Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese

*** My Review ***

Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that brings together two fascinating characters: Nathaniel Hawthorne and Isobel Gamble. Set in the early 1800s in Salem, the story follows Isobel, a talented seamstress who has inherited a unique ability to see colors when she hears sounds. She is cautious about sharing her talent, as it could be seen as witchcraft, and thus cause her harm in the midst of a community that has a dark history of persecuting women.

The story takes an interesting turn when Isobel’s path crosses with Nathaniel Hawthorne, who is haunted by his ancestor’s involvement in the Salem witch trials. The author does an excellent job of weaving in historical facts with fiction, creating a world that is both vivid and believable. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles and triumphs are relatable.

Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese is a beautiful, well-crafted work of historical fiction that blends fact and fiction seamlessly. The author does a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life and weaving together their stories in a way that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. Isobel’s story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and her struggles and triumphs will resonate with readers.

One of the things that I loved about this book is the way that it explores the themes of identity, creativity, and ambition. Isobel is a woman who is determined to make something of herself in a world that does not value women’s creativity or intelligence. She is constantly battling against the expectations that society has for her, and it is inspiring to see her rise above them and achieve her dreams.

Another thing that make Hester stand out is the way it portrays women in a time when they were often seen as inferior and dependent on men. Isobel is a strong and independent character who is determined to follow her dreams, despite the obstacles she faces. The author also does a great job of avoiding the pitfall of demonizing all men, as there are some genuinely good characters in the story.

The central theme of guarding one’s extraordinary ability, which was seen as witchcraft at the time, is explored in a fascinating way through Isobel’s synesthesia. The story also raises interesting questions about Nathaniel Hawthorne’s writing process and what might have influenced him to write The Scarlet Letter.

Another aspect of the book that I found particularly compelling was the way it deals with the history of the Salem witch trials. The author skillfully weaves together historical fact and fiction to create a vivid portrayal of life in Salem during that time. The characters are all affected by the history of the witch trials in different ways, and this adds an extra layer of depth to the story.

I also appreciated the way that the book explores the concept of synesthesia, a neurological condition in which one sense triggers another. Isobel’s ability to see colors when she hears sounds is a fascinating aspect of her character, and the way that it is portrayed in the book is both realistic and imaginative.

The romance between Isobel and Nathaniel Hawthorne is another highlight of the book. Their relationship is both tender and fraught with tension, and it adds an extra dimension to the story. I enjoyed the way that the author explored their attraction to each other, as well as the obstacles that stood in their way.

While I found Hester to be a compelling and engaging read, there were a few negative aspects that I would like to mention. Firstly, some readers may find the pacing of the book to be slow at times. The author takes her time to build the characters and their world, which can be enjoyable for some readers, but may feel too leisurely for others.

Secondly, the book deals with some heavy themes such as domestic abuse, gender inequality, and the persecution of women accused of witchcraft. While these themes are important and relevant, they may be difficult for some readers to confront or may trigger certain emotions.

Lastly, some readers may find fault with the way the author portrays Nathaniel Hawthorne as a character. While the book is a work of fiction, some readers may feel that the author takes too many liberties with Hawthorne’s personality and motivations. However, I feel that this is a minor quibble and does not detract from the overall quality of the book.

In conclusion, Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese is a beautifully written and engaging work of historical fiction that is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers. The characters are well-drawn, the plot is compelling, and the themes of gender, creativity, and identity are explored in a nuanced and thought-provoking way.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a strong female protagonist and a touch of romance, then Hester is definitely worth checking out. Highly recommended for people interested in historical fiction, women’s issues, or the creative process of writing.