--- product_id: 15861499 title: "Rubyfruit Jungle: A Novel" price: "£13.60" currency: GBP in_stock: true reviews_count: 8 url: https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/15861499-rubyfruit-jungle-a-novel store_origin: GB region: Great Britain --- # Rubyfruit Jungle: A Novel **Price:** £13.60 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Rubyfruit Jungle: A Novel - **How much does it cost?** £13.60 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.uk](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/15861499-rubyfruit-jungle-a-novel) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description desertcart.com: Rubyfruit Jungle: A Novel: 9781101965122: Brown, Rita Mae: Books Review: One of the best novels ever! - 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! Review: Good, but unusual - 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. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #142,025 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #24 in LGBTQ+ Family Life Fiction (Books) #225 in LGBTQ+ Literary Fiction (Books) #4,454 in Literary Fiction (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,184 Reviews | ## Images ![Rubyfruit Jungle: A Novel - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81da+C1L9YL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the best novels ever! *by W***N on May 20, 2009* 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! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good, but unusual *by T***O on July 24, 2021* 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. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bold and Decades Ahead of Its Time! *by C***7 on January 11, 2026* 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. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/15861499-rubyfruit-jungle-a-novel](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/15861499-rubyfruit-jungle-a-novel) --- *Product available on Desertcart Great Britain* *Store origin: GB* *Last updated: 2026-05-01*