Outcast

In this retelling of The Scarlet Letter, Rachel Stoltzfus refuses to confess her sin to the Mennonite community. She will not name the man who fathered her child outside of marriage. But the pregnancy couldn’t be hidden and, after her son was born, she wanted Eli to be accepted. Rachel lives with her twin sister’s family, caring for Leah who is recovering from a difficult pregnancy and birth of her younges son. Eventually, the whispers of the community and the harshness of Rachel’s brother-in-law the bishop drive her away from Leah’s side, the man who loves her, and the only faith she knew.

Then Eli’s breathing difficulties are diagnosed as a life-threatening illness. And Rachel, ultimately, must turn back to her family and the Mennonite community to reveal her secrets – and theirs – to save her son.

Petersheim sets a retelling of a classic piece of literature against the backdrop of bonnets and buggies, the constructs of faith, and the judgmental nature of believers. She reveals the power of confession and God’s willingness to forgive and restore.