I think it's really common for people to hate having to read The Scarlet Letter in high school. I was not one of those people, but then again, I'm not normal. Of course after having to read one of the most dry, boring, sleep inducing books on the witch trials in freshman history in college, the classic was simple and easy.
But, we don't get to find out what happens to Hester and Pearl. Enter Hester by Paula Reed. Hester has taken Pearl and moved to England. They move in with her childhood friend during the time of Cromwell, so England is a bit messy at this point. Staying true to form, Hester manages to get herself in the middle of everything and even gains favor with Cromwell. However, things get turned around, and life becomes not so neat for her again. Throughout it all, though, Hester stays a strong woman and manages to pass this down to Pearl.
This was a good read. You definitely need to have read The Scarlet Letter (and no cheating with just watching Easy A!). If you haven't, you'll be lost. It's much easier to get through than the Hawthorne classic, but then again, the writing isn't as lyrical. Still, it was interesting (but I'm also a sucker for retellings/reimaginings).
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