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A review by emmaj_xo
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
“when I feel it my duty to speak an unpalatable truth… I will speak it” oh Anne you’re an absolute star!
To think this novel was suppressed for so long and by her own sister nonetheless. Anne was as fearless as her protagonist in writing and publishing this harrowing yet honest tale of spousal abuse, and a woman’s liberation from it.
Helen is a remarkable character. She’s both self-sacrificing for those she loves and utterly savage to those she loathes (and who deserve it.) I’d say we all need a Helen in our lives but she’s too good for us.
Gilbert, the narrator who frames the novel however, is a pathetic weasel of a man who doesn’t deserve to so much as walk in her shadow.
To think this novel was suppressed for so long and by her own sister nonetheless. Anne was as fearless as her protagonist in writing and publishing this harrowing yet honest tale of spousal abuse, and a woman’s liberation from it.
Helen is a remarkable character. She’s both self-sacrificing for those she loves and utterly savage to those she loathes (and who deserve it.) I’d say we all need a Helen in our lives but she’s too good for us.
Gilbert, the narrator who frames the novel however, is a pathetic weasel of a man who doesn’t deserve to so much as walk in her shadow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Alcoholism
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Sexism