Ruth: A Migrant's Tale

Ilana Pardes' book explores the story of Ruth, a foreigner who became the founding mother of the Davidic dynasty, highlighting the themes of otherness, kindness, and loyalty. It examines how Ruth's foreignness has been interpreted by different cultures and how she has been portrayed in literature, art, and film. Pardes argues that Ruth's afterlives reveal much about their own times and shine new light on the ancient tale, pointing to its enduring significance in our era of widespread migration and dislocation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 22 November 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

A comprehensive examination of the narrative surrounding Ruth, a foreign woman who played a pivotal role in establishing the Davidic dynasty.

This work offers a profound exploration of the central themes of otherness, kindness, and loyalty found within the Book of Ruth. It constitutes a valuable addition to the existing literature on this remarkable text.

Ilana Pardes skillfully delves into the multifaceted interpretations of Ruth's foreignness throughout different periods and cultural contexts. She examines the rabbinic praise for Ruth as an exemplary convert, as well as the Zohar's emphasis on Ruth's Moabite heritage as a significant factor in her redemption. Pardes then shifts her focus to early modern French art, where she explores pastoral paintings that depict Ruth as a local gleaner, holding sheaves in her hands. In the concluding chapter, she examines contemporary adaptations in literature, photography, and film that celebrate Ruth as a paradigmatic migrant woman. Not only does Ruth's afterlife shed light on her own time, but it also provides a fresh perspective on this ancient tale, highlighting its enduring significance in our contemporary world.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 158 x 218 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300255072