Rubyfruit Jungle
by Rita Mae Brown
)
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"The rare work of fiction that has changed real life . . . If you don't yet know Molly Bolt--or Rita Mae Brown, who created her--I urge you to read and thank them both."--Gloria Steinem
Winner of the Lambda Literary Pioneer Award Winner of the Lee Lynch Classic Book Award
A landmark coming-of-age novel that launched the career of one of this country's most distinctive voices, Rubyfruit Jungle remains a transformative work more than forty years after its original publication. In bawdy, moving prose, Rita Mae Brown tells the story of Molly Bolt, the adoptive daughter of a dirt-poor Southern couple who boldly forges her own path in America. With her startling beauty and crackling wit, Molly finds that women are drawn to her wherever she goes--and she refuses to apologize for loving them back. This literary milestone continues to resonate with its message about being true to yourself and, against the odds, living happily ever after.
Praise for Rubyfruit Jungle
"Groundbreaking."--The New York Times
"Powerful . . . a truly incredible book . . . I found myself laughing hysterically, then sobbing uncontrollably just moments later."--The Boston Globe
"You can't fully know--or enjoy--how much the world has changed without reading this truly wonderful book."--Andrew Tobias, author of The Best Little Boy in the World
"A crass and hilarious slice of growing up 'different, ' as fun to read today as it was in 1973."--The Rumpus
"Molly Bolt is a genuine descendant--genuine female descendant--of Huckleberry Finn. And Rita Mae Brown is, like Mark Twain, a serious writer who gets her messages across through laughter."--Donna E. Shalala
"A trailblazing literary coup at publication . . . It was the right book at the right time."--Lee Lynch, author of Beggar of Love
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Book Details
- ISBN
- 9781101965122
- Binding
- Paperback
- Authors
- Rita Mae Brown
- Publisher
- Bantam
- Published Date
- June 23, 2015
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 240
- Physical Info
- 7.9 in L x 5.2 in W (0.45 lb)

If you are looking for a coming-of-age story that refuses to apologize for who it is, Rubyfruit Jungle is an absolute must-read. Even decades after its original publication, Rita Mae Brown’s prose feels electric, fresh, and incredibly modern.The Unforgettable Molly BoltThe heart of this novel is Molly Bolt. She is hands-down one of the most vibrant, resilient, and unapologetic characters in American literature. Watching her navigate her childhood in the South and her eventual move to New York City is a masterclass in self-actualization. Unlike many queer narratives from this era that lean into tragedy, Molly is a survivor who refuses to be a victim of her circumstances, her poverty, or society’s expectations.Why This Book Stands Out:The Humor: It is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. Molly’s wit is sharp, and her observations about the "straight" world are biting and insightful.Authentic Voice: Brown captures the grit of poverty and the complexity of family dynamics with a raw honesty that stays with you.Fearless Themes: It tackles identity, class, and feminism without ever feeling like a lecture. It’s a lived experience on the page.Final ThoughtsThis isn't just a "classic" of LGBTQ+ literature; it’s a brilliant piece of fiction that anyone who has ever felt like an outsider will appreciate. It’s a story about independence and the courage to live life on your own terms.I finished this book feeling empowered and energized. Whether you’re reading it for its historical significance or just for a great story, you won't be disappointed.
EXCELLENT BOOK. I highly recommend Rubyfruit jungle by Rita Mae Brown.
An amaing book! I ripped through this book so fast !!! Definitlley recommend .
I loved the description about the lesbian lifestyle of Molly. I hope to meet the author this month in P-town.
This is a must read and a good addition for your LGBTQ library.