I have never read Wuthering Heights before which is why I wanted to make it one of my selections for The Classics Challenge. I have read Jane Eyre several times and love it and I have always thought I "should" read Wuthering Heights - I mean, how differently can two sisters write?? As it turns out - very differently!
I started out very optimistically with Wuthering Heights - I was enjoying the narrative and hearing about the Catherine and Heathcliff story - and then it just turned a little too strange and dark for me. I understand that this is a Gothic novel in many respects and as such you've got to to expect a little darkness but I felt dragged down by this story at the end and I found myself feeling angry and hostile towards the storyline and the characters.
I also can't understand this novel being referred to as a love story! I didn't come across a whole lot of love in my reading and interpretation - a lot of violence, neglect, torture (both psychological and physical) and pain but not a lot of love.
Maybe I'm missing the point but I think I'm ok with that. I would love to hear how others have responded to this book.
On to my next Classic!
8 comments:
I read Wuthering Heights awhile ago and hated it. It was just so...I don't know, it is hard to put a reason to it. I know I couldn't sympathize with the characters and when that happens I just lose interest.
Now, Jane Eyre. Loved it.
I was checking out your list of books for the New Classics Challenge. I have also chosen Eat Pray Love and The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Clay. :)
I hear ya. I read it last year for the first time, and it was way more twisted than I expected. In the end, I appreciated it for its darkness and the fact that it was so different from most of what I've read in that time period, but it was definitely not "love story" like everyone says.
Hi Mari - thanks for your comments. I completey agree with you about Jane Eyre - one of my all time favourites. It will be interesting to see what we think about the books we are reading for the New Classics Challenge.
Hi Andi - It's nice to hear someone agree with me about WH not being a love story - not that we all have to agree but it makes me feel a little better to know that I'm not the only one with that viewpoint!
The first time I tried to read this when I was younger I didn't get too far. Then I read it a few years ago and really liked it--though I absolutely agree--it is s sort of strange and twisted tale. Like Andi I liked it for its darkness. It was very tempestuous, much like the place where it was set-that's what I appreciated by it. And it isn't really a love story--it seems much more like an obsession, didn't it? Heathcliffe was not terribly nice in the story! It's one I would like to reread. Now Jane Eyre is one I have read several times and enjoy as well.
Karen, Mum read your blog and said she really appreciated your writing, didn't comment on the book, but wanted to say you express your thoughts and emotions about the book really well. That's pretty good from my mum...
Now moi- I might try this book to at least see what you're talking about?
Hi Danielle - thanks for your comments. Maybe WH is a book I will need to re-read at some stage in the future to see if I feel differently.
Thanks Tamara (and Grandma Nicholas!).
I've been putting off reading this for years but I'm hoping to finally read it this year. I am curious what I'll think of it.
Hi Tanabata - I was curious too. I must admit I wish I enjoyed it more but I am glad to have read it.
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