At a glance
The House of the Seven Gables
Classic American Gothic fiction
The House of the Seven Gables
336 pages · First published 2001
For generations, the Pyncheon family has lived beneath the shadow of a curse tied to an ancestor's betrayal during the Salem witch trials. Within their decaying New England mansion, the impoverished Hepzibah cares for her troubled brother Clifford, while their cheerful young cousin Phoebe brings unexpected warmth to the gloomy household. As the calculating Judge Pyncheon pursues the family's long-hidden secrets, questions of inheritance, guilt, and justice threaten to expose the sins of the past. Meanwhile, the mysterious lodger Holgrave watches the family's affairs unfold, carrying secrets of his own. Perfect for a stormy night by the fire, Nathaniel Hawthorne's Gothic classic will appeal to readers who enjoy atmospheric family secrets, unsettling mysteries, and the possibility of redemption.
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Accusations of witchcraft and wrongful execution (historical backstory); murder allegations and wrongful imprisonment; sudden death and discovery of a body; depression, despair, and references to suicidal thoughts; psychological manipulation and intimidation; threats of institutionalization; family trauma and longstanding emotional distress.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Dark Drinking Chocolate
Rich, bittersweet chocolate mirrors the Pyncheon family's dark inheritance, while its comforting warmth recalls Phoebe's light within the gloomy mansion.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Warm the milk gently in a saucepan. Whisk in the cocoa and salt, then add the chopped chocolate. Stir over low heat until melted and smooth; do not boil. Simmer gently, stirring, until slightly thickened. Taste before adding any sugar.
- Garnish: A light dusting of cocoa.
- Glassware: Small mug.
Cocktail Pour · 21+
Frozen River Toddy
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Warming bourbon, apple cider, and cinnamon offer a welcome refuge from the Pyncheon mansion's chilling secrets and generations-old curse.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.Shop the spirits 21+Search Total Wine for Bourbon · 21+ ↗
How to mix it
- Warm the cider with ginger and cinnamon without boiling. Pour into a mug, stir in bourbon, and serve hot.
- Garnish: Cinnamon stick.
- Glassware: Mug.
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