I had never read The Scarlet Letter before this manga adaption, and what a great story it was! The art was beautiful and detailed, perfectly portrayed for this story. I loved Hester, compassionate and loving, and her little Pearl, wild and fierce. The story folded out in a clear, well-paced, and interesting way. The artist showed a good understanding of the themes and feelings in each scene and that made the story even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this story for those who haven't read it yet and I recommend this particular version for those who have and haven't read it, for a quicker, sometimes easier, read.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Udon Entertainment, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read a digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter is a retelling of Nathaniel Hawthorn’s classic American novel, The Scarlet Letter. Having just read another manga classic in the same series, this one wasn’t as good. I felt like I was missing something at certain points and Hester Prynne’s daughter came off as creepy. I would definitely recommend this but more as a supplement to the original text or someone who just wants a synopsis. 3.5

The Scarlet Letter has long been my favorite classic book. When I saw the opportunity on NetGalley to preview this Manga Classics edition (by UDON), I registered immediately. This, even though I had never read manga.
First off, the whole story is there. What is missing is many of the details and descriptions Hawthorne originally provided. Because many of these are shown rather than told, the amount of reading is much lower while keeping important interaction details using expressions.
The appearance of the characters is not what you would expect from reading the 19th century work either, this time specifically because of the manga styling. These reimaginations did not detract from the story but, instead, gave a quick way to recognize protagonists and antagonists to those being introduced to the story for the first time.
It is this last that I would see as a great use for this book. Students who are reluctant or struggling readers would benefit from occasional asides into this book to clarify the chapters which might otherwise seem obfuscated by the archaic language. Understanding the work more clearly from the first might even help those students to find the salaciousness and intrigue which make the ideas in this book frequently get borrowed by movies.
Overall. I say 4/5 for the adaptation, 3/5 for the detail... about a 3.5 cumulative. I am still going to recommend it to my English teacher friends.

I've never read Nathaniel Hawthorne's, The Scarlet Letter, so I can't compare this manga to the original novel. I did however really enjoy this manga. The artwork was really good, and I thought having the letter A in red while the rest was in black and white was a really interesting contrast. The story moves along fast and is easy to follow.

I'm a huge fan of this series! Manga Classics is making previously stuffy, boring classic titles appealing to a younger generation!

This is the first Manga Classic I've read where I'm not familiar with the original source material. I've read enough of Nathaniel Hawthorne's works to have a vague idea of what to expect, but I wasn't entirely sure what I was getting into when I started this. So I have to say, this story is strange. I'm not entirely sure what I think of it and I'm glad this review isn't for Hawthorne's tale because I'm not entirely sure what I would say in such a review.

But as this review is for the Manga Classic adaptation of the story, this review is easier to write- this book was a quick read, well drawn, easy to follow, and engaging. I love the design on the characters (especially Pearl <3) and love that as traditional all the illustrations were in black and white- except the scarlet letter. That was a really nice touch.

It did seem to drag a tad in the middle, but since I've yet to read the original tale I'm not sure if the fault lies with this author or Hawthorne. Either way it wasn't too bad.

I don't know how it compares to the classic, but on its own this book was engaging and I would highly recommend it to people looking to get acquainted with the story before fully committing to the full classic.

(I received a free copy of this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)

I enjoyed this graphic novel. I wish I had seen it earlier as I have recently enjoyed a holiday in New England. The format of the book was new to me and some of the double page spreads did not work out on the iPad. This version which was in black and white whilst I believe the print version will be in colour, hides a number of allusions in text and drawings which were in the original text and which are not fully explained in words. To notice some of these allusions the reader must be knowledgeable about Old Testament stories.

I think reading this version of the book was rewarding but I do not think I will use it as a spring board to the original. It is an interesting social commentary on Puritan life in America. The occasional use of the original text gives the modern format an element of authenticity.

Though I was not a fan of this manga version of a loved classic, Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc of The Scarlet Letter.

It is with great excitement that I started reading this manga-adapted classic. I've always felt drawn to Hester's plight since I was a child and I then learned the word Adultery. Yes, with capital letter, as the embroidery on her clothes to mark her in sin for everyone of her peers to see.

I suppose that the price of forbidden love is a powerful theme even for children. Punishment is all too familiar even in those early stages of our minds.

The art in this manga is solemn and pristine. Beautiful closeups with original angles cause a dramatic effect and the depictions of whole scenes appear majestic. There are several metaphoric representations of psychological traits that look quite stunning.

Scorned and vilified, a young woman emerges from a cell to face public shame in a 16th century village in New England. I was captivated by her dignity because she's protecting a child, cherishing it against her bosom, and her pride is a testament to her belief that this child of hers will never be sinful or shameful. The drawings of the baby were endearing, and together they stir a sense of sympathy and deep tenderness.

Every chapter ends on a strong note. I was engrossed with the passing of each page as this woman's courage takes many facets. The pious congregation seemed to have no qualms to condenm her and use her skills at the same time. Adultery had the spotlight of sin, but plenty of others are highlighted in people's behaviour. A study in hypocrisy, revenge and guilt is done with this timeless story. Yet it also remaks on the power of transformation and good deeds, truth and redemption.

Both main characters suffer because of their sin in opposing ways. I cannot say that I liked the child's father but I understood part of his torment. The product of their unsanctioned union proved to be a bridge between carnality and spirituality. Quite a whimsical character. In general, the characters were symbolic of the battle between cowardice and bravery, love and resentment. It holds a powerful message that leaves you with a residue of transcendence.

I loved the accurate architecture and the period clothing, the dialogue was formal which I appreciate. In my copy all the pictures were black and white which this time worked well as they added to the historical atmosphere. And I confess I shed a little tear at the bittersweet ending. Highly recommended.

I have not read the original Scarlet Letter so this is from the standpoint of someone who hasn't read it.

I enjoyed this. It helped push me through the story when I know that I wouldnt make it through the original. I'm glad to have read this. There are a lot of important topics that are touched in this story and I feel like the manga handled it well.

It has been 11 years since I first read Nathaniel Hawthorne's book The Scarlet Letter. I was so pleased to have the chance to rediscover my favorite classic novel in manga format. This new adaptation of Hawthorne's work should be, in my opinion, in every junior and senior level English literature classroom. Stacy King's adaptation and artwork make this story accessible to a new generation who may struggle with the antiquated language of Hawthorne's original novel. It can also provide an extension of learning for all readers by studying King's choice of characterization as well as her revisions to the original language. If I ever move up to teach high school English, this manga will certainly have a place in my curriculum.

The manga is true to Hester Prynne's story of adultery, although it never uses the word for her crime. (That's another choice that teachers and students can examine!) As I am already familiar with the content of the main plot, I could easily see how the author foreshadowed the twist in the story and I appreciated her efforts in doing so. I do not believe it is as easy to incorporate a subtle foreshadowing in a visual medium as it might be in a written medium. I especially loved the artist's portrayal of Pearl. King captures Pearl's other-worldliness perfectly through a combination of art and original dialogue. The graphic novel adaptation also provides a satisfying conclusion to the story.

I highly recommend that anyone interested in classic literature to take a look at this book as well as the entire series of manga by this publisher. I will be purchasing physical copies of some of these manga adaptations for my classroom in the future.

This definitely wasn't my favorite of the Manga Classics renditions. The artwork was okay, but not particularly interesting or varied, and the adaptation felt like it dragged a lot in some parts while rushing in others.

A powerful tale of forbidden love, shame, and revenge comes to life in manga classics: this new edition features stunning artwork by SunNeko Lee which will give old and new readers alike a fresh insight into the Nataniel Hawthorne’s tragic saga of Purtain America. Manga classics editions feature classic stories, faithfully adapted and illustrated in Manga style, proudly presented by UDON Entertainment and Morpheus Publishing.

I loved this adaptation of the scarlet letter, the art work is beautiful and this version brought the story up to date and really interesting. I love manga so was really interested to read this version in their manga classics range and wasn't disappointed. This graphic novel is a great introduction to both manga and classic literature.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

I forgotten how sad this tale truly was. I feel sorry for the life that Hesta and her daughter must live. Once again I loved manga classics take on this tale. The artwork is beautiful and the writing is first-class. If you love classics and want to try out manga I highly recommend this book and series.

A really enjoyable manga adaption of a classic. The artwork was great, but I don’t know how the adaption compares to the original as I haven’t read it.

I really loved the art style for this!! These mangas are some of my faves. A new way to present this awesome classic!

Manga classics helps us get through classics easily.
Ok , please don't hate ne for this . But CLASSICs are boring. Its so irritating and boring.
But manga helps us focus and get through easily. Thanks netgalley for offering me a copy to review.

I love this series of classic manga. The scarlet letter is in TBR a lifetime but the introduction always discouraged me to read it. After finishing this book I can not wait to read the original.
For those unfamiliar with the work of Hawthorne is the story of Hester, a young woman punished by authority and her fellow citizens for having a child out of wedlock. Her punishment consists in having to wear a red A sewn on her clothes.
The plot is summarized in a perfect way and the drawings are well done, they manage to convey the feelings of the characters: the anguish and shame of Dimmesdale, the strength and courage of Hester, the ingenuity and sweetness of Pearl, the austerity and hatred of Chillingworth.
The story is not light and you can't read it all in one breath, but it is an interesting and very current reading even though it was written some centuries ago.

I definitely recommend it to young people who approach for the first time to this classic or to those people who are terrified of it but it's good for everyone.

This is a beautiful graphic novel of one of my favorite books. This edition of The Scarlet Letter is gorgeous and also a great way to read the story of you've never read it before. Looking forward to reading more graphic novels of classics.