Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

this book is amazing! one that fully justifies its length (i promise). it was a great companion read to John Stuart Mill's Subjugation of Women because this book tackles the reality of marriage for women for much of history, focusing on their entrapment and restriction of freedoms as well as their humanity and reason. the writing style is often ironic and reminds me of Elizabeth Gaskell in places (although the vocab can be challenging at times). Anne Brontë was a woman who was strongly Christian which really shines through the characters and the themes but as long as that isnt a problem for you i think you ll lovs this book since the Christianity it shows was quite radical and subversive for the time.

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hphipps's review

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dark emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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lindseyhall44's review

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dark emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

“Whatever I am, you will be the same, and therefore, cannot possibly regret it; and whatever that change may be, we know it must be for the better.”
The Tennant of Wildfell Hall is an absolutely breathtaking novel, and one which I never wanted to end. A feminist text way ahead of its time, the story uncovers the dark past of Helen Graham, who lives alone in Wildfell Hall with her son Arthur.
This was one of the first novels to bluntly discus divorce, alcoholism, and other taboo topics, so much to the point that Charlotte Bronte did all in her power to stop its publication. For any fans of the Brontes, or those looking to get into their woks, I would highly recommend. I can’t wait to read Agnes Gray.

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saliwali's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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mattiedancer's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Writing: 5⭐️/5

Anne Brontë’s writing, much like her sister’s, is thoughtful, intentional, poignant, and full. Reading a Brontë novel feels filling and, even as these novels tend to start slow, they’re always worth the payout. Most of this novel is beautifully written, even stunningly so. No notes.

Characters: 4.75⭐️/5

It was refreshing to see Gilbert’s immense growth through the story. From starting as a bit of a stuck-up farming boy to a thoughtful and moral man was an entertaining read. Similarly, I love Helen with my whole heart, deeply appreciating her desire to be more than just a wife or mother, while also placing those roles and their corresponding responsibilities on a bit of a pedestal. Her feminism was refreshing and her fight against her husband’s control reminded me a lot of bits and pieces of my own life and how, looking back, you realize how blind you’ve been. I struggled a bit with Lawrence, Helen’s brother, and his slightly inconsistent character, but where he failed to deliver, every other character seemed to step up.

Plot: 4.5⭐️/5

I’m going to start with my critique, which is that one of our main characters, in a fit of rage, horrendously injures our other character’s brother. Gilbert is quick to apologize once he realizes the connection between the characters, but it felt like a large obstacle that was shoved conveniently out of the way. Otherwise, I think this novel’s plot progressed nicely, though slowly. I enjoyed the switch of perspectives as it gave a fullness to the story and, even though the switch was the majority of the novel, it felt perfectly timed and well-structured.

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