The story Ruth and Boaz is well known and well loved. It serves as a favorite for contemporary writers of “historical Bible fiction.” As one reads the book of Ruth, it is easy to see why this is the case.

The book of Ruth has a literary symmetry with the crucial turning point in the story at the exact midpoint of the book, Ruth 2:20. There are also a variety of ironies, puns, and other interesting cultural features which figure prominently in the story.