Interesting twist on a familiar story!! Thanks to the publisher for providing this free copy ; I really enjoyed it.

This was a pretty good read with an excellent ending. The author had one of the best story telling abilities I have read over the last year.

Ive never read the Scarlett Letter but you definitely don't need to to understand the characters and their stories.

Hester is an imaginative retelling of Nathaniel (Nat) Hawthorne and his inspiration for the classic novel, THE SCARLET LETTER. His inspiration for Hester Prynne - a women named Isobel Gamble who has special gifts and a secret history. Isobel’s gift is synesthesia a sensory response that allows her to see words and letters in color. She worries if anyone discovers her gift, then she will be accused of witchcraft or shunned more than she already is as an immigrant from Scotland. Weaving in and out of Nat and Isobel’s lives are the stories of women accused as being witches in the Salem witch trials and in Scotland in the 1690s. These stories also involve ancestors of both Nat and Isobel.

The writing is rich and atmospheric. The author used true witch trial events and characters which added interest to the story for me as well. Not only does it cover the witch trials but also depicts how people in Salem were making money off of slavery in the 19th century. This story is one of hope, love, pain, friendship, resilience, and strength. Isobel’s character was fierce and I enjoyed how her friendships evolved and became her family. How the story came full circle ending with the publishing of The Scarlet Letter is perfection.

I had a copy on my kindle but also received an early listening copy through @netgalley and @macmillan.audio. The narrator couldn’t have been better. Many thanks for the copies to read and give an honest review!

An interesting tale of what Hester from the Scarlet Letter could have actually been like, including Nathaniel Hawthorne as the man committing adultery with her.

What if Hester was really Isabol Gamble, a young bride and recent immigrant from Scotland? Isobel has kinesthesia and sees colors in letters and words (spoken and written.) When her husband sets sail with the captain they came over with she is on her own to survive, earn enough to eat and figure out how to deal with society.

Very interesting, fully immersive novel with twists and turns from all sides. A great read.

Hester is a story about Isobel Gamble, left to fend for herself in a strange land in a town, Salem, MA., with a disturbing history. It is beautifully written and the tale the author tells is well done. At times, however, it does get bogged down as she goes into the minutiae of things like needlework. I will also note the Isobel's synesthesia is an unnecessary addition that doesn't work as I believe the author intended. Those are my very few nitpicks in an otherwise well done and enjoyable read. I would highly recommend it especially for those that love historical fiction.

This is a wonderful imagining that explores the question: what if Hester from The Scarlett Letter told her own story. What if she was a heroine, a self-sufficient and self-made woman who makes her bad situation into a good life for herself and her daughter? I loved it!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Laurie Lico Albanese for the opportunity to read this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

I'll be honest, I was not a huge fan of the Scarlet Letter when I read it in high school, but I LOVED this retelling! I loved how strong of a woman Isobel was and how she never gave up and kept pushing for a better life for herself, and her unborn child. Laurie Albanese did such an amazing job of making you feel like you were right there beside Isobel as she is experiencing the New World for the first time and trying to learn her way around this new country! I also loved the chapters with the point of view of Isobel's grandmother, and honestly would've loved even more from her perspective, but this entire story was so beautifully written and I was so sad when it ended! I can't stop thinking about it and I know I will be re-reading this soon!

5 star read for me!

Special thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I was excited I got this book in audio by another publisher and ebook as well by another publisher. At first I requested but didn't know it was also in audio. To listen to the accent was so enjoyable, but also to have the words in case I didn't bookmark on audio was helpful.

Either way, I LOVED this book. 5 stars! Easily.

Lovers of historical fiction and classic American literature, you will want to read Hester, a Scarlet Letter origin story set in Salem in the 1800s.

Nineteen-year-old Isobel, descendant of a woman accused of witchcraft, finds herself on a ship from Scotland to the New World. There she meets the quiet 14-yr-old Nathanial Hathorne, a descendent of an unapologetic judge of the Salem Witch Trials.

One of my favorite parts of the novel is the lively description of Salem settlement as Isobel arrives after thirty-three days at sea. The Salem setting continues to be vividly described and easy to imagine.

Hester is well-researched and atmospheric as Isobel, our heroine, in her own way challenges the power of the men and society. While Isobel faces her own personal struggles, she learns the dark history of Salem. As an outsider, Isobel is also piecing together race relations and attitudes towards immigrants in Salem.

Isobel has a gift for embroidery and finds power in her needle and thread. Some may find the details of embroidery and sewing in this novel to be excessive. The author also takes time to describe Isoabel’s synesthesia, when one sees colors in letters and words, which adds an enchanted quality to Isobel’s perceptions and craft.

I can see where some might find this novel longer than it needs to be or too descriptive, but I mostly appreciated the attention to detail and found Isobel’s story engaging.

In a way, Hester is a coming-of-age story and Isobel realizes that for women accused of being witches in the past and still for her personally, so many years later, life decisions for women are made by men, and she has to learn to survive despite them.

This review is posted on Goodreads Michelle Beginandendwithbooks and on Instagram and Facebooks @beginandendwithbooks

Hester, by Laurie Lico Albanese, is an imaginative telling of the woman who inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s character, Hester Phrynne in The Scarlet Letter. This historical fiction takes place first in Scotland, then in Salem, Massachusetts covering the witch trials in the 1660s and the after-effects of the trials that still lingered in the 1820s.

Isobel Gamble was a descendent of Isobel Gowdie, who escaped before being hung as a witch in Scotland. Both of the women had synesthesia, a sensory phenomenon where letters and words are associated with colors. The letter A is seen as scarlet red, B is blue, C is yellow, and D is green. Because this condition was misunderstood to be sorcery, it had to be kept hidden. Isobel Gamble and her husband are forced to flee Scotland because of her husband’s debts and drug habit. They end up in Salem, where Isobel meets, Nathaniel Hathorne. Isobel is a talented seamstress and embroiderer whose designs are highly valued.

Nathaniel Hathorne was a descendant of John Hathorne, the judge in Salem whose family was cursed by a woman he found guilty of being a witch. Hathorne, who later changes his name to Hawthorne, is described as a haunted man held captive by the ghosts of his family. When Isobel Gamble’s husband leaves Salem on a ship, she and Hawthorne begin an adulterous relationship.

The first part of the novel dragged for me, but it did pick up in the second half. I enjoyed the historical fiction aspects of the witch trials as well as life in the 1800s. There is an interesting side story involving free slaves and slave catchers.

4-stars. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for my advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This novel was published on October 4, 2022.

I was in love with Hester from the first moment. Laurie Lico Albanese's lyrical prose and the image of women having strength even when they weren't allowed. Pulled me right in.

Isobel Gamble a young seamstress carrying generations of secrets and in an effort to keep herself safe marries Edward, an apothecary. But after the poppy takes over the apothecary, she finds herself leaving Scotland for the New World in the early 1800s. When they arrive Edward hatches a harebrained plan to travel as a ship's doctor and leaves Isobel alone and without any money. Left to fend for herself she forges relationships with her neighbor,a free black woman, the captain of the ship that she sailed in on, and Nathaniel Hathorne (he picks up the “W” for writing). As she becomes known for her embroidery work and it looks like Edward will never return, Isobel and Nathaniel grow closer than society would prefer. But this love is only one of the secrets Isobel has to keep.

I loved the use of synesthesia in this book. This is where one sensory input is output in a different way. For example, they wouldn't just see “A”, they would see “A” in scarlet. While there are many types this is what happens with Isobel as hearing words in colors. The author ties this into the witchcraft fears in both Scotland and Salem. Her grandmother could see the colors and so can she. Her mother tells her to never speak of it. The reason I enjoyed this is that so many myths are made up by not understanding science. This would have been something science would not have been able to explain back then.

The historical can fictional aspect blend together for an imaginative tale that gives Hester Prynne respect and agency. Or as much agency as women were allowed during that time. It was good to see Isobel make what she could out of what she was giving. It is as hopeful as it is tragic. The author admits this particular person wasn't real but that she feels someone inspired Hester and her story.

Hester is beautifully written full of love, sadness, and adventure.

Publication Date: October 12

I received an ARC from the publisher; all opinions are my own.

It's a rare gift that I am filled with so much concern worrying over a fate already written and belonging to someone else. For it to be someone fictional and in a historical setting makes it even more unusual.
The novel Hester gave me that gift, many times over.

The summary of the book available from the publisher says so much about the plot, I don’t know if there’s anything I can add to it without adding spoilers. So, I’m just going to include it here for you to read again:

“Isobel Gamble is a young seamstress carrying generations of secrets when she sets sail from Scotland in the early 1800s with her husband, Edward. An apothecary who has fallen under the spell of opium, his pile of debts have forced them to flee Glasgow for a fresh start in the New World. But only days after they've arrived in Salem, Edward abruptly joins a departing ship as a medic––leaving Isobel penniless and alone in a strange country, forced to make her way by any means possible.

When she meets a young Nathaniel Hawthorne, the two are instantly drawn to each other: he is a man haunted by his ancestors, who sent innocent women to the gallows––while she is an unusually gifted needleworker, troubled by her own strange talents. As the weeks pass and Edward's safe return grows increasingly unlikely, Nathaniel and Isobel grow closer and closer. Together, they are a muse and a dark storyteller; the enchanter and the enchanted. But which is which?

In this sensuous and hypnotizing tale, a young immigrant woman grapples with our country's complicated past, and learns that America's ideas of freedom and liberty often fall short of their promise. Interwoven with Isobel and Nathaniel's story is a vivid interrogation of who gets to be a "real" American in the first half of the 19th century, a depiction of the early days of the Underground Railroad in New England, and atmospheric interstitials that capture the long history of "unusual" women being accused of witchcraft. Meticulously researched yet evocatively imagined, Laurie Lico Albanese's Hester is a timeless tale of art, ambition, and desire that examines the roots of female creative power and the men who try to shut it down.”

Laurie Lico Albanese has done a masterful job with this bewitching tapestry of a novel. She writes extensively of her research in the Notes and Acknowledgements section at the end of the book.

The main character, Isobel, seemed so familiar to me. I feel as though we are soul-sisters, connected throughout and despite place and time, fact and fiction… Her story may have had some embroidered embellishments, but it also felt so very real. Isobel's thoughts and emotions read like a real person's, a real young woman's. I'm not very familiar with historical fiction or the time periods referenced in the book, but the settings all felt real, too.

Hester came at a perfect time for me, as I question what it is to be a witch and a woman, I read of women accused of witchcraft. Some women embrace the accusation; there is power in fear. Some women shy away from it in terror; there is room for repentance to many. And some women wonder if the accusations are true, if they really can twist the fabric of reality, tearing the hems and resewing them anew, or by hiding words of power in plain sight. Some of those women will think, "maybe I did enchant him/her/this", and recount their steps, examining their motives and desires until they become convinced of their own guilt -- but then, something incredible happens; they embody a transformation as guilt becomes confidence and vulnerability, strength.
Maybe some witches are born, and some are made.
And some stories are magical.
This is one.
Whether you are a woman, a witch, or someone who creates fiber art, this book may just be exactly what you're looking for.

Content Warning: This book includes some depictions of chattel slavery, slavecatchers, insensitive (but period-appropriate) language choices, and racially segregated squalor that some may find disturbing. I would say it might be too much for those who are very sensitive, but it should be tolerable for most adults.

The only thing I noticed that was at all in need of a potential final edit was that there seemed to be a discrepancy in Isobel’s word choice for Black people. Most of the time, she calls them Black, as she notes that is what Mercy calls herself. However, there were a handful of times where she slipped into the use of “colored”, but that might have been conversational to match the tone of those with whom she spoke. Also of note, several side characters and posted notices use the words “negro” and “slave” to refer to Black people.

I highly recommend Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese. It subtly blends history, witchcraft, feminism, and fiber arts into a delightful concoction. I'm here for it. And I cried for it, throughout the final chapters and even through the final notes. I don't know if the author has written other books, but I will certainly follow her work now.

I received a copy of this book at no cost from NetGalley.

Initially, I wasn't sure about this book, the main character Isobel felt a little distant and disconnected to me. However, as the story progressed I was admittedly pulled into this alternative take of a classic. I'm not typically a fan of historical fiction but there is something about witchcraft and the early American oppression which shaped the future of the country that I find so fascinating. I'm really glad I read this book and while not super spooky, or witchy it was still a great October inspired read. Thank you so much for an early copy!

Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese is an intriguing piece, well written with a beautiful message of hope, love and trust.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free arc in exchange for an honest review.

So enjoyed Laurie Licorice Albanese’s story, in my mind explaining the classic book, The Scarlet Letter. The dual timelines worked seamlessly to weave an enchanting story of two Isobel’s - several generations between them - living their lives while dealing with society norms and expectations. It remains incomprehensible to me that women were persecuted and killed, identified as witches, for such inane reasons. Loved both Isobels and found myself wishing that the scoundrel, Nat, would himself be accused.'mm
My favorite part of historical fiction are the author’s notes and Albanese’s portrait of Salem during the witchcraft trials with everyone so very paranoid seemed very realistic.
Many thanks to Laurie Lico Albanese’s for creating this magical story, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read an arc of this fascinating story.

What an amazingly written book! I read The Scarlet Letter in high school, just like many others, and then again in college. I enjoyed it more the 2nd time around. This however, is a book about the woman, Isobel, who inspired Hester Prynne. I absolutely loved Isobel’s story from beginning to end. She is such a strongly written character as are so many of the other secondary characters.

This book has a catchy title, being one word, it makes you think---hmmm what is this about?
The history of slaves, Salem and Nathaniel Hathorne/Hawthorne is brought up in many English classes.
The way Hester can see colors is also fascinating. As a speech therapist, we learn about the differences with people and it is becoming more prevalent, how people see letters, numbers and "feel" the words as colors. It was shunned before, but now it is being talked about and the individuals that have this, can experience it without the negativity. The use of opium/poppy back in the day was also a common thing that today we know is dangerous.
Hester has made me want to read The Scarlet Letter. This book is the perfect book to read and share--and can provide history and knowledge to my students. My high school students will start with the Scarlet Letter after they get the chance to read Hester, which is what they will be assigned. I am looking forward to having them read this book and get their feedback.

Hester was a had a really unique and interesting perspective on The Scarlett Letter. I read the Scarlett Letter YEARS ago in high school and while I remember the gist of the book, some of the details were a little fuzzy. Hester was really good and now I want to go back and read the original! Hester was honestly the perfect fall, spooky season read. Witches, Magic, old town Salem MA and little snippets of Scotland. It was perfect and I loved it all.

Who else remembers crying their way through the scarlett letter. I was a little reluctant at first because reading it in my high school literature class was so painful. However, I was so happy that I gave this a chance! The way that we treated women who didn't "behave" is appalling.

I loved following Isobel and her synesthesia. I think her choice in becoming a seamstress was a great premise. I loved how strong Isobel was and how she was able to find her way. I would recommend this to anyone who had to read the scarlett letter growing up!

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Pub day: October 4, 2022

Hester is a vivid well-written historical fiction inspired by Hawthorne’s “The Scarlett Letter.” It shines a light on a tough and courageous female character and also describes the incredible networks of underground railroads—and how essential they were to freedom from the south.

This story is set in a time when one wrong step could have you vilified as a witch and it also does a deep dive into the Salem Witch Trials from a few centuries earlier. The author did a fantastic job of weaving facts into a compelling story that I didn’t want to put down.

This whole tale was transportive and magical, and even if you haven’t read The Scarlet Letter I think you’d enjoy this. And don’t miss the author’s note—it was wonderful and I highly recommended finishing the book with it!

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

I would love to see this turned into a series or movie!