Wuthering Heights

With the release of the new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights and today being Valentine’s Day, I thought my first blog post should be a review of this “dark romance” novel. I’m looking forward to your thoughts on both the book and the film adaptation starring the wonderful Margot Robbie, which I’ll be seeing in the cinema tonight. But first, here is my book review for the avid reader.

Plot Summary (without major spoilers)

This book is not for the faint-hearted: things become intense in the Earnshaw family after the father adopts Heathcliff. And here begins the part that really deserves a trigger warning. Due to the novel’s age and subject matter, several racist terms are used to describe Heathcliff. Because of his skin color, he is treated terribly by the Earnshaw family, especially after Mr. Earnshaw dies.

The daughter, Catherine, sees her adopted brother differently from the rest of the family: she falls in love with him because he shares her fiery temperament. Catherine’s brother, Hindley—now the master of the house in this society—descends into vice and neglects both family and estate after his wife dies of tuberculosis.

Catherine’s situation becomes extremely difficult. Because of societal (racist) norms, she cannot marry Heathcliff without facing social decline. Moreover, as a woman, she has strong practical reasons to accept the marriage proposal of Edgar Linton, whom she does not love but who can offer her a secure and stable life.

Up to this point, the characters have already endured harsh blows of fate and begin with very poor prospects. How will Catherine decide—and what consequences will follow?

What Did Wuthering Heights Do to Me?

This book affected me deeply and resonated with me on many levels. Its language is emotionally intense, and the description of the rugged landscape mirrors the scarred souls of the characters and their harsh treatment of one another.

I felt great compassion for the characters and often wished I could hug them and send them to therapy. You frequently sense how difficult it is not to surrender to anger—something that was a new experience for me, as I personally struggle with that emotion.

Another important and fascinating theme in this book is transgenerational trauma. I don’t want to spoil too much for my readers, so I’ll leave you with just one question: can a new generation resolve the conflicts and live the dreams that drove previous generations to despair? After all, they were profoundly shaped by their parents.

Rating

🪦🪦🪦🪦🪦 A dark delight

Emily Brontë’s language deeply impressed me, and as a well-behaved little mouse, I willingly gazed into the abysses of the human soul.

Who Would I Gift This Book To?

Jane Austen is wonderful—no question. But what if you’re not in the mood for her joy and optimism and instead crave something much darker? I would recommend this book to those readers.

I would also recommend it to young women—provided they’re willing to invest some time. As an older classic (and rightly so), it can be challenging at first. The repeated names make the constellation of characters complex, and the 19th-century language may take some getting used to. But those who overcome these hurdles will be rewarded with eerie romance and a deep exploration of humanity’s darker sides.

Additional Recommendations

A similarly powerful story by Emily Brontë’s sister, Charlotte Bronte, is “Jane Eyre”. Here, the protagonist Jane Eyre must fend for herself and navigate life as best she can as a woman in 19th-century England. This novel, too, contains a dark romantic thread that only at first glance appears to promise great happiness.

The avid readers particularly interested in transgenerational trauma might explore the non-fiction book “Örökölt sors” by Orvos-Tóth Noémi. It vividly illustrates, through powerful examples, how trauma can imprint itself on the nervous system and be passed on to children.

Ms. Orvos-Tóth also recommends another book that is more widely known in Europe: “This Pain Is Not Mine” by Mark Wolynn. I haven’t read this one myself, so I recommend it without guarantee.

Further Links

If you now feel inspired to read, snuggle up with a good English tea—and enjoy these sounds while you dive into the story.

Have fun and until next time!