Historical
Harriet and Isabella
By Audrey Johnson
Feb 14, 2010 - 4:55:09 PM

Every Sunday, Henry Beecher preaches about a loving caring God from his pulpit. While not the oldest child, his fame and dedication to honesty, love and caring have made him the family’s leader.  Henry’s fame, though, is a double-edged sword.  Despite his efforts, Henry is accused of having an illicit relationship with a married woman.  While vehemently denying his guilt, the trial nevertheless divides and wears his family down. 

Internationally renowned author Harriet Beecher Stowe is best known for bringing the evils of slavery to light.  Throughout her life Harriet has depended on Henry for everything and considers him incapable of wrongdoing.  When infidelity accusations arise, she immediately jumps to his side believing his denial inherently believable and accurate. 

Isabella Stowe Hooker believes women should have right to the vote.  To her family’s chagrin she has sided with ardent suffragists to advance women’s legal rights.  Isabella demands honesty from everyone, including Henry, no matter how bad.  But Isabella’s demand for the truth from Henry about the accusations separates her from the rest of the family, and she soon finds herself an outcast. 

Their divergent stances and unwillingness to believe any position other than their own tears apart the two previously close sisters.  For fifteen years, Harriet and Isabella do not speak to or see each other.  It takes Henry’s impending death to draw them together once again, but their history and divergent views may make it impossible to fully reunite.

HARRIET AND ISABELLA is an entrancing portrayal of family ties and the things that break them apart.  By showing both sister’s viewpoints and portraying the upheaval caused by the trial, O’Brien draws the reader into the personalities and motivations of the Beecher clan.  In the candid and thorough descriptions of their lives, Harriet and Isabella’s emotions, hopes, and fears come alive as does their obsession with the trial and their longing for normalcy for the entire family.  An emotional story of sisterly love and friendship, the reader will quickly hope for and imagine a joyful reunion.  An emotional and engaging read, HARRIET AND ISABELLA is a beautiful portrayal of the loss and salvage of special relationships.