The Scarlet Letter
2020
by Nathaniel Hawthorne
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The Scarlet Letter, a profound work of American literature, delves into the rigid Puritan society of 17th-century Boston to tell a tale of sin, guilt, and redemption. The narrative centers on Hester Prynne, a woman who endures public scorn for bearing an illegitimate child while wrestling with her own complex feelings of penitence and dignity.
Through Hester's story, Nathaniel Hawthorne explores the human condition, examining themes of legalism, sin, and guilt. Hester's resilience and strength in the face of adversity make her a timeless character, whose struggles and triumphs continue to resonate with readers today.
Hawthorne's rich language and psychological insight imbue the novel with a timeless quality, ensuring its place as a classic in American literature and a reflective mirror into the societal norms and moral dilemmas of its time.
The Book of Longings
2020
by Sue Monk Kidd
An extraordinary story set in the first century about a woman who finds her voice and her destiny, from the celebrated number one New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings.
Raised in a wealthy family in Sepphoris with ties to the ruler of Galilee, Ana is rebellious and ambitious, a relentless seeker with a brilliant, curious mind and a daring spirit. Defying the expectations placed on women, she engages in furtive scholarly pursuits and writes secret narratives about neglected and silenced women. When she meets the eighteen-year-old Jesus, each is drawn to and enriched by the other's spiritual and philosophical ideas. He becomes a floodgate for her intellect, but also the awakener of her heart.
Grounded in meticulous historical research and written with a reverential approach to Jesus’s life that focuses on his humanity, The Book of Longings is an inspiring account of one woman’s bold struggle to realize the passion and potential inside her, while living in a time, place, and culture devised to silence her.
Raised in a wealthy family in Sepphoris with ties to the ruler of Galilee, Ana is rebellious and ambitious, a relentless seeker with a brilliant, curious mind and a daring spirit. Defying the expectations placed on women, she engages in furtive scholarly pursuits and writes secret narratives about neglected and silenced women. When she meets the eighteen-year-old Jesus, each is drawn to and enriched by the other's spiritual and philosophical ideas. He becomes a floodgate for her intellect, but also the awakener of her heart.
Grounded in meticulous historical research and written with a reverential approach to Jesus’s life that focuses on his humanity, The Book of Longings is an inspiring account of one woman’s bold struggle to realize the passion and potential inside her, while living in a time, place, and culture devised to silence her.