A review by nataliii
Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This was trying do a whole lot in a fairly small space/length. The main premise itself was a tall order, while also touching on or trying to tackle the identity and validity of immigrants, the ghosts of witch trials passed, feminist sisterhood, nationalism dynamics, the Underground Railroad, and I’m sure I’m forgetting one or two others - this book’s theme was often in question or just lost. A few threads that made it to the end resonated with me, but overall this felt a bit clumsy and poorly planned.
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up for the bits that were successfully touching or intriguing.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an eARC of this book.