Scarlett Letters

Yes, I've heard of it! I have clear memories of reading about it in two completely different autobiographical essays, although, unfortunately, I can't remember any bibliographic information for either of them. In one, the author's mother was delighted to learn that her daughter's period had started and slapped her softly on both cheeks, saying something like "My mother did this to me and now I've done it to you! It's so you'll always have rosy cheeks." As I recall, the author was surprised but certainly not upset. In the other, the mother delivered a "stinging slap," saying something like, "This is necessary when a girl becomes a woman so that she does not become shameless."

If I think of any information about either of these books, I'll let you know.