HESTER By Laurie Lico Albanese

"A hauntingly beautiful-and imagined--origin story to the Scarlet Letter"-People

Albanese brings to life the backstory of the muse for the famous book, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, "The Scarlet Letter" based on Hester Prynne.

Albanese sets the stage, covering hefty subject matter, slavery, witchcraft, societal mores, religion and freedom. This was a rich and engaging read. 

Isobel Gamble sets sail for Scotland with her husband, Edward in the 1800's. Edward has been seduced by the drug opium, and days after the two arrive in Scotland, he leaves.

Isobel, destitute and alone in a strange country. She survives by using her artistic abilities,with needle embroidery. However, she is labelled an "outsider" and receives a pittance for her fine, detailed work.

Alone and desperate for friendship and companionship, she meets Nathaniel Hawthorne. They are immediately drawn to one another, and begin a torrid affair. The stories intersect when thier histories collide. Isobel has synisthesia and sees the world in colors. Nathaniel is the great grandson of Samuel Hawthorne, who was a judge that ordered the deaths of 19 women, accused of witchcraft.

As Nathaniel orchestrates the seduction of Isobel, he dumps her, accusing her of "enchantment."  Albanese does tie up the loose strings of this tale to a satisfying ending.

In the words of Isobel, as she describes her role in the tale of "The Scarlet Letter."

"Something in him knows--I believe this, even after all this time-- that although his father will never return, a story just as powerful is coming toward him. Ir is me, bent into the wind, fleeing home with my colors and my needle and my own set of needs and dreams. It is me with my red letter secreted away."

Books by Laurie Lico Albanese:

Stolen Beauty 2017

The Miracles of Prato 2009