The Scarlet Letter

By: Nathaniel Hawthorne

Narrated by: Charles Minx

The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is considered to be one of the greatest examples of true American literature. Its excellency of topic, characterization, and description has made it a permanent part of our history. Set in Salem, Massachusetts in the 1600s, it describes the life of Hester Prynne, a Puritan woman whose existence is marred by sin. The real genius of the book is found in its description. Hawthorne makes allusion, symbolism, and romanticism work toward one effect, making the reader feel as if she was there, watching it all happen, living through Hester's struggle.

Public Domain (P)2010 Hudson Audio Publishing

Boring

I loved the movie. I liked reading the book. But I did not like listening to the audio book at all.

Narration is awful!

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The narration needed to be done by a more skilled actor with a much younger voice. Mr. Minx' voice was far too old sounding and he did not do the female parts at all well. The minister himself was a young man, but did not sound at all young.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Scarlet Letter?

The minister's blatant hypocrisy and calling out for the man who impregnated Hester while she stood on platform with babe in arms to take all the blame herself. Even though it had not been revealed that he was the father of the child, I suspected it and hated him for his not admitting it then and there.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Greatly!

What character would you cut from The Scarlet Letter?

none

Any additional comments?

Please provide at least one other production of The Scarlet Letter for your listeners to choose from.