Rubyfruit Jungle

"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.

Rubyfruit Jungle stands as a groundbreaking work of lesbian fiction that redefined the genre upon its 1973 publication. Rita Mae Brown's debut novel follows Molly Bolt, a spirited protagonist navigating identity, sexuality, and self-discovery across America. The narrative combines sharp wit with unflinching honesty, exploring themes of independence and authentic living. Brown's prose is both accessible and intellectually engaging, making this essential reading for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ literature, feminist perspectives, or simply compelling character-driven storytelling. A transformative classic that remains remarkably relevant decades after its release.

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