Launch: Patricia Suprenant’s Behind the Scarlet Letter

INTERVIEW BY LESLIE S. LOWE

Patricia Suprenant is the winner of the 2018 Chanticleer International Goethe Book Award for Behind the Scarlet Letter. She earned her M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts and an M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut. She has worked in both the non-profit and business sectors, and is particularly proud of serving as editor of the Mansfield Independent News. She resides in Connecticut with her family.

How would you describe this book and its themes in a couple of sentences?

Behind the Scarlet Letter tells the true story of a 19th-century scandal that changed women’s rights in America. Set against the backdrop of a young seamstress caught in a tragic love triangle between a minister and a doctor, the novel follows their deeply personal journey, as one man faces a criminal trial for his actions. As societal norms, religious hypocrisy, and legal battles collide, this gripping tale exposes the dangerous limits placed on women’s autonomy—and how those struggles still echo today.

What inspired you to start writing historical fiction and what has been most rewarding about it?

Writing historical fiction feels like a natural fit for me, given my advanced degree in anthropology—a field that interprets the evolution of human civilization based upon unearthed artifacts and the stratification of the soils in which they are found. When a historical novel is based on a true story, as Behind the Scarlet Letter is, the process is similar. In this case, primary source materials—such as probate records, court documents, and memoirs—are the artifacts, and from them, a timeline of events can be pieced together. One of the most rewarding aspects of writing this novel was connecting with the descendants of two of the key individuals in this story.

This is your second literary novel. Broken hearts are in both of your novels. How is the main character story in Behind the Scarlet Letter different from the main character in Journey to the Isle of Devils? How are they similar?

In both cases, these highly educated, titled men—born in the late 18th century—became infamous: one for his criminal trial involving an abortion, and the other for his provocative, near-erotica (for its time) novel, The Monk. Each has an intriguing story to tell with lessons that resonate right up to the present day.

Why the focus on this topic now? Is there a historical event you found in researching that inspired you to write this story to portray a key message for now?

The focus on a woman’s right to choose and bodily autonomy is more relevant today than ever. Behind the Scarlet Letter is based on an early 19th-century legal case that was a foundation case cited in Roe v. Wade. It was important to me that modern readers understand that this deeply personal moral dilemma has always been a part of the human experience.

How does character Asenath “Caroline” Smith transform throughout the story? What did that journey mean to you as you wrote it? How did it affect you?

It’s important to remember that all the characters in Behind the Scarlet Letter were real people with real lives. I’ve tried to approach each character with empathy and respect. In 1817, Caroline Smith was an unwed teenager whose pregnancy altered the course of her life. At that time, the crime wasn’t abortion, but sex outside marriage. When Caroline refused to name her lover, the state charged him with a “high crime and misdemeanor,” a vague offense that included the assault on her body. It wasn’t until 1820 that Connecticut enacted the nation’s first abortion law due to its inability to prosecute her lover. Before quickening (ensoulment), abortion was commonly accepted, whether through mechanical or medicinal means. Writing this story was complex. I avoided passing judgment on the characters, reflecting instead on the deeply personal and moral nature of their choices by narrating the story through multiple viewpoints—Caroline, her lover, her mother, and others. In the end, you can’t help but feel for all the characters. As one character in the story laments, “No punishment can be greater than public hatred.”

How do you think the reader will connect with Caroline in this book?

Many readers will empathize with Caroline—her hopes, fears, and disappointments—as she navigates societal judgment. Caroline’s isolation and the harsh scrutiny she faces mirror modern issues of women’s rights and autonomy, drawing powerful parallels between her story and ongoing struggles today. Her resilience in the face of betrayal and oppressive forces will evoke both empathy and reflection on how little has changed.

Is there a character that you feel connected to and why?

These were all real and flawed people, but their imperfections make them compelling. I feel connected to them, having tried to understand their perspectives. By exploring the life of one of Caroline’s lovers early in the novel, I aimed to give him depth and encourage readers to consider all the characters’ experiences rather than simply judge.

How did you balance the research with writing the story? Did you get to do any interesting interviews for your research?

In historical fiction, staying true to the facts is crucial when writing a “based on a true story” novel. Readers expect both immersion in another time and authenticity. I take this responsibility seriously, conducting thorough research into original source documents and local histories. For Behind the Scarlet Letter, I even spoke with descendants of key figures, which gave me a greater sense of responsibility to honor their legacies while blending fact with imagination.

How have your life experiences been incorporated with or assisted you in your writing? What are you currently working on?

I’ve always embraced growth, change, and learning, never setting limits on myself. My background in anthropology taught me to ask tough questions and understand cultural contexts, while my MBA instilled precision and clear goal-setting. In both private and nonprofit sectors, I’ve been drawn to the small, personal stories that often go unnoticed. One of my proudest achievements was founding a community newspaper, recognizing the importance of local news. I’m now working on a historical novel set in France, highlighting an overlooked American patriot from the Revolutionary War era—a complex, flawed, yet fascinating figure whose story deserves to be told.

Every author has their own publishing journey. Tell me about yours.

Behind the Scarlet Letter took nearly a decade to complete, and it’s the third of five historical novels I’ve written—the first two were complete rubbish. Writing is a process that takes time; every writer needs 10,000 hours to become proficient. Rejections? I’ve had plenty and could wallpaper a room with them, but I see them as a badge of courage, not a reflection of my talent. Publishing is a business, and decisions often come down to market trends. As for success, only time will tell, and it often carries unexpected personal consequences.

What advice would you give to other aspiring historical writers?

Believe in your story. Keep writing.

What is the last great book you read? Why?

It is Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution by Simon Schama. It is a wonderful classic, and an important resource if you want to understand the events leading up to the French Revolution.

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