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questingnotcoasting's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I almost can't believe I've finally read this. It's a book I've meant to get to for about 10 years and it's been another three since I actually bought it because it was on sale in TKMaxx.
It's always a strange experience reading a classic for the first time because there's so much cultural context which/that comes along with it. I only had a vague idea of the story because I've never seen an adaptation so it challenged a lot of my preconceived notions about it. I knew it was gothic but somehow didn't imagine it would be so unrelentingly miserable. I was expecting the characters to be unlikeable but didn't know the plot was solely made up of people being awful to each other. I was also under the impression that Heathcliff had some redeemable qualities which made him a troubled but nevertheless still romantic lead but I didn't feel that was the case.
At first I was pretty confused about how all the characters were related but luckily this edition includes a family tree. While it does sort of spoil what happens, it actually made me more intrigued to see how the story would unfold. I don't think I'd have been that interested in the plot had I not had some idea of how it as going to end.
So while I can't say I really enjoyed it that much, I am pleased I've finally read it.
It's always a strange experience reading a classic for the first time because there's so much cultural context which/that comes along with it. I only had a vague idea of the story because I've never seen an adaptation so it challenged a lot of my preconceived notions about it. I knew it was gothic but somehow didn't imagine it would be so unrelentingly miserable. I was expecting the characters to be unlikeable but didn't know the plot was solely made up of people being awful to each other. I was also under the impression that Heathcliff had some redeemable qualities which made him a troubled but nevertheless still romantic lead but I didn't feel that was the case.
At first I was pretty confused about how all the characters were related but luckily this edition includes a family tree. While it does sort of spoil what happens, it actually made me more intrigued to see how the story would unfold. I don't think I'd have been that interested in the plot had I not had some idea of how it as going to end.
So while I can't say I really enjoyed it that much, I am pleased I've finally read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, and Death of parent
deli's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
To me this isn't a romance novel, there are just too many toxic elements in Heathcliff and Cathy's love to consider this romance. It is a case study on what happens when two toxic people fall in love.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Death, and Physical abuse
a_novaturient_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, Violence, Grief, and Death of parent
hollymaley's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Frankly I don't know what the point of this book is, seems to be about two families making horrible, selfish decisions and ruining everyone's lives. Definitely well written, possibly a good conversation starter, but not for everyone.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
lilymurph's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
m_jean's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Confinement, and Emotional abuse
ingrids's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'm sorry but I don't get it- why is this book good? They just bully and abuse each other, mostly for no reasonable reason! Reading this was just giving me anxiety and making me uncomfortable!
Even though I didn't really enjoy reading this book, I still got through it quite quickly which says something about the writing and/or translation, so good job there!
Even though I didn't really enjoy reading this book, I still got through it quite quickly which says something about the writing and/or translation, so good job there!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Cursing, Death, and Incest
ish7's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An incredible tale of manic, possessive, violent love set in a Gothic setting, Wuthering Heights shows the destructive nature of revenge. It is also an exploration of abuse, and how abused children who are failed by the village who is supposed to raise them will find ways to exert their own measure of violence, brutality and neglect as they grow older. The prose is beautiful and disturbing at times but ultimately unforgettable. This book has killed me - I hope it haunts me now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, and Domestic abuse
eareeves12's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I picked this up again as a buddy read with friends, wanting to give it another chance after hating it in high school. Reading it again in my 30s is an entirely new experience, and I would now highly recommend it! First- this NOT a romance! More of a glimpse into a claustrophobic family plagued by generational trauma and resentment. I would say that it is helpful to have some knowledge of the author and her (tragically) short life and family history to put this story in some context. Also having knowledge of the racially charged language of the time used to describe Heathcliff as a biracial/POC lends an entirely new perspective to the story, that unfortunately was lacking in my initial read in school.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Racial slurs, and Violence
bookishbabe93's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse