The Scarlet Letter (1850)

I first read this book about 10 years ago, right before I wrote my first (terrible) novel. Reading this again, I can see the germs of inspiration that grew into that novel, and I think I like it even more now than I did then. ( )

I really liked this book. It shows how much things have changed, and how people used to look at stuff.
Everyone needs to read this book. ( )

DWS read. ( )

I think it is one of the most realistic and wonderful books that carries you in the past, in the "dark age" of America. A hypocrite religion, true love and a woman of power and ambition for her family and future. The Scarlet Letter is just wonderful! ( )

It's been decades since I read Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, but I thought it would be interesting to listen to it while I cross stitch Christmas gifts. I had mercifully forgotten that Mr. Hawthorne had blathered on about his job and colleagues at the Custom House before he even started the story of Hester Prynne, Although the sketch of the Custom House and its employees isn't bad, I grew impatient to get to the real story. I'm not saying one should skip the entire first CD -- it does reach the point where our author finds the papers of Jonathan Pine and the old scarlet letter near the end. I just want to prepare you.

The discussions about sin, guilt, remorse, and penance along the way are interesting, but the attitude of Salem townspeople toward Hester is infuriating, as is Pearl's father's cowardice and Hester's husband allowing the lust for vengeance to poison his soul.

Hester was too self-sacrificing where Pearl's father was concerned. He wasn't worthy of her love. I don't care how guilty he felt because the town thought him a godly man when he was the sinner whose identity they tried to get from Hester. He still let her bear all the public infamy that belonged to both of them.

Hester's husband was just as bad for placing all the blame for his behavior on her partner in adultery. He refused to take responsibility for freely choosing evil over forgiveness.

You'll probably recognize human behavior that is still present, such as making up tidbits of gossip and refusing to believe the truth when told it.
The book does provoke thought, but it also provoked considerable anger in this reader, at least.

I liked Ms. Gibson's narration. ( )