Ruth, by Leah Wilcox, is a haunting and masterfully crafted historical novel that vividly brings 1920s Newark to life. Through the story of the Johnson family, particularly young Ruth and her beloved brother Willie, Wilcox explores themes of family loyalty, loss, and survival during the tumultuous Prohibition era.

The author's richly detailed prose captures both the gritty reality of immigrant life and the dangerous allure of bootlegging culture. The characters are wonderfully complex, from the mentally troubled Eleanor to the charismatic but morally compromised Uncle Charlie. Willie's doomed romance with Clara adds a touching layer of star-crossed love to this tale of family tragedy.

This novel's exploration of how ordinary people become entangled in extraordinary circumstances makes it particularly compelling. The supernatural elements around Eleanor's premonitions add an eerie undercurrent without overwhelming the human drama at the story's core.

This emotionally resonant debut masterfully balances historical detail with intimate family dynamics. It is a powerful meditation on love, loss, and the bonds that hold families together even in the darkest times.