Rubyfruit Jungle: A Novel

I have a lot of novels over the years, and I have to say this 1973 novel by Rita Mae Brown is one of the best written pieces of modern literature that I've ever seen. I like a straightforward writing style, which she excels at. I also enjoy characters that stay with you long after you read the book. Molly Bolt is a woman few people can forget once they are introduced. Molly starts life with overwhelming disadvantages and overcomes them with desire to succeed and a wonderful sense of humor. Central to Molly's character is the fact that she discovers early on that she is a lesbian. She keeps this information almost exclusively to herself because she knows others won't accept it, (especially her narrow minded, ignorant, controlling mother). The wonderful thing about Molly, however, is that she never sees anything wrong with it. It's part of who she is and she embraces it fully. This was a landmark novel when it was written, because many lesbian novels of the time had characters who hated themselves because of their lesbianism and had unhappy lives because of this perceived flaw. Meeting a character like Molly in the 70's was truly groundbreaking. It's one of the reasons Rita Mae Brown has such a huge following. Rubyfruit Jungle Please note that this is not just a "gay novel" it has much broader appeal. Molly is a strong character who overcomes her disadvantaged background to follow her dreams of becoming a flim maker and getting a degree. This is a modern, confident, self possessed woman that would serve as role model to any young woman, gay or straight. Her adventures along the way are hilarious, touching, disturbing and life affirming. It's a book you can read straight through because the fast paced wit and writing style make it hard to put down. If you've never read this book, you're missing a treat!

I enjoyed a lot of the snap shots of this character's life. I especially enjoyed learning about her sexual orientation. However, there doesn't seem to be a smooth plot and the ending leaves something left to be desired.

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 Bolt The 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 Thoughts This 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.

The first time I read Rubyfruit Jungle, I was about 12 and because my mother had signed the permission slip at the NY Public Library I was able to gain access to the Young Adult and Adult sections. This was the first book I'd ever read that had a main character who was a lesbian. The notion just blew my mind! Rita Mae Brown (the author) took me on a wild ride with her character Molly as she grows up the bastard (or rather adopted) daughter of a poor country family. One of the things I love most about Molly is how sure she is of herself. She's strong willed as a child--the struggles between her and her mother are really exciting and tense, willing and open to explore her sexuality as a teenager, and straightforward and no holds barred as a young woman, Molly only gets better as she gets older. Reading this back in the early 90's was definitely an experience because back then lesbian literature was few and far between. Rubyfruit Jungle held so many secrets of what it was like to be female and gay. I can remember hiding this book for fear that my mother would find it and think I was a lesbian too. But sadly as an adult, the allure was gone. Maybe it's because I'm a jaded New Yorker where being gay isn't a stigma and Molly's experience has been sort of deflated by all the other writing that followed it. For me, a book like this must be read when you really don't have a clear understanding of the world you live in. The reader has to be naive to put it plainly. As I think this book is meant to be an eye-opener for those who only know one side of the coin. Reading it as a young girl definitely had my heart pounding, made me blush and laugh out loud and want to share it with the world. Reading it as an adult was still an experience, and while it didn't move me as much, it did give make me reminisce about the young girl I was and how my innocence played such an important role in how I responded to literature. What I wouldn't give to be young again!

RMB is an incredible writer, great storyteller and was a huge part of the gay rights movement in the 1970s. This book literally changed the lives of so many, and may even partially explain my own life’s trajectory. I’m an Australian who now lives in Pennsylvania with my beautiful Pennsylvanian wife, after being enthralled with the way she described it in her book through her protagonist’s experience. It’s a huge state and huge differences exist between the rural areas and cities, but she painted such a vivid portrait of both, and not just in PA but NYC, FL and most fascinatingly, of a period of time before I was born. RMB and women like her walked so our generation and beyond could run. Now let’s make sure we hang on to the rights they fought so hard to give us. And definitely read this book.

I wanted an authentic portrayal of a Lesbian struggle and life and how lesbians interact with each other. That I got. I thought it might be a little older version and a new updated version could be written with more passion between the lesbian couple. I think a new book would be in order. It felt restrained in the love department. But for the era it was written, well done. I am writing my own book and I am not a lesbian so I don't know how they interact or in the case of my book, how they make love. I asked a friend of mine who is lesbian and she recommended this book. i read the book in two days waiting for the passion to build and felt disappointed in that area, but like I said, it was good for the time it was written. We have come further than that and can get past any shame that might hold the writer back of old opinions. The language was funny at times, purposely, and that was something I enjoyed about the book. Well done, a little dated. My book will include love scenes between two men and love scenes between two women although the book is not about that, it will include it. The book arrived in a timely fashion and was very cheap. Could get a little more money for that book.

An amaing book! I ripped through this book so fast !!! Definitlley recommend .