The Scarlet Letters Book

With such classic works as The Rector of Justin and, more recently, Manhattan Monologues, Louis Auchincloss has long established himself as one of our "most useful and intelligent writers" (New York Observer). Now this American master offers his cleverest novel yet: a triumphant modern twist on the legendary Hawthorne tale, in which secrets, sin, and suspense collide among the fabulously rich.
The year is 1953, and the coastal village of Glenville, on the opulent north shore of Long Island, is shaken by scandal. Ambrose Vollard, the managing partner of a prestigious Wall Street law firm, gets word of an alleged affair in his family. Most astonishing, the adulterer is Rodman Jessup, Vollard's son-in-law, junior partner, and most likely successor. Until now Jessup has been admired for his impeccable morals and high ideals, so what could explain his affair with a woman of fading charms? All is on the line for Jessup, who threatens to upset Glenville's carefully calibrated social order. As each family member learns of the affair, the story reveals layer upon layer of abiding loyalties and shameless double-crossing.
Wise, rich, and exuberantly entertaining, The Scarlet Letters posts a seductive missive to anyone ever tempted by power, wealth, or passion.

The New York Times

Louis Auchincloss's moral fable The Scarlet Letters has quiet virtues that one of its own characters might admire. It is amiable, intelligent and forthright, with a lucid overview of the privileged world it surveys. It is also admirably trim and concise, populated by well-drawn figures raised to follow well-known rules.

If these are not automatically the most electrifying of attributes, they are nonetheless great assets here. Mr. Auchincloss has an enveloping story to tell and a perfect, understated knowledge of those who inhabit it. — Janet Maslin