Esther is a free-thinking young woman who enjoys her independence. Her strained relationship with her father usually keeps her far from the church, until she is hired to paint a mural for a Christian church in New York. There, the pastor, Stephen, is in awe of Esther’s work. He makes a consistent effort to connect with her, memorized by her talent. Though she initially recoils from his attention, Esther starts to fall in love with Stephen after he helps her through a family matter. Growing closer as her father’s health declines, Esther and Stephen connect despite their differences. From the start, Esther and Stephen must face conflicts in personality, faith, intellect, and social beliefs. Their relationship is built on rocky ground, threatening Esther’s independence, but offering comfort in her time of need. Intrigued by Stephen’s faith and moved by her love for him, Esther tries to become religious, even though it conflicts with her reason and threatens her independence as a woman. Though her love for Stephen is strong, Esther struggles to decide if it is more important than her autonomy and if his faith is any match for her beliefs of intellectual reason.

Clashing personalities, sexism, and the battle between faith and reason make a clever and thoughtful setting for this romance, challenging Esther and Stephen’s relationship with philosophical, theological, and social debate. Esther, written by Henry Adams, examines common ethical and intellectual differences in society and the effect such contrasts have on both romantic and platonic relationships. Though it was published over one hundred years ago, Esther depicts problems that current readers can relate to, and Adam’s wit offers surprising insight and depth.

Now presented with a new and appealing cover design and font, paired with classic, well-developed characters, and a lively setting, John Adam’s Esther is easier than ever to enjoy. With a deep, complicated romance and thoughtful representation of the forever relevant debate between reason and religion, Esther is an American classic well deserving of praise and conversation.