I was thoroughly impressed with the intricate plot and strong character development in Hester. The story follows the titular character, Hester, as she navigates the challenges of life in the late 1800s and learns to embrace her own independence and strength.

Lico Albanese's writing style is engaging and descriptive, pulling the reader into Hester's world and making it easy to feel invested in her journey. The historical context is well-researched and adds depth to the story.

One of the standout aspects of "Hester" is the complexity of the characters. Hester is a fully realized, multidimensional protagonist, and the supporting characters are equally well-crafted. The relationships between the characters are realistic and dynamic, making for a rich and satisfying reading experience.

Overall, "Hester" is a captivating and well-written novel that I highly recommend. It earns a solid four stars from me.

I loved this book so much, I purchased a physical copy of it and have gifted it to several friends who have loved it as well. It is an ingenious telling of well-known characters and stories we have all heard from history in a fresh and imaginative way. I cannot recommend it enough as you are sure to appreciate it and not be sorry that you have read it!

I normally do not read this era of history but this was definitely an enjoyable read. An interesting story about possible inspiration behind an American classic. It made me want to read Scarlet Letter so that I could identify all the references that were made in this book.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

If it's not obvious to you by the title, this is a Scarlet Letter retelling. I've read The Scarlet Letter twice in my life. The first time I really enjoyed it. The second time, not so much, but in the book's defense that likely had more to do with the fact that the second reading was for class and I was being told how fast to read it. In spite of that unpleasant second read, I was really excited to dive into this book based on the title alone (because I pretty much never read the book synopsis myself).

One of the things I liked about this book is how it showed the ways neurodivergence was very likely treated hundreds of years ago. Things that we at least sort of understand today, and I think I actually finally grasp how synesthesia works from being in Isobel's shoes for this story, could be terrifying back then. At first I thought Isobel's mother's reaction was severe, considering the fact that she was just a child stitching in pretty colors, but as the story progressed, my opinion started to shift.

There were several times this book straight up pissed me off. I'm talking looking like a lunatic because I'm yelling at people who don't exist angry. Existing as a woman must have been so infuriating back then. I honestly wonder why women didn't rise up sooner for more rights. I am glad I don't face those levels of injustice simply because I was born with a vagina.

I was absolutely sucked into this story wanting all the good things for Isobel. My heart soared every time something good happened for her, and I seethed every time she was taken advantage of. I'm not sure when the last time I felt that invested in a character was.

Because we are so close to the end of the year and I've read so few novels, I can pretty confidently say that this is my favorite book I read in 2022. Overall I give it 4.9 out of 5 stars.

I didn't really care for the Scarlet Letter when I read it as a junior in high school. But I was really to give this one a try. And I'm glad I did. As this one was about the woman in Hawthorne's life who helped inspired the Scarlet Letter. While I didn't love this one I did enjoy reading this.

I had this book in both print and audio but I had a preference for the print. The writing is so beautiful and I enjoyed lingering over passages. The author did an excellent job of painting a clear picture, I could almost see the fabrics and textiles.

I have such fond memories of reading The Scarlet Letter, I'm always fearful retellings won't do the original justice. This, however, shares such an interesting perspective in a beautiful way.

Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese is a remarkably interesting story about Nathaniel Hawthorne and the possible roots of his most famous books. This book is set in a fascinating time in history and really does a great job at highlighting women of the time as well as the significant historical events of the time. It is a really interesting, well written book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Interesting story! This is a fictional idea of who could have inspired Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. Apparently, this is the only instance of the great author's work that the inspiration for a character is unknown. As a tortured soul, it makes sense that his inspiration could also have been a woman with a complicated past, and we get that here in this novel. Lico Albanese's character, Isobel, is an abandoned wife in a new land, who relies on the kindness of friends and neighbors to support herself. Among them is a young Nathaniel Hawthorne, a tormented writer who cannot forgive himself for his family's dark history. Isobel falls into a secret affair with Mr. Hawthorne, causing even more angst in both of their lives.
What I loved about this novel the most is it's descriptive details; specifically the way Isobel sees colors when people speak. Also, her beautiful embroidery captures the readers imagination, as it weaves itself into secret words and beautiful pictures.
I did not find this to be to heavy of a read, but I thought it well written and an interesting story. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me early access to this beautiful work.

What if Hester Prynne told her own story?

This reimagining of Hester Prynne from Nathaniel Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter is so well done! The author's copious research is evident in the rich details about the characters and life at that time. I loved how the plight of African and Black Americans is woven into this story.

This Hester Prynne story provides a fresh and intriguing look at her and a plausible alternate ending for her story. Hester is a must read for historical fiction fans!

I was drawn to this book for its connection to the classic, but found a book with more contemporary, evocative writing that built on that classic story. Highly recommend for fans of romance and fiction, Hester stood out as one of the best written books I’ve read this year

Hester is a retelling of the Scarlet Letter. As a fan of the Scarlet Letter, I was excited to read the retelling. However, it was very hard getting into the novel. Not only did very little happen in the story, but I did not feel sympathy for the main character. Isobel comes off as distant, dishonest, selfish, and cold. Therefore, I felt that she deserved whatever bad came her way. I also did not like the graphic scenes in this book and it felt unnecessary. Thus, Hester is a forgettable retelling to a beloved classic.

This book is extremely well-written, rich with detail, interesting characters and atmosphere. It took some time for me to immerse myself in the story which, in the beginning, felt to slow-paced for my liking. About half-way through, the story begins to emerge. more fully, and I felt intrigued by the events, particularly the love affair between Nat and Isobel. I also enjoyed the myriad of characters that Isobel comes to know during her time in Salem, especially those connected to the concurrent slave trade narrative.

This novel is told by Isobel, and I enjoyed seeing the circumstances through her eyes. The addition of the more historic story around the Salem witches was interesting and created a helpful backdrop to the story. However, sometimes this timeline seemed to interrupt the flow of the current story, which I was more interested in.

Readers who enjoy The Scarlet Letter, historical fiction and love stories will enjoy the retelling of the classic.

I know the book was imaginative but it felt so grounded in history. A unique storyline to imagine who/what/the events that inspired The Scarlett Letter. I thoroughly enjoyed the dual timeline and all of the historical events captured from the Witch Trials, Slave Catchers, early colonialism.

This was well written, but ultimately not for me. The Scarlett Letter retelling aspect was intriguing but for those of us who didn’t like it I was hoping for something a bit different.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for my honest review

TITLE: HESTER
AUTHOR: Laurie Lico Albanese
PUB DATE: 10.04.2022 Now Available

What if Hester Pryne, can tell her story? Hester is that story. It is vivid. It is tragic. It is engrossing, and I enjoyed this one a lot. As a lover of historical fiction reads, I found this creative take of a beloved classic, a brilliant retelling, a masterpiece. I found the novel readable, and Isobel a character that will stay with me long after. I find myself pulling out my embroidery kit and I am finding myself enthralled with the rich and detailed writing about love, witches, Salem, and families.

I loved this expertly told historical fiction that centered around the potential muse of Nathaniel Hawthorne and his Classic The Scarlet Letter. Vividly woven with gorgeous imagery, this story contains many things I love—a strong female protagonist, a community of complex women some supportive and others less so, love, sex, lust, revenge and a sprinkle of thrill! Enjoyed the exceptional narration of the audiobook as well.

How often do you wonder how an author gets their ideas for a book? If it’s a good one, I almost always wonder. So, have you ever wondered how Nathaniel Hawthorne came up with the idea for The Scarlett Letter?

Hester is an historical fiction novel about this very idea. Isobel Gamble is a young, Scottish immigrant to Salem, Massachusetts. Her husband has become a worthless apothecary fallen under the spell of opium, hence their move to America after losing everything in Scotland.

Isobel meets the young Nathaniel Hawthorne and is immediately smitten despite her marriage. Her husband has gone to sea to earn a wage as a medic and won’t be gone for months. But, this Nathaniel Hawthorne is always around and appears intrigued by Isobel as well. Could Isobel be the real Hester???

This story is immersive and hypnotizing. I really, really enjoyed it! Definitely a book worthy of its beautiful cover! I recommend this to even the casual historical fiction reader and regular historical fiction readers will love it!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Hester is a fabulous historical novel set in post witch-trial Salem. Isobel Gamble is a talented Scottish seamstress newly arrived in town with her apothecary husband. They had to flee Scott because of their debts caused by his opium addition. Within a few days of their arrival he sets off again to make his fortune leaving her alone and desolate.

Then Isobel meets a young Nathaniel Hawthorne the attraction is undeniable and they begin a flirty and passionate romance. He shares his deepest torments of his ancestors being those who put witches to death. She shares her ancestral secret of magical visions and line of strong women. persecuted as witches. He is struggling to make a name for himself as a writer. She is trying to make a name for herself as dressmaker.

Soon Isobel finds herself pregnant and discovers that her secret romance is not much of a secret in small town Salem. Worse still-Nathaniel is staying away. When Isobel is finally able to speak to him he accuses her of bewitching him and denies that the child is his.

This book draws you in from the first page. The rich history of Salem, witches and the acclaimed novel, The Scarlet Letter, are cleverly woven together to tell a tale of Hawthorne's inspiration for Hester Prynne.

This is an interesting take on the origin of "The Scarlet Letter." Not totally convinced of the connection, but the story is a good one in any case. Lots of stress and strife for the female protagonist. Worth the read.

Isobel can see colors when she hears sounds, although there are a few people whose voices show no color at all. Her late mother warned her to hide her talents to avoid being labeled a witch. Now she's come from Scotland to a place that has it's own horrible history with persecuting women that had been accused of being witches.