A review by oceanwriter
Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I'll be honest. I wanted to read this book because the cover is gorgeous. I paid minimum attention to the synopsis until later when I was discussing it with the person I ended up buddy-reading it with. Once I fully realized what it was about and where it was set, I was 100% sold.
Isobel and her husband, Edward, immigrate from Scotland to Salem, Massachusetts sometime in the early 1800s. They aren't together here long as Edward soon joins a ship crew and leaves Isobel behind to fend for herself. She's not without a trade, fortunately, and is a talented seamstress. But are her talents the result of something that could ultimately put her life in danger?
While Edward is away, Isobel forges a friendship with none other than Nathaniel Hawthorne. Both of them are haunted by their pasts and lineage. This common bond draws them to one another.
I enjoyed this a lot, though I could be biased as I can consider it a local story. I do think I would have gotten a lot more out of the story if I had first read The Scarlet Letter. One thing I still can't figure out is the significance of the italicized sections of the book. I understand the connection between the characters portrayed here and the protagonists, but they fizzle out toward the end. I personally found it more confusing than an aid in the progression of the story.
This is the first time I've read a book that involves a character with synesthesia. So fascinating. It added a lot to Isobel's character and made the story richer. The descriptions were fantastic.
Isobel and her husband, Edward, immigrate from Scotland to Salem, Massachusetts sometime in the early 1800s. They aren't together here long as Edward soon joins a ship crew and leaves Isobel behind to fend for herself. She's not without a trade, fortunately, and is a talented seamstress. But are her talents the result of something that could ultimately put her life in danger?
While Edward is away, Isobel forges a friendship with none other than Nathaniel Hawthorne. Both of them are haunted by their pasts and lineage. This common bond draws them to one another.
I enjoyed this a lot, though I could be biased as I can consider it a local story. I do think I would have gotten a lot more out of the story if I had first read The Scarlet Letter. One thing I still can't figure out is the significance of the italicized sections of the book. I understand the connection between the characters portrayed here and the protagonists, but they fizzle out toward the end. I personally found it more confusing than an aid in the progression of the story.
This is the first time I've read a book that involves a character with synesthesia. So fascinating. It added a lot to Isobel's character and made the story richer. The descriptions were fantastic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Addiction, and Infidelity
Moderate: Violence, Xenophobia, and Physical abuse
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Body shaming, Bullying, and Abortion