Author: Emily Brontë
Publication: originally 1847 -- this edition 15 September 2019
Format: Wordsworth Collector's Editions Hardcover
Goodreads Description
Wuthering Heights is a wild, passionate story of the intense and almost demonic love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, a foundling adopted by Catherine's father. After Mr Earnshaw's death, Heathcliff is bullied and humiliated by Catherine's brother Hindley and wrongly believing that his love for Catherine is not reciprocated, leaves Wuthering Heights, only to return years later as a wealthy and polished man. He proceeds to exact a terrible revenge for his former miseries. The action of the story is chaotic and unremittingly violent, but the accomplished handling of a complex structure, the evocative descriptions of the lonely moorland setting and the poetic grandeur of vision combine to make this unique novel a masterpiece of English literature.
Ramble-y Teaserish Stuff
It has been close to thirty years since my one and only prior attempt to get through Wuthering Heights unscathed. I know that it was an option on the summer reading list before 12th grade AP English. My mother, of course, had it on her shelves so it was easy for me to grab.
I seem to recall questioning why it would ever be considered a "classic," placing it back on the shelves mostly unfinished, and moving on to another more palatable and, comparatively, lighthearted option.
Probably Hemingway or Dostoevsky. Sad when those are the lighthearted options.
This is absolutely a love story but in no way is it a romance. The characters are horrid people aside from poor Mr Lockwood. Even Nelly flip-flops from being worthwhile to wanting to smack her with something heavy.
And yet ...
I finally think I get it.
It's disturbingly real. That is what makes it a classic.
Will it ever be a "favorite" for me? Probably not, but it will likely stay on my shelves (and not just because I'm currently obsessed with the Wordsworth Collector's Editions).
****************************************************************
As always, Friday 56 (share a blurb from the 56th page or 56% mark) is hosted at Freda's Voice
4 comments:
I've always thought of this as something of a horror novel. :)
I was just thinking about this book yesterday. I reread it a few years ago and was really struck by the narrator. Who is he and why does he know so much? My quotes this week
I still need to read this one. Have a great weekend!
I loved this one when I read it as a young teen. Have to reread it some day! :-) Happy Easter weekend!
Post a Comment