Thank you, NetGalley, for an audio-ARC of Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese, narrated by Saskia Maarleveld.
Hester is a fictional story that creates the basis for Nathaniel Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter. The concept of The Scarlet Letter is based on a relationship between Hawthorne and Isobel Gamble, the main character in Hester. I enjoyed the historical aspects of the book, but found the story to be slow. The narration at times was difficult to hear due to the quietness of Maarleveld's voice; however, I think her accent was appropriate for this book. Overall, it was an okay read.

3 stars, upped to 4 because of the audiobook narrator

Hester is historical fiction that imagines the life of a woman who inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous book, The Scarlet Letter. The story unfolds at a leisurely pace (a bit too leisurely for me, to be honest), with lots of descriptions of the natural world, especially as seen through the eyes of Isobel, a highly skilled seamstress who sees colors in words (a condition called synesthesia) and who does magnificent embroidery. Isobel’s life starts in Scotland, where she learns to hide her ability to see colors in words, due to a family history of women having been accused of being witches. Interestingly that happened in the 1660s, not that much earlier than the Salem Witch Hysteria in the 1690s, and Salem, Massachusetts is where Isobel winds up, after emigrating with her husband, an apothecary who had fallen into opium addiction and bankrupted them.

Hester sheds light on what it really was like to live in Scotland and New England (specifically
Salem) in the early 19th century, with all sorts of societal strictures, especially for women. In addition to the main storyline of the affair between Isobel and Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author weaves in the generational fortunes made by families who owned slaving ships and the plight of Blacks in New England. They were free but they lived in fear of slave-catchers. The law allowed escaped slaves to be taken back to slavery in the southern states, with large rewards for their capture. Even free-born Blacks could be captured (as happened to Solomon Northrup, who wrote the memoir Twelve Years A Slave), so “just” being free wasn’t really a protection. I knew nothing about Nathaniel Hawthorne’s life and that was an interesting aspect of the book. However, I didn’t see what attracted Isobel to Nathaniel and vice versa, so their romance/relationship didn’t move me.

The author inserts short chapters that are supposed to transport you back to Scotland in the 1660s and Salem in the 1690s and beyond. I didn’t think these were necessary and took away from the main narrative by disrupting it.

Reading Hester has given me an incentive to re-read The Scarlet Letter which I read many decades ago as a school assignment.

I mostly listened to the audiobook of Hester, which was beautifully narrated by the ever-excellent Saskia Maarleveld. Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook and to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I LOVED this book. I even really liked the narrator.
This is the story of who the real Hester Prim could have been. It will take you a colorful emotional story.

Sometimes a narrator can ruin an amazing book fortunately that did not happen here. The narrator transported you to Salem, Mass and Scotland.

It's been awhile since I could recommend an audio book and this one makes all the bad ones worth it

Hester is a beautiful historical fiction tale based on Nathanael Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter.

Isobel Gamble lands in Salem, is abandoned by her husband, and left to fend for herself. Her tenacity and talent with the embroidery needle allow her to survive in a city with a complex past. Her talent, red hair, and ability to see words as colors makes her different–different isn’t always good in a city with a complex past with witches.

I enjoyed the historical and literary references in this book. The correlations with Hester Prynne were effectively weaved into this beautiful story.

If you loved The Scarlet Letter or enjoy reading tales of creative and strong women, this is the book for you!

Narration: I listened to the audiobook narrated by Saskia Maarleveld who is a master storyteller. I was captivated by the lyrical nature of the story based on her excellent narration.

A fantastic imagining of the woman behind Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter." The novel is essentially Hawthrone fan fiction, but an engrossing read all the same. Full review to come closer to publication date.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sharing this advance copy with me in exchange for my honest review.
3.75/5

I always enjoy reading a new perspective on classics. This book exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed every bit of it! Definitely one of my favorites for the year. Will buy a print copy when released !

Isobel is a young seamstress who lives in Scotland and associates colors with words and letters. Recently married, she and her husband sail to New England in hopes of leaving behind his addictions and debts. But as soon as they arrive in Salem, he joins a ship in search of riches, leaving Isobel penniless and alone. She does her best to make money off her needlework and soon draws the attention of Nathaniel Hawthorne. They grow closer as they both grapple with their own family’s dark pasts and their own dark desires.

I absolutely loved this work of historical fiction. I’ve always had a soft spot for tales centering around the Salem Witch Trials, but the author did something completely new and fresh with this work. There were some chapters interspersed throughout Isobel’s story that were set in the 1600s and focused on Isobel’s ancestor who was alive during the witch trials. This was a lovely way to tie the two stories together and emphasize Isobel’s and Nathaniel’s family histories.

The characters were perfect. Isobel was a relatable and well written protagonist. I loved the incorporation of her having synesthesia (in her case, seeing words and letters as specific colors) and how that related to beliefs of witchcraft. I can’t say enough about how well Nathaniel Hawthorne was written – the author excelled at incorporating how hard he struggled with his ancestor’s actions as related to the trials, and I loved how those struggles and beliefs influenced his actions. The secondary characters were all also well written. I loved Mercy and Abigail, especially.

The only thing I disliked was that I listened to this as an audiobook and the phrase “the devil’s forked pr*ck” was said so many times – it made it a little awkward when I didn’t have my headphones on! But the narrator did a fantastic job with the different accents and bringing the characters to life. I can’t recommend this work enough!

My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read and review this work, which will be published on October 4th, 2022. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

An interesting take on a classic. I did find it sometimes difficult to stay alert, but all in all, it is well written. The narrator is absolutely amazing, and is likely the reason I was able to hold on to the very end. Such talent! Brava! I will definitely be seeking out more of her work.

I would recommend this book to fans who enjoy The Scarlet Letter itself, or folks who appreciate historical fiction.

(ALC received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review. Thank you.)

Isobel Gamble grows up in Scotland in the 18th century. She descends from accused witches and learns to never talk of the vivid colors she sees when people speak and when she is doing needlework. After her mother dies, she meets her husband Edward and they sail to America to escape Edwards poor choices. There, Isobel meets Nathaniel Hawthorne and the two have an instant connection. With her husband back out to sea, Isobel is left trying to support herself using her seamstress talents. Nathaniel helps her in this endeavor and in Edwards absence and not knowing if he’s ever coming back, the two begin a love affair.
I loved this book! So much rich history throughout and the characters were very well done. Author Albenese had me rooting for a Isobel the entire time. Highly recommend!
*** huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

Hester
Laurie Lico Albanese
This book presents a question could The Scarlet Letter be based on Nathaniel Hawthorn, himself?
This tale begins in Scotland in the early 1800s. Isobel Gowdie was a mere four years old when her mother taught her how to do needlework. She shows her how to embroider letters. Isobel has a talent she sees colors related to letters. That’s how she embroideries them, she makes her letters in the colors from her visions. Isobel’s mother chastises her, fearful she will be accused of being a witch. Many years later Isobel Gamble a descendent of the former Isobel has the same talent, she has visions associated with letters. Isobel dreams of designing embroidery patterns. She meets a man with big promises, and she marries him. He is not a wise man; he makes many very unwise decisions which leads them to financial ruin. They sail to America in hopes of a new life. Isobel sees possibilities for her dream coming to life. They settle in Salem, but the town is not welcoming to the young Scottish woman with dreams.
When Isobel meets Nathaniel Hawthorne, they are drawn to each other. Isobel’s husband is gone for quite some time leaving Isobel to fend for herself in an era when women are not supposed to be independent of a man. Isobel learns to be judicious and cunning. She learns to be courageous and bold but must learn to tame her temper. Nathaniel and Isobel give into their desire and the result leaves Isobel with child.
This tale made me angry! I liked Isobel but I did not like her husband or Nathaniel. I did not like many of the characters in this tale. I do not know if The Scarlet Letter is based on Nathaniel Hawthorn’s life but if it is then I have no respect for him.

Hester was a beautifully written novel about a possible inspiration for the book The Scarlet Letter. It was a great story with a witchy vibe perfect for Halloween! It takes place in Salem during the witch trials and also ties in a storyline about the Underground Railroad. It was really well written and thought out. All I kept thinking was how I've never actually read The Scarlet Letter. I guess that's next up on my list!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for allowing me to listen to an advanced copy of the audiobook!

“My needle and thread told every secret I could not speak”… Isobel Gamble

The atmospheric imagining of The Scarlet Letter’s Hester Prynne is a trip back to a classic and a perfect Fall read! Set mostly in Salem, Massachusetts during the mid 19th century, this novel is full of timeless themes: feminism, loyalty, tradition, hope, and honor.

Seamstress Isobel Gamble comes from a line of strong women who experience the condition of synesthesia (multiple sensory experiences) and the words and people she sees are as vivid as the colors in her sewing kit. These impressions (now scientifically studied) are misconstrued as witchcraft and so begins the tale of secrets, lies, and survival. She travels with her new husband from Scotland to Salem, in hopes of a better life, and confronts deep betrayal along with precious protection. On the New England cobblestone streets Isobel meets Nathaniel Hawthorne, a “faded prince of Salem” and struggling writer who is haunted by his own family history. Their relationship is as complex as it is intense, and the supporting cast of characters embellish and explain their connection throughout the novel. The story touches on the Salem witch trials as well as the Underground Railroad and readers who enjoy feminist themes set against a historical backdrop will be enchanted.

The audio version is performed by Saskia Maarleveld who enhanced my reading experience. She lends her incredibly skilled voice to male and female characters with varying origins, and adds unique credibility and definition to each and every one.

Thank you Net Galley, Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. I will post my review on all platforms closer to pub date.

I've loved every encounter where an author has woven synesthesia into their work and Albanese does this richly as well, giving us a view into how Isobel sees colours in every letter, how every voice carrying a cadence of lie and truth has their own hue and creating dresses, pieces of clothing, and banners to match the vocation or personality of neighbours and friends allows her to bring her ability into the physical world.

Albanese fleshes out her characters by building their stories around the Witch hunts in Scotland and New England, stirred up by men who feared the passions, knowledge, and independence of women. Isobel herself comes from a line of women who have been blessed to intuit the colours that live within letters and the spoken word, a power or ability that would certainly see them branded Witch. But each woman finds a way to infuse that part of themselves into their work.

In Salem, Isobel must use her wits to make a living as she has been abandoned by a husband who leaves to pursue his dreams and passions on board a ship, seeking his fortune without a thought for his wife. Her experiences with the social structure and dark festering history of the town teach her how to thrive and also presents her an opportunity to satisfy her desires. And yet she is not safe from jealousy and persecution, turning to those who occupy just as much a precarious existence as she does, to fight to make her living and showcase her talent without repercussions from the greedy and the rich.

It is a remarkable story that Albanese has carved for a woman who was used and abandoned twice by men who claimed to have loved her, but chose their name or success, how she fought to maintain her identity and ability against threat of persecution, and the bonds she forged with women who themselves carry a touch of Witch within their hearts. Hester stands apart from The Scarlet Letter even as it stands beside it.

Although, for me, this started out slow I am glad I kept going. I was rooting for Isabelle to succeed alone in Salem. The twists in the story were unexpected and satisfying. I recommend this story. One will love some characters and dislike others just as one should.

Writing a historical fiction from the point of view of the woman who inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is no small feat, yet Laurie Lico Albanese did it fantastically.

Hester is a story about Isobel Gamble, a talented seamstress who uses what we now know as synesthesia (but would have been viewed during this time as witch craft) to create pieces wholly unique from others practicing the art. A young woman, Isobel travels to Salem, Oregon from Scotland in hopes to find a new life in America with her husband, Edward. Shortly after arriving in Salem, Edward goes to work at sea- taking all of Isobel's money with him.

As Isobel starts trying to make her own way as best as a woman could in early 1800's Salem, she happens to meet a man named Nat Hawthorne. Hester takes us through Isobel's budding relationship with Nat, one fraught with obstacles from the start, and how two artists can create both magic and misery together.

I absolutely loved this book. It was lauded to be a "vivid reimagining" and that holds absolutely true. Isobel was a strong female lead and I felt she really propelled the story and added gorgeous context to the point of reference, The Scarlet Letter. The stark contrast between the flashbacks to the 1600's, the story being told in the 1800's and my knowledge of experiencing the world as a woman today made the story all the more real to me, and all the more interesting.

I thought the reader of the audiobook did a fantastic job, especially switching between accents to make each character stand out. Her cadence was perfect and her ability to convey emotions was brilliant.

Thanks so much to Macmillian Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to an ALC of Hester in exchange for my honest thoughts!

Advanced Reader’s Copy audiobook provided by NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review.

We have all likely heard of the Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, but have you ever wondered about the inspiration behind the story? In Laurie Lico Albanese's story, Hester Prynne was inspired by Isobel Gamble. Isobel Gamble was a talented seamstress who pulled inspiration from her synesthesia. In the 17th century, synesthesia was something that scared Isobel and her mother. 

Isobel was a completely bewitching character. Almost everything about her set her apart from others, but with sheer willpower and grit she made a place for herself in the new world. Albanese successfully created a character that could inspire great classics. I was just as mesmerized by the setting and other characters, as I was with Isobel. The novel was greatly detailed in all things but never felt bogged down.

The narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, did an excellent job bringing this story to life!

- 4.5 Stars -

This book was a beautiful portrayal of a feminist story. It gave light to the creativity of women that has been ignored, shunned and used for man’s gain throughout history. It was a stunning book. There are so many layers to this book and it leads it to be one of the loveliest books written that I have ever read. I don’t know if I have the words to describe how deliriously wonderful this book really is.

This book is a historical fiction book that is written as the true life story of the woman who inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Hester Prynn from his famous book “The Scarlet Letter.” I knew to expect this but also didn’t know how well this would be done - I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome of this combination of historical fiction books.

Watching Nathaniel and Isobel become more enraptured with one another and their respective talents - Nathaniel’s storytelling and Isobel’s needlework - was so interesting to be a part of and to witness unfolding on the page. It was also fascinating how both of them needed to wrestle with their families' pasts. Isobel’s familial talents that have passed through the generations in a place where being different will unravel everything she has built for herself. Nathaniels family's past of engaging in the witch trials of Salem. All roads lead to one another and leave you absolutely gasping for breath as you read through this beautiful book.

⚠️TW: addiction, drug abuse, infidelity, racism, slavery, domestic abuse, suicidal thoughts

Thank you, @netgalley & @stmartinspress for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review! All of the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

After listening to the audiobook, thanks to Netgalley, I am definitely going to read "The Scarlet Letter. Hester" touches on the subjects of fairies, changelings and witches with a bit of romance thrown in. The narrators voice was easy to listen to. It doesn't hurt that I love delving into a great historical fiction book!

Isobel Gamble is a talented seamstress from Scotland who has the gift (or curse depending on who you ask) of “the colors”. She is able to associate letters and voices with certain colors and is able to use this in her sewing. She marries a man who does not want her to sew and make money because he wants to be able to care for her. They eventually set sail to America where they arrive in Salem. While they are on the ship, Edward saves the captain's life, prompting the captain to ask him to accompany him on more voyages as a doctor, leaving Isobel to fend for herself in Salem.

Once Edward is gone, she is finally able to sew and make a name for herself. She also meets Nathanial Hawthorne whom she falls in love with and becomes pregnant with his child. Things get complicated when Edward returns and everything/ everyone in Salem is not as it seems.

A tale of witches, curses, magic and a touch of romance, Hester has it all! This is the perfect book to get you in the mood for fall.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the ARC!

Can you imagine being a descendant of a person who managed to survive the witch trials only to be accused of being the same just because you are an innocent woman who didn't know much about the world and evil in it? Isobel -Margaret cycle generations after generations faced this.

Isobel left Scotland with her husband thinking that there was a better life in the US. She thought she could hide her "magic" of seeing colors in letters, just like scarlet A, it she were to be away from people who might know about it. Her mother told her never share her background or her magic. After arriving to the US, her husband left her to go to the sea as a medic. She was out of money at a new land not knowing what to do. She had to find a way to earn money and her enlyway was to sell her needlework. She was amazing other work and put anything, any story on a piece of cloth. She started to work with some women in Salem. Unfortunately, she was exploited by them. But it wasn't the only exploitation to be. happening to her. Enter Nathaniel Hawthorn….

This is a fictional story of a woman that inspired Hester in Scarlet Letter. While it is fictional background to a fictional story, you could easily believe that it’s real. I liked the story enough to keep myself going but I bet there will be few of you out there who would love this book.