A dazzlingly inventive tale of troubled legacies, desire and unsung power, inspired by The Scarlet Letter.

Glasgow, 1829: Isobel, a young seamstress, and her husband Edward set sail for New England, in flight from his mounting debts and addictions. But, arriving in Salem, Massachusetts, Edward soon takes off again, and Isobel finds herself penniless and alone.

Then she meets Nathaniel, a fledgling writer, and the two are instantly drawn to each other: he is haunted by his ancestors, who sent innocent women to the gallows during the Salem witch trials - while she is an unusually gifted needleworker, troubled by her own strange talents. Nathaniel and Isobel grow ever closer. Together, they are dark storyteller and muse; enchanter and enchanted. But which is which?

About the Author

Laurie Lico Albanese is a former publisher and journalist and the author of three previous novels and a memoir. Hester is her fourth novel. Originally from Long Island, she has two children and lives with her husband in New Jersey. You can connect with her on social media via Twitter: @Laurie_Albanese or Instagram: @lauriealbanese

Reviews

'Like the greatest historical fiction, Hester makes you believe utterly' Gillian Flynn, international bestselling author of Gone Girl

'Full of lush and colourful prose, Hester proves that a woman will do whatever she must to prosper, even when she is left with nothing but courage - and a few secrets of her own' Sarah Penner, bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary

'A masterpiece that should be required reading alongside Hawthorne's classic tale of adultery. Enthralling, ambitious and a total knockout' Fiona Davis, bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue

'A luminous blend of fiction and truth, Hester weaves a spellbinding tapestry of Salem history as it has never been told before' Afia Atakora, author of Conjure Women

Book Information
ISBN 9780715654767
Author Laurie Lico Albanese
Format Hardback
Page Count 336
Imprint Duckworth
Publisher Duckworth Books