Author: Emily Brontë
Emily Brontë's only novel, Wuthering Heights remains one of literature's most disturbing explorations into the dark side of romantic passion. Heathcliff and Cathy believe they're destined to love each other forever, but when cruelty and snobbery separate them, their untamed emotions literally consume them.
Set amid the wild and stormy Yorkshire moors, Wuthering Heights, an unpolished and devastating epic of childhood playmates who grow into soul mates, is widely regarded as the most original tale of thwarted desire and heartbreak in the English language.
This book left me with a big tangled mess of conflicting emotions. On the one hand, I loved Brontë's writing and the concept of the story. But on the other hand, I had such a love-hate relationship with these characters.
I should mention that I started Wuthering Heights immediately after finishing Pride and Prejudice so I was extremely surprised by the harsh contrast between the dispositions of these books. The violence and cruelty exhibited by the characters of Wuthering Heights is so in-your-face, and I was not prepared for that at all!
And as for the characters...Oh. My. Gosh. There were times when they were so petty and frustrating I sometimes wished I could reach into the story and smack them upside the head!
I wish there could have been more time devoted to Catherine and Heathcliff's love story; it was such a central part of the novel, but there time together was too short for me to really become invested in them.
Overall, though, Brontë's themes of cruelty, love, and even redemption were veru well-incorporated throughout the story and I enjoyed the complex inter-character relationships--even if they confused me at first!
Rating: 3.75 stars
I read Wuthering Heights some time ago, but I never really liked it because it was just so depressing. (Also because Heathcliffe is just so manipulative.)
ReplyDeleteCrazy Red Pen
I only read this once, many years ago. I think I will re-read as an adult - should make for an interesting read, esp since P&P is my absolute fav classic. Everything is more about manners than passion there.
ReplyDeleteOh, how great to see a review. I love it when I see older titles pop up, because everybody seems to review only the newer titles. I must be honest.. I only saw like two movie versions of this book, but I haven't read it. I have a copy on my shelves though. I never liked the characters in the movie, that's why I've been so hesitant. Seeing how you wanted to smack them, doesn't make it more appealing to read :p Lovely review.
ReplyDeleteVivian the Spirit says: Wow, I love the Bronte siblings' works, whether the novels or the poems. Lovely and honest review, Joie! I haven't read this one, but I think I can imagine the contrast it'd have with Jane Austen. The complex network of relationships sound rather promising <3 Thanks for sharing the awesome review!
ReplyDeletePOOF!