The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

GENRE

Fiction / Classic Literature (235 pgs.)


SYNOPSIS

The Scarlet Letter is the story of three New England settlers at odds with the puritan society in which they live. Roger Chillingworth, an aging scholar, arrives in New England after two years' separation from his wife Hester to find her on trial for adultery. For refusing to reveal her lover's identity, she is condemned to wear a letter 'A' sewn onto her clothes. Roger resolves to discover and destroy the man who has stolen his honor.


MY REVIEW

Some of you may be wondering why I bothered to review this book. "Dude, I totally had to read that in high school. You're not supposed to review required reading books, because they all suck." Well, I assure you this novel is one of the few exceptions. Bear with me.

As I first picked up my dreaded summer reading list for AP Language and Composition, I noticed this title was on it (Yes, I readily admit that I did not read this book just for fun... at first). I picked it up at my local Borders, sat down with highlighter and pen in hand ready for annotations, and began to read away. The funny thing was, I couldn't put this book down.

One of the first literary heroines (and one of the best, in my opinion), Hester Prynne is a character that transcends time. She is a very modern-day woman stuck in the realm of early American Puritan harshness. She does not let others get the best of her, no matter what the obstacle, no matter what the situation.

Roger Chillingworth is the perfect villain. Twisted by hate and jealousy, he is willing to stop at nothing to have his revenge on his unfaithful wife. Devious, he infiltrates at the heart of the mystery, just like any good modern villain would do.

The Rev. Dimmesdale, despite his characteristics of general wimpiness, has a love for Hester that is strong and true. Sure, he's not the breathtakingly romantic type, but he fights hard in defense of his love Hester.

I have no idea what could have made a novel off of my summer reading list so appealing. Maybe it was Mr. Hawthorne's fascinating style of writing, with his symbolism and vivid imagery. Maybe it was the deep connectiong with nature present throughout the book, so characteristic of the Romantic period, that made the story fresh and real. Maybe it was the plot, masterfully crafted, shrouded in mystery, full of cliff-hangers and hidden secrets. It read like a modern historical fiction/mystery novel, only better. I ate it up.

This novel truly transcends time. It is so perfectly written, so shrouded in dark mystery, so passionate. Really, I couldn't put it down. This book, to me, was really exciting. A truly great work of classic fiction.

So if any of you high-school teenagers out there are reading this post, and are required to read the Scarlet Letter for school, PLEASE don't pass up the opportunity. You will regret it. Step out of the box and give the book a try. You won't be dissapointed.

Lastly, just a quick warning about wordiness. Yes, this book was published in 1850, but trust me, the story makes up for that fact.

MY RATING

5*****

An interesting tidbit... a new movie called Easy A is coming out this summer, and is a modern take on the Scarlet Letter. It actually looks really good! Trailer below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL7W6pEuAW0

First Love by Ivan Turgenev

GENRE

Classic Literature / Fiction (107 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

When the down-at-heel Princess Zasyekin moves next door to the country estate of Vladimir Petrovich's parents, he instantly and overwhelmingly falls in love with his neighbor's daughter, Zinaida. But the capricious young woman already has many admirers and, as she plays her suitors against each other, Vladimir's unrequited youthful passion soon turns to torment and despair - although he remains unaware of his true rival for Zinaida's affections. Set in the world of nineteenth-century Russia's fading aristocracy, Turgenev's story depicts a boy's growth of knowledge and mastery over his own heart as he awakens to the complex nature of adult love.

MY REVIEW

First Love by Ivan Turgenev details the story of Vladimir Petrovich, Russian schoolboy who falls helplessly in love with his neighbor's daughter Zinaida, despite competition from many older suitors. I first discovered this book after watching the move "Lover's Prayer," which is based on this book. I'm so glad that I found this novella... I discovered a hidden gem.

Turgenevs' prose is lilting and intoxicating. Throughout this short read, I felt as if I should have been reading this book lying in a field wildflowers or something. I know it sounds goofy, but it's true. The pages of this novella are simply bursting with feeling, which is exactly what our young protagonist is doing. One of my favorite quotes:

"Oh, gentle feelings, soft sounds, the goodness and the gradual stilling of a soul that has been moved; the melting happiness of the first tender, touching joys of love - where are you? Where are you?"

Because this book is written about a sixteen-year-old boy's First Love, it's practically raw emotion, all the time. When Vladimir's heart aches for the lovely Zinaida, you can feel it. You can feel his despair when SPOILER he finds out that the one Zinaida truly loves is his own father. END SPOILER You can clearly sense his undying devotion to his love.

Speaking of our protagonist, Vladimir stole my heart. SO incredibly romantic... and so devoted, undyingly. He would do anything for his love. Call me what you will (love-sick fool!), but I'd take Vladimir anyday.

The scenery is breathtaking. I have NEVER wanted to visit Russia, but this book made me want visit Russia and to stroll aimlessly through the Russian countryside. Prefferably with Mr. Vladimir. ; )

Don't be discouraged by the fact that this book was written in 1860. It is simply written and easily understandable. And it is truly a beautiful read.

MY RATING

5*****

Watch the trailer for Lover's Prayer here (but read the book before you watch the movie!):

Lover's Prayer Trailer

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

GENRE

Classic English Literature, Fiction.

SYNOPSIS

'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.' Thus memorably begins Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, definitely one of the world's most popular novels. P&P, as it is sometimes so amiably nicknamed, follows the story of a young woman, Elizabeth Bennet, one of five sisters who is impelled constantly by her mother to marry rich, as she confounds and charms the arrogant, prejudiced, and wealthy Mr. Darcy. Set in regency England, this story is the classic tale of love at all costs.

MY REVIEW

I thought a review of this novel would be an excellent way to start off my blog! What can I say that hasn't already been said by so many others? Pride and Prejudice is just simply the best. Jane Austen's incredible wit and amazing character development really truly never gets old. I absolutely adore the whole Mr. Collins visit, and Mr. Bennet's many witty quips to save the day: "From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents.--Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do."

The emotion in this novel practically springs from the pages of this book, and really seeps into you, making you really care about the characters. On a personal level, I can see some of myself in Elizabeth Bennet, P&P's main protagonist, and she is probably one of my favorite literary heroines of all time. And what's not to like about the handsome, brooding, regency heartthrob known as Mr. Darcy? Can anyone say super history crush?

My favorite part of this novel is the confrontation between Lady Catherine and Elizabeth concerning Mr. Darcy's offer of marriage. Jane Austen wrote this with such eloquence on Elizabeth's part, it never ceases to amaze me. Lizzy's character just shines so bright in this part, as she tells Lady Catherine off, and I can't wait till the end every time I reread it... just simply a wow moment.

All in all, one of the best reads of all time. Gripping story, lovely characters, incredible charm. Get ready to enhance your reading level by a bazillion points, though; it can be pretty wordy at times (in the best of ways). First timers to the wonderful Ms. Austen might find it semi-challenging.

(P.S. After you're done reading this amazing novel, be sure to watch both the Keira Knightley version and the BBC miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice! Both are excellent.)

MY RATING

5 *****