I first read this book 19 years ago while a freshman in university. I loved it then, and still love it now. This is still one of my favorite books of all time. This time, I found myself totally engrossed in the characterization of Pearl & Hester and how the mother & daughter interacted. I did discover that Chillingworth's plan for revenge probably could have been a little more heinous, but the book is a classic for a reason. I won't give away the ending, but it was completely unexpected (at least the first time around, LOL). Apparently, so the story goes, Hawthorne's own wife hated the ending, but she couldn't have been much of a book critic.

The fictional story of Hester Prynne raising her child, Pearl, in a puritan Boston in the 1850s, and having to wear an "A" on her chest for all to see her sin of adultery. Hester does not reveal with whom she has committed this crime. Other important characters are Roger Chillingworth, whom lives up to his name,being the most hateful and monstrous of characters, and Reverend Dimmesdale who is troubled and seems to be hiding a secret. All in all, it's a great novel and, and for those uncertain, short. The load of description and old English dialogue does get tedious to read at times, but rarely boring. The jumps through several years and short chapters help the story move along quite nicely. Great read, especially for a feminist or anyone having seen the movie "Easy A" with Emma Stone.

Hi, Chapters Indigo emailed me and asked me what I thought about a recent purchase, so I thought I would share the following email discussion that I had with them concerning their gouging price on this title. I recommend you never buy anything at Chapters Indigo, if you can avoid it (I could not in this case). You should buy at Amazon.ca ...my email to customer service... Hello, I have to say I'm not impressed with Chapters on this purchase. The same product on amazon.ca costs $11.49 delivered (7.96 book cost, 2.48 shipping, some tax). It is $18.30 on Chapters.ca . This is way out of alignment. I did order it on amazon.ca, but because this is needed for my daughter's school work, she needs it quickly, and in this case amazon.ca couldn't deliver quickly enough (please don't say "well that's what you're paying for at Chapters", because this has been the only time that amazon.ca has had a delayed delivery in the many products that I've ordered there). Clearly. I will continue to buy at amazon.ca but I thought it was important that you got this feedback. BTW, where on your website is the "contact us" link? I could not find that, and so I'm hoping this email is a good one to provide this commentary to. ... and this is the response I received...funny thing...I actually expected a rebate of shipping, or similar, to better align the two companies' prices - I never got it. Thank you for contacting Chapters Indigo Online regarding your recent email. We appreciate hearing from our customers and value the information and feedback that we receive. According to our records at the time you placed order the item cost was $9.95, shipping cost $7.48 and HST of $0.87 totaling $18.30, when there is only one item, this will be the shipping charges you will incur. Additionally, items are only charged to your credit card as they ship, so charges for orders that contain multiple items may be not be reflected on the same credit card statement. Please note that as you select Premium Shipping, you should expect to receive your order within 2-4 business days from the shipping date. We strive to offer our customers great value, we do not have an official “price-match” policy in place. If you require any additional assistance, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for choosing Chapters Indigo Online. Books, Music, Movies and More. Sincerely, Customer Service Team Chapters Indigo Online

Whether you've read this book or not, chances are you know what the story is about. Hester Prynne wears a scarlet letter on her chest as punishment for Adultery. She was sent over to New England before her husband, had an affair with an unknown member of society, and ended up with child. She wears the letter on her chest every day and her daughter, Pearl, sees this as normal. The book is well written and, I'm sure, an English teacher's dream. Never having done that well in English class myself, I can't say I really enjoyed it. I found it incredibly dry in places and sometimes wished Hawthorne would stop babbling and just get to the point already. Point in case, Hawthorne wrote a 46 page introduction to the novel, for a 275 page book! People say this is a novel of everlasting love but I didn't see it that way. How could two people that love each other so much go seven years without talking to each other, regardless of their circumstances? Needless to say, this is not my favourite book in the world and I don't think I'll pick up any Hawthorne books in the future.

This book is one of the best books i have read for a long time. The descriptive details and interesting plot keep you reading further and not wanting to stop. While you are reading you can really relate to Hester and what shes going through. This story has a non-stop interesting story line, from the start. Hawthorne jumps you right into Hesters life right from the first chapter. I recconmend this book to everyone.