For Love of Hawthorne by Diana Rubino

      Salem, Massachusetts witnessed horrific and shameful events in 1692 that haunted the town for three centuries. Accused as witches, nineteen innocent people were hanged and one was pressed to death. Judge John Hathorne and Reverend Nicholas Noyes handed down the sentences. One victim, Sarah Good, cursed them from the hanging tree: “If you take away my life, God will give you blood to drink!” She then set her eyes on Judge Hathorne. “I curse you and your acknowledged heirs for all time on this wicked earth!”

       In 1717, Nicholas Noyes choked on his own blood and died. Every generation after the judge continued to lose Hathorne land and money, prompting the rumor of a family curse. By the time his great great grandson Nathaniel was born, they faced poverty. Ashamed of his ancestor, Nathaniel added the ‘w’ to his last name. His novels and stories explore his beliefs and fears of sin and evil, and he based many of his characters on overbearing Puritan rulers such as Judge Hathorne.

Our review:

         This is a touching love story between two people, one of whom would eventually reach world wide acclaim for, among other works of fiction, The House of the Seven Gables. Told in journal style, in the voice of Sophia Peabody Hawthorne, this story tells of a life long romance between two people whose love was thwarted at every turn by manipulative family members who, for selfish reasons, did not want to see the romance blossom. Against intense negativism and manipulation, it survived, because of strength and perseverance ion on the part of Sophia. So many times, Nathaniel erected barriers; each time Sophia knocked them down and moved forward, determined to help the love of a lifetime.

          If you are a fan of historical based fiction, particularly early 17th Century Massachusetts, appreciate detailed research which is cleverly woven into the prose, For The Love of Hawthorne is the book for you.

          We are better for having read it. Congratulations Ms. Rubino on an incredible feat.

Out of 5 stars, this earns a 5

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews