Presents an in-depth look at the life of the author of "Twice-Told Tales," "The Scarlet Letter," and "The House of Seven Gables." Read more Continue reading Read less FROM SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
Grade 6 Up-The legendary novelist's life is portrayed as being as dramatic as the plotlines of his novels, and readers will be captivated by the detailed accounts of the family tragedies that made up his childhood and the financial and literary vicissitudes of his adult life. Meltzer provides sufficient background about New England at the time as well as accounts of the historical events that were shaping the country. This is not a sanitized biography, but an honest rendering, with a touching focus on Hawthorne's love for his wife and children that also shows his pro-slavery and sexist beliefs. Meltzer writes in a clear style and leaves much of the description and psychological analysis to authentic quotes and recorded anecdotes from the writings of Hawthorne, his family and friends, and his contemporaries. Interesting sidebars discuss the themes and the background of selected works by the author. The illustrations are an appropriate mix of black-and-white photographs, paintings, and drawings. This is an excellent choice for avid biography readers as well as students looking for a book to fulfill an American history assignment.-Michael Santangelo, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
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