Hester: a bewitching tale of desire and ambition

Based on the Scarlet Letter, Isobel and Nathaniel are a pair of troubled legacies, desire, and unsung power. Isobel is a talented needleworker, while Nathaniel is haunted by his ancestors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2023
Publisher: Duckworth Books

A captivating tale of troubled legacies, unyielding desires, and untapped power, inspired by the iconic The Scarlet Letter, unfolds in the bustling city of Glasgow in 1829. Isobel, a young seamstress, and her husband Edward embark on a journey to New England, driven by the desire to escape Edward's mounting debts and addictions. However, their hopes of a fresh start are dashed upon their arrival in Salem, Massachusetts. Left alone and destitute, Isobel must navigate the treacherous waters of a new world, where her unique talents as a needleworker are intertwined with a mysterious and unsettling past.

In this enchanting tale, Isobel crosses paths with Nathaniel, a fledgling writer, whose ancestors bear the burden of a dark history. During the Salem witch trials, they were responsible for the unjust execution of innocent women accused of witchcraft. Nathaniel, haunted by the ghosts of his ancestors, grapples with the guilt and shame that weigh heavily upon him. Meanwhile, Isobel, with her extraordinary gift of needlework, is plagued by her own peculiar abilities, which seem to hold secrets beyond her understanding.

As their paths intertwine, Nathaniel and Isobel discover a profound connection that transcends their differences. They become a dynamic duo, combining Nathaniel's poetic words with Isobel's intricate embroidery. Together, they weave a tapestry of dark storytelling, where the line between reality and illusion blurs, and magic and madness intertwine.

But as their relationship deepens, questions arise. Is Nathaniel truly haunted by his ancestors' legacy, or is he hiding a darker truth? And what about Isobel's peculiar talents—are they a blessing or a curse? As the stakes rise, the duo must confront their demons, both past and present, and find a way to navigate the treacherous waters of their intertwined lives.

In this captivating tale of love, loss, and the supernatural, The Needleworker and the Writer explores the depths of human emotions and the power of legacy. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for redemption and transformation, and that the true magic lies in the courage to embrace our own unique talents and embrace the unknown.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780715654842