The uncalled a novel

"Published first in 1898, African American poet Dunbar's novel Uncalled has been termed "a sentimental tale about white people." The story is set in Dexter, Ohio and the plot is not dependent on the race of the characters. One source notes: "The Uncalled is the story of the childhood and young manhood of Frederick Brent. The story opens with the death of his mother in circumstances of poverty. She has been abandoned by her drunken husband and sells her soul to the devil. The plot thickens when the question arises as to who will take care of young Frederick." Raised by Hester Prime, Frederick rebels against her desire to make him a minister. He feels, as it were, "uncalled."-- www.answers.com and www.ez-essays.com."
"Dunbar's first novel, published in 1901, evokes The Scarlet Letter, even featuring a character suggestively named Hester Prime. When a minister alienates his congregation by refusing to condemn an unwed mother, his hopes for the future dissolve ... as secrets from his past come to light."