Heidi, I’m one of those people who first read Wuthering Heights after I loved Jane Eyre and my reaction was something between complete bewilderment and strong dislike. In hindsight I had so many wrong expectations going into it that it didn’t have much of a chance. (The idea that it was a great romance really threw me off!) I’m enjoying it so much more on this read because I’m ready for the dysfunction and claustrophobia. I’ll never love it like Jane Eyre but I’m ready to admit my first impression was unfair!
A reader recommended the free Audible version, read by Joanna Froggat - one of the Downton Abbey actresses. Did she talk to Heidi before recording this - Her interoperation of Catherine Earnshaw is so screechy, overbearing and insurferable. It has been a very long time since I read this book - back then Cathy was the heroine and Heathcliff the misunderstood dark brooding hero. Now I'm seeing how unpleasant (understatement) most of the characters are. Back then Nelly was just the servant who happened to be everywhere - so she could tell the story to Lockwood. Now I'm seeing how she manipulates the whole story. I know this is after chapter 15, but what was Edgar Linton thinking sending a mere servant to talk to the solicitor???? Also, most of the characters are dead by age 27!! Which actually makes sense, if Emily herself dies at 30, but rereading this much latter in life - I have a whole different point of view. I still like the book, not sure I love it as much as Heidi does, but I can understand how it has survived this long.
Sane. Exact same reaction. Although there is a cruelty of everyone in this book is really starting to bother me such that I have to stop reading from time to time to deal with my frustration with all of them
Heidi, I’m one of those people who first read Wuthering Heights after I loved Jane Eyre and my reaction was something between complete bewilderment and strong dislike. In hindsight I had so many wrong expectations going into it that it didn’t have much of a chance. (The idea that it was a great romance really threw me off!) I’m enjoying it so much more on this read because I’m ready for the dysfunction and claustrophobia. I’ll never love it like Jane Eyre but I’m ready to admit my first impression was unfair!
A reader recommended the free Audible version, read by Joanna Froggat - one of the Downton Abbey actresses. Did she talk to Heidi before recording this - Her interoperation of Catherine Earnshaw is so screechy, overbearing and insurferable. It has been a very long time since I read this book - back then Cathy was the heroine and Heathcliff the misunderstood dark brooding hero. Now I'm seeing how unpleasant (understatement) most of the characters are. Back then Nelly was just the servant who happened to be everywhere - so she could tell the story to Lockwood. Now I'm seeing how she manipulates the whole story. I know this is after chapter 15, but what was Edgar Linton thinking sending a mere servant to talk to the solicitor???? Also, most of the characters are dead by age 27!! Which actually makes sense, if Emily herself dies at 30, but rereading this much latter in life - I have a whole different point of view. I still like the book, not sure I love it as much as Heidi does, but I can understand how it has survived this long.
Sane. Exact same reaction. Although there is a cruelty of everyone in this book is really starting to bother me such that I have to stop reading from time to time to deal with my frustration with all of them
So deeply love this book. Been reading it myself this summer… how many times now, I have lost count… https://substack.com/home/post/p-169132636?source=queue
Honky Depot 💀
Will Richard II be available here on close reads?