The House of the Seven Gambles

by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The House of the Seven Gables  by Nathaniel Hawthorne  is a Gothic novel that explores themes of guilt, hereditary sin, and the passage of time. Set in a decaying New England mansion, the story follows the Pyncheon family, whose past is marked by a dark curse linked to ancestral greed and injustice. As the present generations struggle with the weight of their history, Hawthorne weaves a tale of mystery, redemption, and the inevitable influence of the past on the present.

Since its publication, The House of the Seven Gables has been praised for its richly atmospheric storytelling and psychological depth. The novel blends supernatural elements with social critique, examining the effects of inherited guilt and the moral consequences of ambition. Hawthorne's intricate prose and symbolic imagery make it a cornerstone of American Gothic literature.

The novel's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of human nature, the burdens of history, and the potential for renewal. The House of the Seven Gables remains a haunting reflection on the inescapability of the past and the hope that lies in personal transformation and redemption.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2025

About the author

Nathaniel Hawthorne was a 19th century American novelist and short story writer. He is seen as a key figure in the development of American literature for his tales of the nation's colonial history.

Shortly after graduating from Bowdoin College, Hathorne changed his name to Hawthorne. Hawthorne anonymously published his first work, a novel titled Fanshawe, in 1828. In 1837, he published Twice-Told Tales and became engaged to painter and illustrator Sophia Peabody the next year. He worked at a Custom House and joined a Transcendentalist Utopian community, before marrying Peabody in 1842. The couple moved to The Old Manse in Concord, Massachusetts, later moving to Salem, the Berkshires, then to The Wayside in Concord. The Scarlet Letter was published in 1850, followed by a succession of other novels. A political appointment took Hawthorne and family to Europe before returning to The Wayside in 1860. Hawthorne died on May 19, 1864, leaving behind his wife and their three children.

Much of Hawthorne's writing centers around New England and many feature moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration. His work is considered part of the Romantic movement and includes novels, short stories, and a biography of his friend, the United States President Franklin Pierce.