Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Hester: A Novel

Hester: A Novel
Hester A Novel
Author: Paula Reed
ISBN-13: 9780312583927
ISBN-10: 0312583923
Publication Date: 2/16/2010
Pages: 352
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 5

4.3 stars, based on 5 ratings
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

2 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

prtyof10 avatar reviewed Hester: A Novel on + 75 more book reviews
Upon the death of her demonic husband, Hester Prynne is left a widow, and her daughter Pearl, a wealthy heiress. Hester takes her daughter to live a quiet life in England, only to find herself drawn into the circle of the most powerful Puritan of all time, Oliver Cromwell. From the moment Hester donned the famous scarlet letter, it instilled in her the power to see the sins and hypocrisy of others, an ability not lost on the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth. To Cromwell, Hesters sight is either a sign of sorcery or a divine gift that Hester must use to assist the divinely chosen, as he deems himself, in his scheming to control England. Since sorcery carries a death sentence, Hester is compelled against her will to use her sight to assist Cromwell. She soon finds herself entangled in a web of political intrigue, espionage, and forbidden love.

When my daughter was in school she had to read certain books. The Scarlet Letter was one of them and she didn't really understand it so I read it and explained it to her.

When I ran across this book on the site I put it on my wish list. Was hesitant because I really liked the Scarlet Letter and Hester was written by a different writer so I wasn't sure if it would stay true to the first book.

I started reading it and was hooked. Very much the feel of her character in this book as I felt in the Scarlet Letter. May praises to Paula for accomplishing such a tough feat (skill).

Not to say the least, I loved this book as well. If you loved the Scarlet Letter, you will love this one. It is, however, full of politics.
reviewed Hester: A Novel on + 11 more book reviews
I picked this book up at a discount store for almost nothing. I have not seen/read the original story since high school (which was nearly 30 years ago). I loved this book.

I enjoyed the main character and how the author developed the story after Hester Prynne's experience in New England.

I would recommend this book whether or not you are a 'fan' of the story. I was somewhat indifferent about The Scarlet Letter, but now wish someone would make a movie out of Hester so I could watch the two movies back-to-back!