This author is new to me and although I haven't read "The Scarlet Letter," I know about it, so this book was a new and interesting take on it. I feel like the other reviewers have described the plot well, so i'll just say I thought this book was good. ( )

Rachel Stoltzfus has only ever know life as it is in the old order Mennonite community in which she is raised. However, an unplanned pregnancy ostracizes her from that community and her own family - even from her beloved sister. Wanting to help her sister, but also wanting to help her own child Rachel is faced with many difficult decisions as her story unfolds. Finances, health issues, and an unsympathetic father-in-law create plenty of drama for Rachel and for the reader. Fortunately there are also kindhearted characters who offer to help her navigate life as she is forced to become increasingly independent from her normal support system. In the end, I was drawn into her story I was rooting for her to find a way to make it on her own.
You can't help but compare this story with The Scarlet Letter, and it explores the classic themes of that familiar story well. It's a bit more heavy than some Amish/Mennonite fiction, but offers a strong exploration of the emotional consequences of "shunning" and being judged by a rule bound society. ( )

There have been so many glowing reviews of Jolina Petersheim’s debut novel, The Outcast, that I was intrigued by this book. Add the fact that it was inspired by The Scarlet Letter, I knew I had to read it sooner than later. I purchased the audiobook and took off on my morning walks becoming immersed in Rachel’s life, her struggles and heartbreak. The Outcast was a book I just could not put down, er, turn off! Great writing, characters and plot — this novel has it all and gets a very highly recommended designation from me.

Petersheim sets her story of betrayal, jealousy, and judgment in an Old Order Mennonite community. Forgiveness is available, but only if repentance comes first. But not all sins are brought to light, and hypocrisy and pride drive innocents out into the world.

As stated, The Outcast is inspired by The Scarlet Letter. If your high school experience with that novel was less than enjoyable, don’t let that fact keep you from reading this book. Petersheim’s voice is fresh and accessible for her readers. Characters are real and relatable. The dual points of view of Rachel and a recently deceased Amos give fascinating and insightful glimpses into the heart of the characters. The faith message of God’s love, forgiveness and restoration runs throughout the novel. The Outcast also echoes the story of Rachel and Leah from the book of Genesis. — a nice touch. Petersheim also does a great job of exploring the impact of cancer on the entire family.

The Outcast is a winner in my book!

Very Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: adults. ( )

This is the first book I have read by this author. It's also the first book I have read about the Plain Folk (the Amish, or the somewhat similar Old Mennonite). I liked the writing style of the author, as well as the story. While the characters in the book did endure many difficulties, there was also love, redemption, and restoration. ( )

This book was okay, but not phenomenal. I was bogged down with the insertion of random words of Pennsylvania Dutch, which didn't really add character to the book, especially when it was clear that you just plain couldn't read what the characters were speaking unless it was in English, so rather than add to the story, it detracted for me. Close to halfway through the book, it was just too predictable for me, not because it was a retelling of The Scarlet Letter, but that it appeared to be just like every other "romance" novel I've ever tried to read. I was very tired of reading it 3/4 of the way through, and barely finished it at all. I stayed up late to do so, so that I could get on with another book. It was an okay story. It just didn't grab me at all. ( )