read exclusively by lesbians. It's a book that simply follows a unique, strong young woman from when she was a kid to when she grows up into her 20's. Futhermore, the simple style is the essence of the book; more complicated wording would not embody the character of Molly nearly as well. The point is that Molly, who is sassy and a shamelessly cut-and-dry lesbian, does not think that things should be overanalyzed and obsessed over. She sees everything as obvious and blatant. Hence the simple language. It is an unapologetic, extremely funny book, and it is hard to put it down. It pulls you in from the beginning and continues to stay exciting throughout this girl's tumultuous life. In some ways she grows, but in others she never does compromise her gutsy, fiery self. I loved it.

I have been reading all of the customer reviews, and it seems that they have been missing the whole point of this book. By no means is this a "lesbian" book, or a book that completely focuses on dealing with "coming out". Nor should this book be read exclusively by lesbians. It's a book that simply follows a unique, strong young woman from when she was a kid to when she grows up into her 20's. Futhermore, the simple style is the essence of the book; more complicated wording would not embody the character of Molly nearly as well. The point is that Molly, who is sassy and a shamelessly cut-and-dry lesbian, does not think that things should be overanalyzed and obsessed over. She sees everything as obvious and blatant. Hence the simple language. It is an unapologetic, extremely funny book, and it is hard to put it down. It pulls you in from the beginning and continues to stay exciting throughout this girl's tumultuous life. In some ways she grows, but in others she never does compromise her gutsy, fiery self. I loved it.

This book is absolutely hilarious and witty! I love the main character, Molly Brown. Even though it's classified as a gay and lesbian book it doesn't focus on that, which is what I most admire about this book. It focuses more, to me, on Molly's ability and strength to do what she has to do, regardless of her financial situation and what other people think. This book is a story about having the strength, will, and courage; to do what you wish and be who you want to be, all of which Molly has little bproblem obtaining and keeping.

There's hardly enough words to describe this book, and the feeling you get whilst reading it. Just one of those books that rejuvenates your soul after you've finished it. It's funny that others should mention the fact that they had to hide the book from others -- I, unfortunately, had to do that too.. But it was worth all the trouble!!
A definite must for those who enjoyed J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye

I found the girl Molly very bold and straighforward. I loved the way the book was so honest about how things were. They didn't censor things because that is how life really is. People say what is on their mind and this book just showed us that. I would recommend this book to everyone. It made me laugh, cry and made me feel stronger after reading it.

Rubyfruit Jungle is one helluva-romp through the bad times and the good. i really like the scenes where Molly gets hot with her gym teacher and cried when she shared the pain of those awkward steps out of thecloset that opporesses all wimmin who Dare to come out of the closet. I really reccommend this book for all lesbians, young or old.

This book is wonderful and I'm a different person for reading it. You'll miss Molly Bolt once you've finished it. Can't say enough about this book, but I also can't articulate how much it affected me. Give it a shot, you won't regret it.

Amazing read! I purchased this book in order to complete an assignment in college, but ended up loving the story more than I thought I would. Great for an assignment on oppression or just for a new read!

Though this book is highly regarded in the feminist and lesbian communities, it is a great read for anyone. A wonderful account of growing up, going out into the world, and relishing the journey of self-discovery ...

I'm sure this book was earth-shaking and socially significant when it was published, but.... I thought it was boring, with a very unlikable protagonist.

Molly Bolt is supposed to be smart and sassy, but she comes across as cruel and condescending. The entire book is about her sexual (mis)adventures, not her accomplishments or personal growth.

I read this book for an English class book report. I thought it was so good! I enjoyed all of the characters. Rita Mae will get you laughing or crying as you read this book. I LOVE IT!!!! I read it about three times by now. Buy this book and fast Chop chop. If you don't read it you'll be missing out.

This book is historically significant, but as modern literature we need to put this one to bed. The central character has no empathy, capacity to love or even hold a meaningful relationship with anybody, yet women keep throwing themselves at her left and right? I couldn't care less about what happens to her, and even if she does make her dreams and desires come true, there will be no one there to celebrate with her if she does. An empty, hollow book with a 'heroine' I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

This book is heralded as a masterpiece of lesbian fiction. On the back, the author is compared to Mark Twain and people proclaim that it made them laugh and cry.
Well, I doubt Mark Twain published anything that comments on the human condition by resorting to sentences like 'f*** this s***'. It's not even dialogue either.
I didn't think the heroine was very likable at all, and had a penchant for scatalogical retribution. Everyone's creepy and sex-obsessed. She has her goals but you never see her reach them, so that's annoying.
That said.. if you go into it expecting some smut, then it'll be passable. I read the whole thing in about a day, because it's not like it's Jane Austen or anything. There's a lot of man-bashing in it, and some really pathetic male lover types. Most of the chicks are screwed up too, though, so if you want dysfunction and disrobing, this is your book.