This was my first Alice Hoffman book, and it felt like a love letter to literature—the kind of story that reminds you why books matter. But beyond the magic and storytelling, The Invisible Hour also has a powerful message about women’s place in society, control, and the fight for independence.

The story follows Mia, who grows up in a restrictive cult where women are expected to be obedient and powerless. Her only escape? Books—especially The Scarlet Letter, a novel that resonates deeply with her own struggles. Hoffman draws clear parallels between Mia’s world and the historical oppression of women, showing how the fight for freedom and autonomy has always been a battle, whether in the 1600s, the 1800s, or today.

What I loved most was how Hoffman highlights the power of literature in giving women a voice, a means to rebel, and a way to reclaim their own narratives. The story unfolds slowly, almost dreamlike, blending historical fiction with magical realism in a way that feels both timeless and urgent.

If you love books about books, stories that celebrate resilience, and narratives that explore women’s place in history, this one is worth picking up. It’s haunting, thought-provoking, and beautifully written.