Red by Annie Cardi (The Chance You Won't Return) is an empowering modern take on Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter that thoughtfully and with a gentle hand explores faith, abortion, and sexual assault.
Sixteen-year-old Tess Pine skips her annual fall retreat with her Hawthorne, Va., Christian church youth group to drive to Maryland to have an abortion--"the procedure" as she and her mom call it. Tess expects to return to normal after, but instead she receives harassing anonymous text messages, and someone has spray-painted a giant red "A" on her school locker. Not only is everyone viewing her like she's "a jumble of urges and body parts and shame," but she can't even tell anyone who the father is without "destroy[ing] his career and life." Tess retreats to her school's music room, where she meets a group of friends who provide a judgment-free space for her. With their encouragement, Tess regains her voice and the confidence to speak out.
Profoundly relevant and carefully handled, this emotional retelling of a classic novel includes the original's depiction of shame and power of community while deftly incorporating discussions about grooming and finding self-worth. These heavier topics are expertly balanced with moments of joy--whether it's through Tess reconnecting to music or feeling safe with her new friends. Cardi's choice to write the novel in first-person gives autonomy to Tess and power to vulnerable populations, offering these groups hope in the face of adversity. Cardi delivers an impactful message through a heartrending, encouraging story. --Lana Barnes, freelance reviewer and proofreader