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A review by reclusivebookslug
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-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
4.0
I didn't know much about this book before going in, besides the "romance" between Heathcliff and Catherine, which amounted to no more insight than the phrase literally signifies. But I've developed a recent passion for reading classics written by women and I love Charlotte Brontë's novels. All that to say, this was not what I had expected, for both better and worse than my expectations.
It took me about a third of the way through to become properly invested, although I've found dragging exposition to be common in novels from this period. The narrator being Mr. Lockwood and not either of the titular main characters through me for a loop. I found it especially difficult to differentiate the characters' names, as most of them come from two families, are referred to by their last name, and there are two Catherines (mother and daughter). I actually ended up looking at the character list on SparkNotes and making a character map for myself. This turned out to be a lot of fun for me but nevertheless, it initially hindered my understanding of the text.
Although I agree with the notion that likable characters are not essential to a good book, I personally find it much more enjoyable to read a book with characters I support and relate to. This was an exception for me, as though I find most of the characters detestable and none entirely praiseworthy, I enjoyed this a great deal. I think this is in part due to the unique style of narration, from Mr. Lockwood's perspective and Nelly's retelling to him.
There are no truly likable characters (in my opinion), characters do not grow but decline, and are put into situations that worsen their character and have no clear means of escape. My chief enjoyment of this book comes from a less-than-good-natured part of myself that delights in gossip and revenge. It comes from a place of morbid curiosity in exploring the lowest parts of human nature and in seeing bad people suffer for their bad deeds (that makes it sound more violent and perverse than it is, mind). I somehow doubt this was Brontë's intention.
I wish Hareton's character and Hareton and Catherine's relationship had been developed more, as that was a highlight for me. Seeing Hareton endeavor to improve himself despite all the negative influences and neglect he's faced made me happy. Though gruff and touchy, he was always kindhearted, and he was one of the only characters I could at all root for throughout the entirety.
It took me about a third of the way through to become properly invested, although I've found dragging exposition to be common in novels from this period. The narrator being Mr. Lockwood and not either of the titular main characters through me for a loop. I found it especially difficult to differentiate the characters' names, as most of them come from two families, are referred to by their last name, and there are two Catherines (mother and daughter). I actually ended up looking at the character list on SparkNotes and making a character map for myself. This turned out to be a lot of fun for me but nevertheless, it initially hindered my understanding of the text.
Although I agree with the notion that likable characters are not essential to a good book, I personally find it much more enjoyable to read a book with characters I support and relate to. This was an exception for me, as though I find most of the characters detestable and none entirely praiseworthy, I enjoyed this a great deal. I think this is in part due to the unique style of narration, from Mr. Lockwood's perspective and Nelly's retelling to him.
There are no truly likable characters (in my opinion), characters do not grow but decline, and are put into situations that worsen their character and have no clear means of escape. My chief enjoyment of this book comes from a less-than-good-natured part of myself that delights in gossip and revenge. It comes from a place of morbid curiosity in exploring the lowest parts of human nature and in seeing bad people suffer for their bad deeds (that makes it sound more violent and perverse than it is, mind). I somehow doubt this was Brontë's intention.
I wish Hareton's character and Hareton and Catherine's relationship had been developed more, as that was a highlight for me. Seeing Hareton endeavor to improve himself despite all the negative influences and neglect he's faced made me happy. Though gruff and touchy, he was always kindhearted, and he was one of the only characters I could at all root for throughout the entirety.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Domestic abuse