Book: Wuthering Heights
Author: Emily Bronte
Like/Don't Like: Liked. It was inevitable that I would.
So, it's true. I've never read Wuthering Heights. I give you leave to be shocked. Here's the thing, I've started it like seven times and I would normally get to the scenes with Heathcliff and put it down because he got on me nerves. And then I wouldn't pick it back up until about a year later when I'd give it another try, only to stop in the same place for the same reason. It has been my one literary shame that I haven't read this book.
Well, I suddenly found myself in Tunisia. I didn't bring any books for my three month stay because 1.) I didn't have room in my luggage and 2.) I trusted Bronwyn's taste in books. So on the first night I was perusing her library and came across Wurthering Heights and thought, oh why not. These are extraordinary circumstances. Maybe this is what it will take to get me through the book.
And apparently it was because I finished it. Rejoice!
And I really liked it. How could I not. Once I became to terms with hating Heathcliff and not really liking Catherine I was fine. He's just so detestable. But the story was fantastic and the writing was wonderful and, as with all the Bronte books, it made me want to march across the moors, preferably in a swoon.
So here's my biggest concern with it. I've always heard that this was one of the great romantic novels. I hope that I've always just missed the Big R in Romantic because if they're just talking about small r romantic then we have a problem. Heathcliff and Cathy's relationship was twisted and weird. And his passion for her later on was even weirder. And I fear for people who think that's romantic. It made me want to punch him in the face a little.
4 comments:
I know, I know, their love is weird. WEIRD, with a capitol W. Which is what makes it awesome.
And I know what you mean about hating Heathcliff, except I love him. He's so...single minded. Impossible and creepy, but consumed my a love he hates. It's just so twisted.
When you get back to the Western World, watch the Masterpiece version, made in 2009: http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/Wuthering-Heights/70114507?trkid=1211018
You'll get the deal with Heathcliff, I swear.
Oh, I so agree. I only read it because a friend insisted I did, and I hated until the VERY end. Every relationship in there is twisted except for Hareton and Cathy's. That one made me happy.
Shock and awe. Well, now you've read it, and that can stop the shame you've been feeling. Just kidding. It really is a twisted and strange relationship, and Heathcliff is a horrible man. And it really is disturbing when people call that twisted whatever romance. But it makes the anger management scene in the Thursday Next book even better once you've read it. I think I'll go watch the Masterpiece Theater version from last year. I haven't seen it yet and maybe I'll want to read the book again.
I have always avoided WH. It just sounds like a book I will hate, and your review does little to persuade me otherwise. Although maybe I should read it just for the sake of having read it, like I did with that Twilight nonsense.
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